Abstract: A battery management apparatus is provided. The battery management apparatus is used for increasing the capability of controlling the quality of battery modules and increasing the system integration. The battery management apparatus includes an interchangeable battery module and a battery pack management unit. The interchangeable battery module includes a battery management unit, a relay and a battery cell package. The battery management unit includes a voltage measurement circuit and a memory circuit. The voltage measurement circuit and the memory circuit are insulated from each other. The relay is used for switching an internal circuit of the interchangeable battery module. The battery cell package is connected with the battery management unit, and serves as a power source of the battery management apparatus. The battery pack management unit is connected with the voltage measurement circuit of the interchangeable battery module. The voltage measurement circuit is powered by the battery cell package.

Abstract: A method for controlling an output of an LDC in an environmentally friendly vehicle is provided. The method includes determining whether the vehicle travels in the regenerative braking mode and when the vehicle does, transmitting a first slope signal to the LDC to increase an output voltage of the LDC that charges or discharges an auxiliary battery supplying power to an electric load using a high voltage battery. The first slope signal determines an upward slope of the output voltage of the LDC according to time as a first slope. When the vehicle does not travel in the regenerative braking mode and uses a high power electric load a second slope signal is transmitted to the LDC to increase the output voltage of the LDC. The second slope signal determines the upward slope as the second slope having a slope less than the first slope.

Abstract: A hybrid or electric vehicle includes a traction battery to store and provide energy for the vehicle. The traction battery includes a number of battery cells. For effective operation of the traction battery, operating parameters, such as state of charge and battery power limits, may need to be known. The operating parameters may be a function of battery cell voltage and impedance parameters. A parameter estimation scheme may use measured cell voltages and a measured traction battery current as inputs. A current measurement bias may be modeled that incorporates measurement bias caused by asynchronous current and voltage measurements. The current measurement bias may be estimated for each cell and the value may differ between cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid vehicle, including a power battery, a fuel storage tank, an electrical power generation unit, a pressure detection unit and a work mode controller, and adopts a pressure protection mode under the work mode controller, wherein the work mode controller is configured to control the vehicle to enter the pressure protection mode when the electrical power generation unit is in a stop state and when the gas pressure detected by the pressure detection unit is higher than a pressure threshold; and in the pressure protection mode, the electrical power generation unit is started from the stop state to enter the working state to consume the fuel in the fuel storage tank, and the gas pressure in the fuel storage tank is accordingly reduced.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle, and a vehicle having at least one first electric motor, at least one second electric motor, a front axle to be driven by the at least one first electric motor, a rear axle to be driven by the at least one second electric motor. The at least one first electric motor and the at least one second electric motor are controlled to operate using a torque which is dependent upon a characteristic map that defines areas which are delimited depending on a driver-requested torque and a vehicle speed, which areas have torque distributions for the at least one first electric motor and the at least one second electric motor.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly a seat bottom and a seatback pivotally attached to the seat bottom. The seatback comprises a seatback support shell comprising a shaped resinous sheet comprising a main seat portion, a left side bolster, and a right side bolster. The seatback support shell further comprising a left side hinge extending between and connecting the left side bolster and the main seat portion to allow relative movement between the left side bolster and the main seat portion and a right side hinge extending between and connecting the right side bolster and the main seat portion to allow relative movement between the right side bolster and the main seat portion. The vehicle seat assembly further comprising trim cover disposed over the seatback and the seat bottom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a locking device for a foldable structure, and the locking device includes: a foldable body, a support bracket to support a rotation shaft of the foldable body, a locking pin elastically supported in a direction from the foldable body toward the support bracket, a locking groove provided in the support bracket such that the locking pin is seated therein to inhibit a rotation of the foldable body with respect to the support bracket, and an unlocking tool provided in the foldable body to provide a linear displacement of the locking pin while overcoming an elastically-biased force of the locking pin such that the locking pin is separated from the locking groove.

Abstract: A vehicle seat including: a seat adjuster serving as an angle adjustment mechanism of a seat component; a seat frame integrally coupled to the seat adjuster and having a through-hole through which an outer surface portion of the seat adjuster is exposed; and a holding member which holds the seat adjuster in a state of being coupled to the seat frame by being coupled with the outer surface portion of the seat adjuster exposed through the through-hole and protruding outward than the through-hole in a hole diameter direction of the through-hole such that the seat frame is sandwiched between the seat adjuster and the holding member.

Abstract: A child restraint includes a juvenile seat and a child-restraint harness coupled to the juvenile seat. The child-restraint harness includes a crotch belt having a buckle and two shoulder belts that can be linked to the buckle to restrain a child sitting on the juvenile seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat element (2) that can be vertically adjusted from an operational position to a stowed position. Said vehicle seat has ?—a first locking element for securing the seat element in the operational position, and ?—a positioning means for positioning the seat element in a transitional position, the seat element being manually transferable directly or indirectly from the transitional position to the stowed position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat for a motor vehicle, includes an adjustable seat base, an adjustable backrest surface and adjustable lateral support elements provided on the seat-side and/or the backrest-side, wherein the size or geometry of the lateral support elements, which form a pair and are opposite each other, can variously be changed, and wherein the seat base and/or the backrest surface can be tilted towards one side, electromechanical or pneumatic adjustment means being provided for this purpose.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a seat of which a seating comfort can be improved. The seat includes a seat cushion pad having an air passage formed inside and an air vent formed at an upper surface thereof, and is configured to allow air in the air passage to blow out through the air vent, wherein the seat cushion pad includes a pad body and a cover member which is disposed over the pad body to form the air passage between the pad body and the cover member and in which the air vent is formed, and a front end portion of the cover member extends downward over a front end portion of the pad body.

Abstract: A guide device which is producible in a simple manner and which enables reliable and stable guidance of two elements moveable relative to each other, the guide device comprises a guide rail and a sliding body which is displaceable in sliding manner on the guide rail along a guide direction, Wherein the sliding body comprises at least one pair of mutually oppositely located sliding surfaces with which the sliding body rests on at least one pair of mutually oppositely located contact surfaces of the guide rail, wherein the sliding body comprises a pressing device with the at least one pair of sliding surfaces of the sliding body is pressable onto the at least one pair of contact surfaces of the guide rail.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle floor. The vehicle floor includes a rigid floor structure and a floor covering for the floor structure. The floor covering includes carpeting with a corrugated section where the carpeting has a nominal surface contour corresponding to the shape of the floor structure, and is repeatedly doubled over itself in a corrugation direction to define a series of adjacent ridges and valleys along the corrugation direction.

Abstract: Vending systems for use in a vehicle are disclosed. In some embodiments, the systems include the following: a product housing positioned in a vehicle, the product housing including an exposed surface having a product delivery opening; a removable inventory cartridge; a product dispensing mechanism including a product dispensing opening, the product dispensing mechanism being configured for dispensing a product from the removable inventory cartridge in the product housing to the product dispensing opening; a product delivery conduit including a first end and a second end, the first end being joined with the product dispensing opening and the second end defining a product delivery opening, which is formed in the exposed top surface of the product housing and positioned in a passenger compartment of the vehicle; and an lifting mechanism positioned within the product delivery conduit for mechanically lifting the product dispensing opening to the product delivery opening.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members, a frame, a powertrain assembly, a front suspension assembly, and a rear suspension assembly. A cargo bed may be supported by the frame at the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes an operator seat and at least one passenger seat positioned within an operator area. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes doors to enclose the operator area.

Abstract: An expandable kiosk structure with a front face, a rear face, a first side structural unit and a second side structural unit arranged such that the front face and rear face are parallel and connect the first and second side structural units to form a box shaped structure that is expandable from a collapsed form an expanded form in which the front face, the rear face, and the first and second side structural units define an interior workspace in the box shaped structure. The front and rear faces each have an outwardly extendable portion that is hingeably or pivotally foldable onto a remaining portion of the front or rear face. Rolling mechanisms are disposed bottom corners and extendable brackets are disposed at the top corners connecting to a shading unit supported by a shading unit support structure. Front and rear shelf units are hingeably attached to the front and rear faces.

Abstract: A flora or fauna retrieval apparatus, comprising a frame mechanically connected to a transportation module to move the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise a location identification module, a number of flora or fauna attribute sensors communicatively connected to a communication module, and a flora or fauna storage container. The communication module may be configured to communicate with a computing device to exchange information about the animals or plants to be retrieved, and obtain information about optimal conditions for animals or plants scheduled for delivery. The flora or fauna storage container may comprise a temperature regulator, an aperture to let in air, and a humidity controller. The aperture may be adjustable.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a platform. The platform can comprise a pair of brackets via which said platform is coupleable to corresponding flanges of a vehicle. The platform, once coupled, can extend a bed of the vehicle such that, if one or more transported items are larger than the bed of the vehicle, the one or more transported items are transportable via the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for winding cargo straps. The apparatus comprises a base, connectors adapted to secure the base to a portion of a vehicle and a motor supported from the base. The apparatus further comprises a shaft extending from and rotated by the motor, the shaft having a plurality of mounting locations therealong, a guide flange secured around the shaft at one of the plurality of mounting locations and a guide cap secured to a distal end of the shaft. The method comprises securing the base to a vehicle, locating a guide flange at one of the plurality of mounting locations, securing a distal end of the strap to the shaft, locating the guide cap to the distal end of the shaft and actuating the motor to rotate the shaft thereby winding the strap thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle (1), particularly a motor vehicle, with at least one illuminating device having a longitudinally shaped illuminating fixture for creating a light strip along a defined line of the illuminating fixture, wherein a first section (2, 2?) of the illuminating fixture is arranged on the interior (3) of the vehicle (1) and a second section (4, 4?) of the illuminating fixture is arranged on the exterior (5) of the vehicle, the illuminating device is set up so as to create a similar light strip along a line of the first (2, 2?) and of the second section (4, 4?)of the illuminating fixture, and the light of the light strip created by the first section (2, 2?) of the illuminating fixture is radiated such that it is visible for an occupant located at a definable position on the interior of the vehicle (1), and the light of the light strip created by the second section (4, 4?) of the illuminating fixture is radiated such that it is visible from a definable position relative to and

Abstract: A smart light control system includes a light source device and a controller. The light source device has a plurality of transparent parts and a plurality of sensors, and the sensors are separately disposed beside a light source, and the sensors correspond to the transparent parts in terms of position, wherein a channel is formed for light to pass through between each sensor and its corresponding transparent part, and in addition, the controller is connected with the sensors The sensors send sensed signals to the controller according to the brightness of light beams, and the brightness of the light source is adaptively adjusted by the controller so as to achieve the purpose of improving the control efficiency and safety of the light source through the smart control.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatically turning off the high beam headlights of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the system may include an electronic control unit for adjusting the operation of the high beam headlights. The electronic control unit may detect whether the headlights are operating in a high beam mode. Additionally, the electronic control unit may receive data regarding at least one of an environmental condition, a road condition, and a driving condition from one or more cameras, sensors, and information systems associated with a vehicle. The headlights may then be switched to the low beam mode when it is determined that the likelihood of at least one of the environmental condition, the road condition, and the driving condition meets or exceeds a threshold condition.

Abstract: A customizable modular lamp is made up of an outer lens customized by known per se techniques, which covers a housing provided with at least one recess in which is mounted a customizable module consisting of a retro-reflective lens under which there is an inner customized lens personalized by known per se techniques, under which there is a printed circuit board with LEDs that is held in a holder fastened to a cover provided with at least one element for ventilation. During the daylight, personalization is visible on the outer customized lens. In the darkness and—depending on the recipient's request—when activating the lights for changing direction, position or braking, customization becomes evident by lighting inside the lamp, on the surface of the inner customized lens.

Abstract: An attachment device for a light strip on the tail or the nose of a motor vehicle is provided. The light strip is connected in a securely fixed manner at its free ends by attachment bolts. A further attachment bolt and a spring bias a central region of the light strip toward the vehicle, but permit limited movement of the light strip away from the vehicle in response to expansion of the light strip.

Abstract: A light bar assembly includes a base; a motor; an elevating mechanism, each in operable communication with the motor; and a light bar affixed to the elevating mechanism such that the elevating mechanism raises and lowers the light bar relative to the vehicle. The elevating mechanism is configured to be securely mounted to a roof of a vehicle. The motor and the light bar are each configured to be in electrical communication with an on-board power supply of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus controls the forced light up of brake lights. The apparatus checks whether a brake light system has problems to prevent vehicle rear-ending accidents. A driver is informed, according to a state of a vehicle, about each problem. When there is a breakdown of the brake light system, such as a brake lights fuse disconnection, a breakdown of a brake lights relay, a wiring disconnection or defective wiring contact or the like, the driver is informed of the breakdown. Then rear vehicle is informed of danger by flickering a turn signal light since the brake lights do not light when the brake light system and the brake lights have broken down. The driver is informed of the breakdown of the brake light system and the brake lights by operating an internal alarm means whenever the driver steps on and releases the brake, thereby enabling the driver to drive safely.

Abstract: A vehicle warning light system includes a flasher module configured to selective operate a plurality of vehicle lights with a flashing pattern. An adapter is connected to the flasher unit having a first end configured to connect to a vehicle computer and a second end configured to receive a vehicle lighting connector. The adapter electrically connecting pre-selected vehicle lights to the flasher module. When installed in a vehicle and activated, the flasher unit augments the normal vehicle lighting function with a warning light function.

Abstract: A control circuit controls at least one lighting device in a vehicle, preferably in a motor vehicle and includes at least a first output channel and at least a second output channel. The first output channel is adapted to provide a first maximum current, and the second output channel is adapted to provide a second maximum current. At least the first and second output channels are suited to be combined into a third output channel, wherein the third output channel provides a third maximum current. The third maximum current corresponds to the sum of at least a share of the first maximum current and at least a share of the second maximum current.

Abstract: A lighting device including a plurality of light sources for illuminating an interior of a motor vehicle, a switch operating portion, switching means for detecting a contact switch operating portion and generating a signal characteristic of this contact, and a mounting support for the switch operating portion. At least one of the plurality of light sources being activated in response to the signal, and the switch operating portion being mounted on the mounting support by the switching means.

Abstract: A number of illustrative variations may include a method of using sequential logic and vehicle sensors to produce a notification.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an audio transducer and a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to a state of charge (SOC) of a battery crossing a charge level threshold (CLT) set by a user of the vehicle, activate the audio transducer to generate an indication that the SOC has crossed the CLT and that is defined by data provided by the user and linked with the CLT according to a rule specified by the user.

Abstract: A method of using a directional sensor for the purposes of detecting the presence of a vehicle or an object within a zone of interest on a roadway or in a parking space. The method comprises the following steps: transmitting a microwave transmit pulse of less than 5 feet; radiating the transmitted pulse by a directional antenna system; receiving received pulses by an adjustable receive window; integrating or combining signals from multiple received pulses; amplifying and filtering the integrated receive signal; digitizing the combined signal; comparing the digitized signal to at least one preset or dynamically computed threshold values to determine the presence or absence of an object in the field of view of the sensor; and providing at least one pulse generator with rise and fall times of less than 3 ns each and capable of generating pulses less than 10 ns in duration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for warning a driver of a motor vehicle (1) about the presence of an object (12) in the surroundings (7) of the motor vehicle (1) by means of a driver assistance system (2), in which a position of the object (12) is determined by means of a sensor device (9), an anticipated driving tube (14) of the motor vehicle (1) is determined, a collision distance (DTC), which describes a distance between the motor vehicle (1) and the object (12) when the motor vehicle (1) moves within the determined driving tube (14), is determined on the basis of the determined position of the object (12) and the determined driving tube (14), a minimum distance (SD) between the motor vehicle (1) and the object (12) is determined, and a warning signal is output if the value of the minimum distance (SD) undershoots a predetermined limiting value, wherein the determined value of the minimum distance is adapted as a function of the determined collision distance (DTC).

Abstract: An image processing apparatus that processes an image includes an image processor configured to: acquire a photographic image from a camera photographing a region near a host vehicle; derive a trace line showing a moving trace of a path on which the host vehicle has moved previously; derive a prediction line showing a predicted moving path of the host vehicle; generate a support image by superimposing the trace line and the prediction line on the photographic image when a wheel of the host vehicle is turned; and output the support image to a display apparatus that displays the support image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a driving information providing apparatus, including: a light field camera which photographs an image in at least one direction of a vehicle to output image information; a driver sight line detecting unit which outputs a position of a view point in which a driver of the vehicle views the outside of the vehicle; a depth information calculating unit which outputs three-dimensional depth information from the image information; and an image outputting unit which outputs a predetermined image to the driver of the vehicle based on the position of the view point of the driver of the vehicle and the three-dimensional depth information, and a driving information providing method.

Abstract: A method for determining a position of a vehicle in a lane includes receiving perception information from a first camera positioned on a first side of a vehicle and a second camera positioned on a second side of the vehicle. The method includes determining, using one or more neural networks, a position of the vehicle with respect to lane markings on the first side and the second side of the vehicle. The method further includes notifying a driver or control system of the position of the vehicle.

Abstract: Side-view mirror deployment in autonomous vehicles can be diagnosed by determining one or more first rates of fuel consumption and deploying one or more side-view mirrors. One or more second rates of fuel consumption can then be determined and one or more deployment states of the side-view mirror can be controlled based on the first rates of fuel consumption and the second rates of fuel consumption.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror casing and a prismatic interior reflective element. The reflective element comprises a wedge-shaped glass substrate having a perimeter edge about a periphery of the glass substrate and extending between first and second surfaces thereof. The glass substrate has a mirror reflector established at the second surface. A front surface of the perimeter edge provides a smooth curved transition at the perimeter edge between a perimeter region of the first surface and the mirror casing. The front surface of the perimeter edge is rounded with a radius of curvature of at least about 2.5 mm. No portion of the mirror casing encompasses the first surface of the glass substrate.

Abstract: An electro-optic mirror reflective element for a rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a front substrate and a rear substrate. A surface of the front substrate and a surface of the rear substrate oppose each other and are spaced apart by a perimeter seal, with an electro-optic medium disposed between the surfaces and bounded by the perimeter seal. A transparent electrically conductive coating is established at the surface of the front substrate, and a specularly reflective mirror reflector is established at the surface of the rear substrate. The specularly reflective mirror reflector includes a stack of thin film layers having (i) an environmentally stable electrically conductive metallic reflecting thin film layer, (ii) an environmentally vulnerable electrically conductive metallic reflecting thin film layer and (iii) a transparent electrically conductive thin film layer. The transparent electrically conductive thin film layer includes aluminum doped zinc oxide.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly includes a mirror casing, a mirror, a prism member, and a light emitting member. The prism member is disposed forwardly of a light emitting region of the mirror, and has a front major surface formed with a plurality of parallel prism grooves. The light emitting member is configured to permit a light beam to emit therefrom along a beam axis in response to the detection of another vehicle's approach, and is disposed to permit the beam axis to be oriented substantially perpendicular to groove axes of the prism grooves.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body, a door, a step, a driving device for moving the step between an extending position and a retracting position, an on-board diagnostics for obtaining a state information of the door and having an interface, a vehicle data flow reading module, an emitter, a receiver and a controller. The on-board diagnostics is mounted on the vehicle body. The vehicle data flow reading module is coupled with the interface. The emitter is coupled with the vehicle data flow reading module and configured to emit the state information. The receiver is configured to receive and decode the state information from the emitter. The controller is coupled with the driving device and the receiver and configured to control the driving device to move the step between the extending position and the retracting position based on the state information.

Abstract: An article storage device comprises a housing having a storage space defined by a bottom and a plurality of sidewalls; and a partition plate extending between two opposing sidewalls of the housing, perpendicular to a bottom of the housing, and dividing the storage space into a plurality of compartments. The partition plate is pivotably coupled to the opposing sidewalls of the housing via a pivot.

Abstract: A vehicle hook assembly may include a housing having an internal cavity receiving a slidable portion having a hook at a distal end thereof and a rail extending along a side of the slidable portion and at least one depressible knob configured to maintain the slidable portion at a fixed lateral positon relative to the housing in a relaxed state and to allow lateral movement of the slidable portion relative to the housing in a depressed state.

Abstract: Roof rack assemblies and securing mechanisms for roof rack assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a securing mechanism includes a track, the track including an upper lip, a lower lip, and at least one notch, a support portion that is configured to translate along the track, the support portion including a lower surface, a rib positioned on the lower surface, where the rib is configured to engage the at least one notch of the track, a release member, and a securing latch, where the securing latch is repositionable between a latched position, in which the securing latch is engaged with the upper lip of the track and the rib is engaged with the at least one notch, and a unlatched position, in which the securing latch is detached from the upper lip of the track and the rib is detached from the at least one notch.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier attachment for a vehicle includes at least one bracket held within an interior of a vehicle spoiler. The at least one bracket is attached to a portion of the vehicle and held within the spoiler interior. Optionally, a cover is included that defines a flush surface with the spoiler body when in a closed configuration.

Abstract: A bike carrier for a trailer hitch receiver with two bike wheel carrying trays pivotally mounted to a bike carrying tray assembly to pivot between a co-aligned laterally opposed operational position and a folded position for shipping and storage. A tray position lock bar or lever is urged upward beside each tray by a spring, automatically releasably locking the tray in the operational position. The trays may be mounted on a tray crossbar that is mounted between side plates of the assembly. The tray crossbar may have a slot beside the trays in which a tray lock lever for each tray is pivotally mounted. A rotation stop may be mounted on the crossbar between the two trays that stops the trays in the parallel position when rotating the trays toward each other.

Abstract: An electronics module is attachable to an exterior mirror of a vehicle and supports a camera and/or a display. The electronics module may be an add-on device that is retrofittable to the exterior mirror. The display may be arranged to display an indication of a distance between a back of the vehicle and an object.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a fastener assembly for attaching a cargo liner to a male fastener of a vehicle. The fastener assembly can include a cap defining a substantially cylindrical center portion configured to receive the male fastener therein, and a plurality of tabs each spaced from the cylindrical center portion. The fastener assembly can also include a ring-shaped retainer defining an opening with a plurality of protrusions that each define a ledge configured to receive a corresponding one of the tabs.

Abstract: A wall guard, monument, and vehicle are provided. The wall guard includes a retaining rail that is mountable to a wall surface of a monument in a vehicle. The retaining rail includes opposing edges that include outward-facing retention lips. A rub strip includes a resilient body and also includes a third lengthwise edge and a fourth lengthwise edge. The third lengthwise edge includes a first inward-facing retention tab and fourth lengthwise edge includes a second inward-facing retention tab. The inward-facing retention tabs engage the respective outward-facing retention lips to attach the rub strip to the retaining rail. The wall guard also includes end caps arranged at ends of the resilient body and the retaining rail. The end caps include an exterior profile that matches a profile of the rub strip. The end caps cover the ends of the rub strip and the retaining rail.