Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for adjustment of vehicle rearview mirror displays. An example vehicle includes a rearview camera for capturing an image, a rearview mirror display positioned at a fixed orientation that is to present a portion of the image, a housing to rotate behind the rearview mirror display, and a sensor to detect a orientation of the housing. The example vehicle also includes a controller to adjust, based upon the orientation of the housing, the portion of the image presented via the rearview mirror display.

Abstract: A compact deployable/retractable running board assembly for a motor vehicle including a running board, linkage coupled to the running board, and a motor assembly coupled to an actuator, the running board moveable between at least one stowed position and at least one deployed position. The linkage includes a drive arm connected to a pivot shaft within a housing at a location on the pivot shaft between two bushings that are coupled to the pivot shaft within the housing. The linkage also includes an idler arm connected to a pivot shaft within an idler housing. The actuator is operably coupled to the linkage to cause rotation of the linkage to move the running board between the at least one stowed position generally under the motor vehicle and at least one deployed position to provide a step surface for a user.

Abstract: A luggage compartment structure of a vehicle includes a floor covering, a side trim, and a pocket assembly. The floor covering includes a first board portion disposed closer to a front of the vehicle, a second board portion disposed closer to a rear of the vehicle, and a hinge portion that couples the first board portion with the second board portion. The second board portion is foldable on the hinge portion over the first board portion. The side trim is disposed on a side of the floor covering and includes a wall portion and a floor portion. The pocket assembly is disposed closer to the rear of the vehicle relative to the hinge and attached to the side trim to be detachable. The pocket assembly includes a sidewall portion and a bottom wall portion projecting from a lower edge of the sidewall portion and under which a battery is disposed.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo area includes a retention structure having an upper portion, a vertical portion, an arcuate portion, and an angled portion. The vehicle cargo area further includes a storage tray having a coupling portion that removably couples to the retention structure by passing over the vertical portion and engages with the vertical portion such that the coupling portion is secured in the retention structure.

Abstract: A cargo compartment storage device includes a drawer, a drawer guide for receiving the drawer and a flexible organizer depending from the drawer.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base, a cover moveable between closed and open positions and a handle. The handle may be retracted when the cover is closed and extended when the cover is open. The handle may move toward the retracted position when the cover moves from the open position to the closed position. The component may comprise a mechanism to engage the base to move the handle. The mechanism may comprise a spring to bias or move the handle. The component may comprise a spring to move the cover from the closed to the open position. The component may comprise at least one of a console, a floor console, a center console, a storage compartment, an arm rest. The cover may comprise at least one of a door, a tambour door, a shade, a blind, a roller blind.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat that is pivotable between an open position and a closed position. A cavity is formed in a support structure of the seat such that an occupant is supported on a support rib.

Abstract: A vehicular glovebox module, a vehicular glovebox assembly and a method of installing a glovebox module in a vehicle. Mounting apparatus used to secure the glovebox module includes structure to allow a snap-fit engagement of the module to a vehicular support structure. In particular, because the surfaces of the vehicular support structure are not coplanar with one another, at least one of upper and lower retention posts that include snap-fit must provide its snap-fit connection with angled features relative to an installation direction to ensure that the engagement between both the upper and snap-fit connections take place substantially simultaneously during glovebox module installation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixing apparatus for quickly and simply fixing a carrier for vehicles to a vehicle, the fixing apparatus including: a female coupler which is installed in the vicinity of a rotating wheel at an end portion of an article mount; and a male coupler which is fixed to a roof of the vehicle and detachably coupled to the female coupler, in which when a trunk of the vehicle is opened in a state in which the carrier is installed, the article mount moves forward toward a front side of the vehicle, the female coupler is separated from the male coupler, and the rotating wheel rolls along a roof of the vehicle, and when the trunk is closed, the article mount moves rearward, and the female coupler engages with the male coupler, such that the carrier is fixed to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate includes an internal panel, an upper panel, a lower panel, a pair of side panels, and a tie-down bracket. The internal panel extends from the upper panel to the lower panel and between the pair of side panels. The pair of side panels are rotatably secured to a cargo bed. The tie-down bracket is secured to an exterior of one of the side panels. The tie-down bracket defines a C-channel that extends along the exterior of one of the side panels from the upper panel toward the lower panel.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate includes an internal panel, a pair of side panels, and a tie-down bracket. The internal panel extends between the pair of side panels. The pair of side panels are rotatably secured to a cargo bed. The tie-down bracket is secured to an exterior of the internal panel. The tie-down bracket defines first and second C-channels that extend in a direction from a first to a second of the side panels.

Abstract: A bicycle rack for mounting on the trunk or rear hatch of a vehicle is described with improved mechanisms for adjusting the components of the rack to fit the rack to different vehicles. The rack is provided with hinge assemblies having releasable latches for quickly releasing the hinges to allow the rack components to be moved with respect to one another, and the latching components back into a fixed configuration during use for carrying a bicycle. The bicycle rack is also provided with inventive support members for holding a bicycle on the rack during use.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided capable of holding one or more drink cups and a purse, pocketbook or like parcel. The apparatus includes a body having a first cup well and a second cup well. A hook is carried on the body. The hook is displaceable between a home position, wherein the hook is aesthetically integrated into the body, and a deployed position wherein the hook is available for holding the purse, parcel or pocketbook.

Abstract: A mounting structure of a camera, includes: a camera configured to image an image corresponding to at least a part of surroundings of a vehicle; and a decorative member configured to be mounted on an exterior component of the vehicle and to cover the camera, wherein: the decorative member closely contacts the exterior component, and covers the camera in such a manner that the camera is not disturbed to image the image; and the camera is disposed in a region of an inside of the decorative member from an external surface of the decorative member.

Abstract: A device includes a video acquiring unit 42 that is arranged on a vehicle and acquires videos captured by imaging units 10, at least one of the imaging devices being mounted on a movable part that is movable with respect to a body of the vehicle, a vehicle information acquiring unit 43 that acquires detection information indicating that movement of the movable part is detected, a bird's-eye view video generating unit 44 that generates a synthesized video by synthesizing the videos that are captured by the imaging units 10 and are acquired by the video acquiring unit 42, and a display control unit 45 that displays the synthesized video generated by the bird's-eye view video generating unit 44 on the display panel 31.

Abstract: An improved utility box for a vehicle having a cargo area that releasably attaches to the inner surfaces of the side walls of said cargo area without penetrating any surface of the vehicle. The utility box features a locking mechanism that protrudes from the side surfaces of the utility box to releasably engage with the inner surfaces of the sides of the cargo area. The locking mechanism can be a ratchet mechanism or a spring-loaded or cam-actuated telescoping bar. Preferred embodiments include a grommet or other sealing structure featured in the openings through which the locking mechanism protrudes. Still other embodiments include a foot pad made of a resilient, cushioning material at either end of the locking mechanism to provide cushioning and to protect the surfaces of the cargo area.

Abstract: An add-on element for adding onto a passenger-compartment component of a motor vehicle includes a basic body composed of a flexible first material, and at least one actuator body composed of a flexible second material. The at least one actuator body is deformable by being acted upon with an actuator source. The basic body has at least one receiving region with a receiving-region shape, wherein the at least one actuator body is arranged in the at least one receiving region. By way of a change in shape of the at least one actuator body, the receiving-region shape of the at least one receiving region can be changed.

Abstract: A fastening device for connecting a mountable vehicle component to a hole in a first panel includes a face plate with a first side and a second side. The face plate defines a first plane. The fastening device also includes a cantilevered extension plate including a proximal end and a distal end. The extension plate is connected to the face plate at the proximal end and projects away from the first side of the face plate toward the distal end. The extension plate defines a second plane disposed at an offset angle from the first plane. The fastening device also includes a retention member connected to the face plate and that projects away from the second side of the face plate. The retention member includes a first shoulder configured to engage an edge of the hole to retain the face plate to the first panel.

Abstract: A fastener for attaching a trim component to a vehicle inner structure includes first and second components. The first component, including a first body portion and a latch, is fixed to one of the trim component and the inner structure. The first body portion has a first aperture extending through first and second opposing surfaces. The latch has a fixed portion projecting from the first surface, and a movable portion pivotable relative to the fixed portion. The second component, including a second body portion and a retainer, is fixed to the other of the trim component and the inner structure. The second body portion has third and fourth opposing surfaces. The retainer projects from the third surface and defines a second aperture. The retainer is inserted into the first aperture. The movable portion pivots to be inserted into the second aperture to secure the trim component to the inner structure.

Abstract: A component system for fixing a trim part in a defined position as well as a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, is provided. The component system has a trim part that is to be fixed in relation to a motor vehicle body component, in particular a headliner, a trim support for supporting the trim part as well as a counter-pressure device for applying a first force to a first area of the trim part. At least one section of the trim support is disposed on a side of the first area opposite the counter-pressure device for applying a second force oriented in an opposite direction from the first force to the first area. A second area of the trim part is disposed on the side of the trim support opposite the first area and thus forms a visible side of the trim part.

Abstract: A sound insulator for a vehicle cabin pressure relief valve includes a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall. The first wall is configured to inhibit sound from travelling in a lateral direction from the pressure relieve valve to a passenger compartment in the vehicle cabin. The second wall projects from the first wall and is configured to inhibit sound from travelling in a first longitudinal direction from the pressure relieve valve to the passenger compartment. The second wall is oriented at a first angle relative to the first wall. The third wall projects from the first wall and is configured to inhibit sound from travelling in a vertical direction from the pressure relieve valve to the passenger compartment. The third wall is oriented at a second angle relative to the first wall. The first and second angles are adjustable without damaging the sound insulator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems for providing a pathway for at least one electrical conductor to supply current from a vehicle or marine craft power source to a steering wheel comprising at least one working element for heating or controls. The present invention utilizes a brush and slip ring assemblies inside a hub for infinite rotation of the steering wheel while still maintaining a path for current to travel through the hub to the wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a seat frame; a wire harness routed along the seat frame; and a fixture configured to fix the wire harness to the seat frame. The fixture is formed of a resin molded product made of a single member including a portion to be held and a plurality of holding portions, the portion to be held being configured to be held by the seat frame, and each of the plurality of holding portions being configured to hold a corresponding one of a plurality of different portions in the wire harness that are located in an extending direction of the wire harness. The wire harness is routed in a state where the wire harness in a bent state is held by the plurality of holding portions.

Abstract: A harness routing structure for an electric vehicle includes a battery, an inverter device, and a harness configured to connect the battery and the inverter device. A length L of the harness between a battery fixing end of the battery to which the harness is fixed and an inverter fixing end of the inverter device to which the harness is fixed is an integer multiple of a parameter ?a associated with a rising wavelength ? when the inverter device is driven, and the parameter ?a satisfies 0.462???a?0.538?.

Abstract: A conductor connection structure for routing members includes a routing member in which an outer circumferential surface of a long conductor except conductor end face portions of both ends in a longitudinal direction is coated and insulated, and a junction member having a plurality of junction end face portions and made of a conductive metal. One of the junction end face portions is metallurgically bonded to one of the conductor end face portions.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes road wheels and a power source configured to provide drive torque to the road wheels. The power source includes an internal combustion engine having an associated fuel level. The vehicle additionally includes an alternator coupled to the internal combustion engine and configured to generate power when the internal combustion engine is in a running state. The vehicle also includes an electric power receptacle electrically coupled to the alternator. The receptacle is configured to selectively electrically couple to an external device. The vehicle further includes a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to the internal combustion engine being in the running state, the receptacle being electrically coupled to an external device, and the fuel level falling below a calibrated threshold, stop the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is configured to photograph an image of a scene ahead of a vehicle, and is provided with: an actuator configured to adjust a relative position of an imaging sensor with respect to a lens; and a controller configured to control the actuator in such a manner that light that enters from above the lens enters the imaging sensor when a speed of the vehicle is less than a predetermined speed, in comparison with when the speed of the vehicle is greater than the predetermined speed.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a first power distribution branch unit disposed between an energy storage device and a power conversion device and configured to branch current from the energy storage device and supply the current to the power conversion device and an electric auxiliary machine. A travel motor and the power conversion device are supported by a sub frame. The energy storage device is supported by a main frame. The first power distribution branch unit is fixed to a part of a vehicle body that is different from the sub frame or the main frame (for example, fixed to a dashboard).

Abstract: A backup battery system has an add-on battery module intended for semi-permanent to permanent pairing with an existing lead-acid vehicle battery. The system provides a backup to the battery if the battery becomes depleted or unserviceable due to age, damage, or sub-freezing temperatures. The system is installed alongside the existing vehicle battery and has no impact on operations unless it automatically detects that the battery has become depleted and is in need of an assist, in which case the system will “wake up” and jump start the vehicle. The system is charged by the vehicle electrical system in parallel with the vehicle battery as needed, but only when the vehicle is running.

Abstract: A system includes control modules, a low-voltage communications bus, e.g., a CAN bus of a vehicle, a voltage sensor that measures a bus voltage and outputs 2.5-3.5 VDC high-data and 1.5-2.5 VDC low-data, and a host electronic control unit (ECU). The host ECU detects a recoverable fault using a data pattern in the bus voltage data when the data is outside of a calibrated range, and recalibrates the sensor. Recalibration may be by adjustment to a scaling factor and/or a bias value. Non-recoverable “stuck-at-fault”-type or “out-of-range”-type faults may be detected using the pattern, as may be a ground offset fault. A method includes measuring the bus voltage using the sensor, comparing the output data to a range to detect the fault, and isolating a sensor fault as a recoverable fault using the data pattern when the data is outside of the range. The sensor is then be recalibrated.

Abstract: A vehicle front structure includes: a bumper reinforcement; a power unit including a right device and a left device; a dash section located at a position rearward of the power unit; and a rearward supporting part provided between a dash section and the power unit. The bumper reinforcement includes a first breakage initiation point having a relatively lower bending strength than bending strengths of other portions of the bumper reinforcement. The position of the first breakage initiation point is set such that when a columnar object collides against the vicinity of the center in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle, the first breakage initiation point transfers a collision load to one of the right device and the left device which is supported by the rearward supporting part.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bumper reinforcement including: a bumper main body portion extending in a vehicle transverse direction and is provided at a vehicle longitudinal direction outer side of a pair of left and right side members, the pair of left and right side members being disposed at a vehicle front portion or a vehicle rear portion and extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction; and a reinforcing member formed of wood and is block-shaped, and that is disposed within a cross-section of at least a vehicle transverse direction central portion of the bumper main body portion, an axially central direction of annual growth rings of the wood of the reinforcing member being set to a direction that runs along the vehicle transverse direction.

Abstract: A four-point seatbelt device for a vehicle including: a left and right pair of lap belts; a left and right pair of shoulder belts connected with the respective lap belts; a front latch portion connecting and disconnecting the left lap belt and left shoulder belt with the right lap belt and right shoulder belt; a retractor capable of taking up and pulling out the belt; a pull-out amount detection section capable of detecting a pull-out amount of the belt from the retractor; and a sitting posture detection section configured to determine the sitting posture of the occupant on the basis of the pull-out amount detected by the pull-out amount detection section, in a case in which a sitting posture of the occupant changes after the occupant sits on the vehicle seat and the front latch portion is connected.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure has: a front plate portion that faces in a vehicle front-rear direction; an inclined portion that obliquely descends rearward from a lower end of the front plate portion and is coupled to a floor panel making up a floor surface of a cabin; an arch-shaped portion located at outer end portions in a vehicle width direction of the front plate portion and the inclined portion and makes up a wheel arch-shaped rear portion of a tire house; a front side frame located inward of the arch-shaped portion in the vehicle width direction and extends from the front plate portion to the inclined portion in the vehicle front-rear direction; and a reinforcement panel placed over the arch-shaped portion. The reinforcement panel is disposed outward in the vehicle width direction of an innermost portion in the vehicle width direction in the arch-shaped portion.

Abstract: A side airbag device including: a bag-shaped airbag that deploys from a lateral portion of a vehicle seat toward a front side of a vehicle; and an inflator that supplies inflation gas into the airbag. The airbag has, at least at a lower portion thereof, a lower tuck-in region tucked into the airbag. Further, at least a part of the lower tuck-in region is folded into a fan shape and forms a radial folded region folded into a pleated shape along a line extending rearward in a radial direction from a central point of the fan shape positioned on a front side of the airbag.

Abstract: A vehicle seat equipped with a side airbag device includes: an inflator disposed on an outer side in a vehicle width direction relative to a side frame; an inner chamber housed inside the side part, and is configured to inflate and deploy toward a part of an occupant on the outer side in the vehicle width direction upon receiving supply of a gas from the inflator; an outer chamber housed inside the side part, and is configured to inflate and deploy toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction and a vehicle front side relative to the inner chamber upon receiving supply of the gas; and a diffuser housed inside the side part and configured to supply the gas into the inner chamber from a first supply port formed in a peripheral wall of the diffuser when the inflator is activated.

Abstract: A seat of a vehicle is mounted to a first rotatable plate that is mounted to a floor of the vehicle within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. An airbag module: includes an airbag and a deployment device that deploys the airbag; and is mounted to a second rotatable plate mounted to a roof of the vehicle above the seat. An electric motor is configured to rotate the second rotatable plate. A restraint control module is configured to, based on a rotational position of the first rotatable plate, apply power to the electric motor and rotate the second rotatable plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible molded skin as part of a composite structure for an airbag cover, and to a composition for producing such a skin using slush molding. The composition and flexible molded skin have a thermoplastic plasticized vinyl polymer, and a tear promoting agent selected from the group of one or more particulate blowing agents, inorganic mineral materials, organic filler materials and microspheres or a mixture of two or more of the afore mentioned materials. The particles of the particulate tear promoting agent have an average particle size of between 0.005 and 50 ?m, preferably between 0.005 and 40 ?m.

Abstract: Vehicle safety devices, seam tapes for use in safety airbags along with their methods of formation and use are provided. The vehicle safety device can comprise an airbag and a pyrotechnic device positioned within working proximity to an aperture defined in the airbag and configured to fill the interior space of the airbag with a gas upon ignition. The vehicle safety device can also comprise a seam tape positioned over the seam joining a first fabric section and a second fabric section of the airbag. The seam tape can be configured to melt enough to flow into the needle puncture holes formed along the seam upon ignition of the pyrotechnic device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein may be a side airbag apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same. The side airbag apparatus may include: an outboard sheet part disposed on a side portion of a vehicle body; an inboard sheet part laminated to an interior side of the outboard sheet part and formed such that a first peripheral part located on an opposite side of a gas injecting part is longer than a second peripheral part located adjacent to the gas injecting part; a push chamber formed such that a folding length of the first peripheral part is longer than that of the second peripheral part; a folding seam part seaming a folded part of the first peripheral part; and a peripheral seam part seaming a peripheral part of the outboard sheet part, a peripheral part of the inboard sheet part, and the first peripheral part of the push chamber all together.

Abstract: An assembly includes a hood. The assembly includes an airbag assembly secured to the hood. The airbag assembly includes inflatable members inflatable to an inflated position, and uninflatable panels in an alternating arrangement with the inflatable members.

Abstract: A pedestrian protecting device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a right air bag device, a left air bag device, G sensors (collision position detector), a vehicle speed sensor (vehicle speed detector), a steering angle sensor (steering angle detector), and an ECU (controller) configured to control operations of the air bags. The air bags and include respective tip end portions which vertically overlap each other at a middle portion of the vehicle when the air bags and are deployed. The ECU estimates a movement direction of a pedestrian who has collided with the vehicle. Based on a result of this estimation, the ECU determines an operation target from the air bag devices and an operation timing of the operation target. Based on a result of this determination, the ECU controls operations of the air bag devices.

Abstract: A seat belt pull through device for a car seat used in a vehicle. It allows an occupant, a child, to remain comfortably in a semi-erect or upright position while placed in a toddler or infant car safety seat. The device facilitates fast and easy installation of the car seat and connection of the car seat to the existing seat and shoulder belts already with the vehicle. It greatly simplifies the insertion of the vehicle belts through the car seat and removes the cumbersome and tiresome fishing of a limp belt through the tight, small openings in the car seat structure. The device includes an extended sheath with a hook and protector flaps to enable the vehicle belt to be inserted into a seat belt slot of the car seat, pushed through and removably connected to the seat belt system of the entire vehicle.

Abstract: An alert system to assist in child safety in a vehicle includes a seat belt buckle insert adapted to be inserted between the male and female parts of a standard safety belt found in most automobiles or for a child car safety seat. It may also include a portable receiver device designed to be carried by a vehicle operator. The seat belt buckle insert detects whether the seat belt has been buckled and the temperature is within an acceptable range, as well as the approximate distance between the seat belt buckle insert and portable receiver device. The seat belt buckle transmits information gathered to the portable receiver device and triggers alerts notifying the vehicle operator of a child's safety status.

Abstract: A boundary detection system for a vehicle includes a controller programmed to generate an alert in response to sensing a presence of a person in a first zone extending from the vehicle. The system also includes a wireless receiver configured to receive signals transmitted by a nomadic device in a second zone surrounding the vehicle. The controller is further programmed to, in response to the receiver receiving the signals, output the alert.

Abstract: A vehicle computer includes a memory and a processor programmed to execute instructions stored in the memory. The instructions include comparing a captured image of a predetermined object to a target image of the predetermined object to quantify a first noise characteristic of the captured image, comparing the first noise characteristic to a first predetermined threshold, and detecting debris on an image sensor that outputs the captured image as a result of comparing the first noise characteristic to the first predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for de-icing and/or cleaning insects off a vehicle window (10) which is designed to perform at least a window wiping function and comprising a continuous-rotation motor (40) designed to drive the rotation of at least one wiper (30) to at least a first level corresponding to a first wiping speed, referred to as high wiping speed (HWS), and a second level at a second wiping speed, referred to as low wiping speed (LWS) and lower than the first, so as to perform the wiping function, and a system for spraying a specific, de-icing or insect-cleaning liquid, onto the window (10) from the said at least one wiper (30), characterized in that the continuous-rotation motor is designed in such a way as to operate at a third speed (CS), lower than the second speed, and in that the device is configured to cause the said wiper (30) to at least descend from the high position (PH) as far as the low position (PB) with the motor (40) operating at the very slow speed (CS) and with the said sp

Abstract: A wiper system to apply wiper fluid to a vehicle window includes at least one wiper arm, at least one sensor, and at least one control apparatus. The sensor is configured to detect, during a wiping operation, the wiper arm in at least one defined position in a wiping area of the wiper arm, and to send a detection signal to the control apparatus.

Abstract: A washer fluid heating device according to an embodiment includes: a container which stores a washer fluid; a deflector which vertically partitions a storage space for the washer fluid into an upper space and a lower space; an inflow portion through which the washer fluid flows into a lower side of the storage space partitioned by the deflector; an outflow portion which is provided to an upper side of the storage space partitioned by the deflector to cause the washer fluid to flow out of the container; and a heating portion which is positioned in the storage space, in which, in the deflector, a plurality of holes which cause the washer fluid to pass from the lower side toward the upper side of the storage space are disposed to be substantially evenly distributed.

Abstract: A vehicle cleaning apparatus includes a nozzle configured to jet fluid toward an object to be cleaned; a cover configured to cover at least a part of the nozzle; a valve configured to open and close a channel of the fluid; and a holder including a valve disposition portion in which at least a part of the valve is disposed, and a cover attachment portion to which the cover is attached. The cover attachment portion is formed integrally with the valve disposition portion.