Abstract: A stake pocket protection device for providing protection to a stake pocket of the type commonly installed on trailer beds. The device having a planar base plate with an opening of dimensions approximate of the stake pocket, a retention portion and a securing portion in a J-shaped configuration. The device lies flat over the stake pocket with the opening lined up over the pocket such that a pin can slide into the stake pocket. Thereby the device holds the pin and adds more holding strength to the stake pocket.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus that illuminates an illumination zone having a first direction and a second direction crossing the first direction is provided with a light source to emit a coherent light beam, and a diffraction optical device to diffract the coherent light beam incident from the light source. The diffraction optical device diffracts the incident coherent light beam so that a width of the illumination zone in the second direction gradually becomes wider along the first direction of the illumination zone from a nearer side to the diffraction optical device.

Abstract: A headlight assembly for assembly adjacent at least one skin component of a vehicle includes a housing supporting at least one light and a lens attached to the housing. The lens includes at least one attribute for engaging the at least one skin component. The attribute may be a pin or an aperture formed in the lens which may extend a distance from a surface of the lens for guiding the skin component. The skin component may be a grille and the attribute may restrict movement of the headlight assembly relative the grille in a Y-axis direction forming a margin therebetween. The attribute may be a channel including a bracket for guiding the skin component, for instance, a facia into the channel. The attribute may be a cavity formed in the lens for receiving an overlapping portion of the skin component, for example, a grille.

Abstract: A system and method to control headlights of a vehicle includes receiving a broadcast that indicates a location of a sending device of the broadcast. The method also includes obtaining other information that indicates at least one of a weather condition or an ambient lighting condition, and analyzing the broadcast and the other information to determine whether the headlights should be enabled or whether high beams of the headlights should be enabled. The method further includes generating a signal to control the headlights according to the analysis.

Abstract: A motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a sensor, a headlamp, and a controller configured to adjust an aim of the headlamp based on a signal from the sensor. The controller is configured to account for a zero drift of the sensor. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention describes a lighting assembly for use in a lighting arrangement of a vehicle. The lighting assembly includes a projection lens and a light source array, wherein a center of the light source array and an optical axis of the projection lens have a lateral offset, and light sources of the light source array are individually controllable to adjust a swivel angle of a light beam generated by that lighting assembly. The invention further describes a controller for controlling the light sources of such a lighting assembly. The invention also describes a lighting arrangement for a vehicle, comprising such a lighting assembly and such a controller for controlling the light sources of the lighting assembly to adjust the swivel angle of the light beam. The invention also describes a method of generating a front beam for a vehicle comprising such a lighting assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle headlight (1) comprising a light source (2), a primary optical system (3), a projection optical system (4), a control device, an output unit and an optoelectronic component (7) having a controllable arrangement of several, individually adjustable optoelectronic elements (8) in the form of a two-dimensional matrix. Said vehicle headlight (1) is designed to emit light from at least one light source (2) in the direction of the optoelectronic component (7) and to modulate by means of the optoelectronic component (7), and to radiate at least partially in the direction of the projection optical system (4) and to form a light image in front of the vehicle. The control device is connected to the output unit. The output unit is connected to the optoelectronic component (7) and can control the optoelectronic elements (8).

Abstract: One variation of a method for renting a vehicle includes: receiving a signal from a fleet manager, the signal specifying a current availability of the vehicle for rent; updating a visual indicator arranged on the vehicle according to the signal, the visual indicator visually detectable from outside the vehicle; receiving identification information of a user proximal the vehicle; enabling access to the vehicle for the user in response to verification of the user as a driver of the vehicle; determining, through a sensor arranged within the vehicle, that the user is seated in a driver's seat within the vehicle; and enabling ignition of the vehicle for the user in response to determination that the user is seated in the driver's seat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transparent member for an automotive interior part. In one embodiment, the transparent member for the automotive interior part includes: a light source; an optical pattern layer formed over the light source; and a first light-transmitting skin layer formed on the optical pattern layer and including about 1 part by weight to about 25 parts of a first inorganic filler dispersed in 100 parts by weight of a first transparent resin matrix, wherein the first inorganic filler includes spherical calcium carbonate (CaCO3).

Abstract: A horn actuating device of a motor vehicle is provided to enhance operating feeling of a horn actuating cover installed on a steering wheel. The horn actuating device prevents shaking of a horn actuating cover and prevents deterioration of operating feeling of the horn actuating cover by adopting a structural elastic member configured such that after the horn actuating cover for actuating a horn is actuated, the elastic member for returning the horn actuating cover back to an original position restrains shaking of the horn actuating cover and then installing the elastic member between the horn actuating cover and a horn mounting portion.

Abstract: The light deflection device is configured to switch a first reflection position and a second reflection position in at least some region of the reflection part. The first reflection position is a position at which the light irradiated by the irradiation optical system is to be reflected toward the projection optical system so as to be effectively used as a part of a desired light distribution pattern. The second reflection position is a position at which the light irradiated by the irradiation optical system is to be reflected so as not to be effectively used. The detection unit is arranged at a position at which the light reflected at the second reflection position by the light deflection device can be detected.

Abstract: A first photosensor is sensitive to the wavelength of excitation light, insensitive to the wavelength of fluorescent light, and receives a portion of the output light to generate a first current corresponding to the amount of light received. A second photosensor is sensitive to the fluorescent light wavelength, insensitive to excitation light wavelength, and receives a portion of the output light to generate a second current corresponding to the received light amount. A first current/voltage conversion circuit outputs a first detection voltage corresponding to the voltage drop across a first resistor. A second current/voltage conversion circuit outputs a second detection voltage corresponding to the voltage drop across a second resistor. If (i) a relation between the magnitudes of the first detection voltage and the second detection voltage has reversed, or (ii) if the first detection voltage deviates from a normal voltage range, a judgment unit asserts an abnormality detection signal.

Abstract: A system and method to perform unilluminated vehicle indication based on communication from a vehicle include communicating with one or more other vehicles within a communication range of the vehicle to obtain information from each of the one or more other vehicles. The method also includes obtaining images of one or more of the one or more other vehicles with one or more cameras of the vehicle, and matching the images with the information. A display is provided to a driver of the vehicle of some or all of the one or more of the one or more other vehicles.

Abstract: A camera system includes an image capturing device configured to capture a rear image of a vehicle, a sensor configured to measure a speed of the vehicle, a direction, a height, and an inclination angle of the image capturing device, an image processor configured to convert the rear image by using information measured by the sensor, an attachment mount that is attachable to various locations connected to the vehicle, and a communication device configured to transmit the converted rear image to an audio video navigation (AVN) system of the vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle pillar structure including: a non-transparent first supporting member that is configured by a material with a coefficient of linear thermal expansion along the length direction of a first value; a non-transparent second supporting member that is disposed spaced apart from the first supporting member, and that is configured by a material with a coefficient of linear thermal expansion along the length direction of a second value; and a resin transparent member that is configured by a material with a coefficient of linear thermal expansion along the length directions of the first supporting member and the second supporting member of a larger value than the first value and the second value, and that is configured including multiple glass fibers with length directions oriented such that fiber length directions are substantially orthogonal to the length directions of the first supporting member and the second supporting member.

Abstract: A display arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a camera capturing images of a scene in front of the motor vehicle. The camera transmits first video signals indicative of the captured images. A video processor is communicatively coupled to the camera and receives the first video signals. The video processor processes the first video signals to make objects in the first video signals easier to see, thereby producing second video signals. The video processor transmits the second video signals. A head up display system is communicatively coupled to the video processor and receives the second video signals. The head up display system reflects a light field off of a windshield of the motor vehicle such that the reflection is visible to a driver of the vehicle as a virtual image. The light field is dependent upon the second video signals.

Abstract: A vehicle imaging system for a vehicle including a rear viewing device configured to be located at a lateral side of the vehicle. The vehicle imaging system including an image capturing unit and a display unit. The image capturing unit is configured to take images of surroundings of the vehicle, is located in the proximity of the rear viewing device, includes an optical axis and a field of view, and is configured such that the field of view of the image capturing unit generally extends rearward until a forward limit of a field of view of the rear viewing device. The display unit is configured to communicate with the image capturing unit and displays the images, and is adapted to be located in an interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a display in a vehicle includes: a first camera mounted on a region of a door of the vehicle and configured to capture a first image of a side zone and a rear side zone of the vehicle; a second camera mounted on a region of a rear end of the vehicle and configured to capture a second image of a rear zone and the rear side zone of the vehicle; an image generator configured to generate a third image using the second image; and an output controller configured to display the first image on a display screen when the vehicle is driven and to display the third image on the display screen when the door of the vehicle is opened.

Abstract: A side mirror includes a housing, a mirror moveably attached with the housing, and a Peltier element mounted in the housing adjacent the mirror. There may also be a controller that is electrically connected with the Peltier element. The controller is configured to apply an electric current to the Peltier element in an electric current direction that depends on temperature and humidity data.

Abstract: A side mirror system for a vehicle is provided. The side mirror system includes a camera disposed outside a vehicle and capturing a peripheral area of the vehicle, an electronic side mirror including a mirror panel and a display panel, a moving device moving the electronic side mirror to an inside or an outside of the vehicle, and at least one control circuit electrically connected to the camera, the electronic side mirror, and the moving device, wherein the at least one control circuit controls the electronic side mirror such that the electronic side mirror outputs an image obtained by the camera through the display panel or the peripheral area of the vehicle is reflected by the mirror panel and controls the moving device such that the electronic side mirror moves from the outside of the vehicle to the inside of the vehicle, when a specified condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A camera system comprising a first video camera having a first field of vision, an orientation adjustment switch, a first display, and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to receive, from the first video camera, a non-rectilinear image of the first field of vision and receive, from the orientation adjustment switch, input defining an axis of a second field of vision within the first field of vision. The electronic processor is also configured to apply a distortion correction method to the non-rectilinear image of the first field of vision to produce a rectilinear image of the first field of vision. The electronic processor is further configured to determine a rectilinear image of the second field of vision within the rectilinear image of the first field of vision, and display the rectilinear image of the second field of vision on the first display.

Abstract: A covering shelf apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The apparatus is convertible into a using state in which the covering shelf operating separately from a tailgate closes a luggage compartment, a standing state in which the covering shelf is open at an angle, and a stowed state in which the covering shelf is inserted behind a rear seat. Accordingly, freight is capable of being loaded on the covering shelf in the using state in which the covering shelf closes the luggage compartment. Since the covering shelf is operated separately from the tailgate, the covering shelf is capable of being used more conveniently.

Abstract: Apparatus to store a mobility device in a lift gate of a vehicle are described herein. An example apparatus includes a lift gate of a vehicle and a mobility device coupled to an interior of the lift gate.

Abstract: A center console system for enhancing storage space in a vehicle includes a vehicle that has a front bench, a floor and a center console that is hingedly coupled to the front bench. The center console is selectively positioned in a deployed position having the center console being horizontally oriented and being centrally positioned on the front bench. The center console is selectively positioned in a stored position having the center console being vertically oriented. A storage unit is provided and the storage unit is selectively positioned on the floor when the center console is positioned in the stored position. In this way beverage containers and other objects may be stored when the center console is in the stored position.

Abstract: A system includes a fixed body and a cover moveably secured to the fixed body. The cover is configured to be moved between a closed position and an open position in relation to the fixed body. The system also includes a damper system including a damper assembly having a damping mechanism coupled to the fixed body and the cover. The damping mechanism is configured to dampen motion between the cover and the fixed body. The damper assembly further includes a housing coupled to the damping mechanism and a switch. The damper assembly further includes a power source and a switch. A lighting device is coupled to the power source. A portion of the damping mechanism is configured to interact with the switch to activate and deactivate the lighting device.

Abstract: A carabiner-style hook is provided for managing cargo. The hook includes a body having a first resilient section, a second section and a gate defined between the first resilient section and the second section.

Abstract: A transportable safe configured to be secured to a solid object and withstand attempts to remove content from the safe or the safe by an unauthorized entity. The transportable safe comprises a safe body, a fastener attached to the safe body and at least one connector configured to connect between the fastener and the solid object. The connector is configured to be concealed at least when the safe is secured.

Abstract: A bicycle rack is disclosed, including a hitch mount device and a mast structure. A proximal portion of the mast structure is connected to the hitch mount device, and a distal portion extends upward from the proximal portion. The bicycle rack further includes an upper beam structure connected horizontally to the distal portion of the mast structure and a first fork crown gripping station mounted on the upper beam structure. The first fork crown gripping station includes a first post structure and a strap configured to cooperatively bind a bicycle front fork crown to the first fork crown gripping station.

Abstract: Described is a articulating arm assembly for a passenger seat that includes a mounting bracket attached to a passenger seat, a pivot attached to the mounting bracket, an arm body rotatably attached to the pivot such that the arm body is configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position, and a closeout that includes a flexible portion, a first end attached to a first attachment point internal to the pivot, and a second end attached to a second attachment point internal to the pivot. The flexible portion is configured to change shape depending on a location of the arm body.

Abstract: Provided are an excellent vehicle-mounted camera to be used by being attached to a windshield or the like of a vehicle, a vehicle-mounted camera apparatus, and a method of supporting a vehicle-mounted camera. The vehicle-mounted camera includes a substrate, an image pickup element mounted on the substrate, an image processing circuit that is mounted on the substrate and processes a captured image by the image pickup element, a light collection optical unit that collects incident light, and a reflection unit that reflects output light from the light collection optical unit to the image pickup element. The vehicle-mounted camera further includes a casing that accommodates the substrate on which at least the image pickup element and the image processing circuit are mounted, the light collection optical unit, and the reflection unit.

Abstract: A hood ornament cover to protect a hood ornament of a vehicle such as an automobile, truck, motorcycle, semi-truck, or boat, from weather and debris that would otherwise impact the hood ornament and thus cause damage the hood ornament.

Abstract: A vehicular door includes a resin outer panel and a resin inner panel mounted on a vehicular interior side of the resin outer panel, and the resin inner panel includes a resin body member that configures an interior design surface of the vehicular door and a resin reinforcing member that is arranged on a vehicular exterior side and on a peripheral portion of the resin body member.

Abstract: A method of making an iridescent, vehicular trim assembly is provided that includes: molding a polymeric base comprising an exterior surface; and over-molding an element over at least a portion of the exterior surface. The element comprises a polymeric, translucent material and an exterior surface with an integral diffraction grating having a thickness from 250 to 1000 nm and a period from 50 nanometers to 5 microns. Further, the molding can be conducted such that the polymeric base is molded with a tint. The method can also include forming a plated region over the exterior surface of the base. In addition, the method can also include cleaning the plated region with a plasma-etching process before the over-molding.

Abstract: A fastening device for fastening a decoupling device relative to a hole rim of a hole opening of a shielding part; to achieve the vibration-decoupling connection of a bushing to the shielding part, the decoupling device has at least one bridge element, which, at its radially outer edge, has fasteners for producing a fastening connection of the bridge element to the hole rim of the shielding part, wherein the fasteners comprise at least four tabs which, starting from the bridge element, protrude radially outward and a subset of at least two tabs of the bridge element is provided to rest against a first outside of the shielding part and a remainder of at least two tabs is provided to rest against an opposite second outside of the shielding part and the hole rim can be immobilized with a force fit relative to the decoupling device by means of the tabs of the subset and the tabs of the remainder.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an insulator is provided. The insulator includes a lower member and an upper member. The lower member is placed as a second flange of the lower member is fixed in position. The upper member is then disposed on the lower member as the second flange of the upper member is fixed in position. Accordingly, the first flange of the upper member and the first flange of the lower member abut each other, and the second flange of the upper member and the second flange of the lower member abut each other. Then, the first flange of the upper member and the first flange of the lower member are swaged, and then the second flange of the upper member and the second flange of the lower member are swaged.

Abstract: An electrical line system for a vehicle, includes a first line arrangement for electrically connecting a first vehicle system to a first controller, a second line arrangement for electrically connecting a second vehicle system to a second controller, and an external sheath which surrounds the first line arrangement and the second line arrangement at least in sections, wherein an isolating medium is arranged within the external sheath, wherein the isolating medium is designed to surround the first line arrangement and the second line arrangement and to keep the line arrangements at a distance from the external sheath in order to reduce a pull-off force when pulling off the external sheath.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a component with at least one embedded feature includes the steps of defining a boundary template for the component, reserving a functional region within the boundary template for the at least one embedded feature, consolidating and structurally optimizing the component to allow more efficient distribution of material and manufacturing the component using additive manufacturing techniques. A motor vehicle component including a motor vehicle center console are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiring harness (1010), a motor vehicle component (1000), a mold (15) for manufacturing a wiring harness (1010), a mold system (10) and a method for manufacturing the wiring harness (1010), the wiring harness (1010) comprising at least one bunch (1020) of at least two cables (1025) and a sheath (1030), at least some sections of the bunch (1020) of cables being embedded in the sheath (1030).

Abstract: Provided is a routing structure of a wire harness that prevents an electric wire having a large cross-sectional area from being routed long in a vehicle, and facilitates routing. The routing structure of a wire harness connects between a power supply and loads mounted on the vehicle through one or more distributors, and a distributor to be connected first when viewed from the power supply is located in or behind a dashboard of the vehicle, or inside and in front of a center console box.

Abstract: Provided is a guide end of a cable guide, a cable guide, and a wire harness that can facilitate a wire harness assembling operation. A guide end is disposed at an end of a cable guide, and is rotatably held by a bracket fixed to a fixing target, the cable guide being bendable into a predetermined shape. The guide end includes a first divided part and a second divided part that are configured to divide, in a circumferential direction, an electric wire insertion hole via which electric wires passed through the inside of the cable guide are drawn to the outside, and the electric wire insertion hole is closed entirely in a circumferential direction in a state in which the first divided part and the second divided part are combined, and the electric wire insertion hole is open when the first divided part and the second divided part are not combined.

Abstract: A washer fluid tank assembly for vehicle mounting includes a tank, a track, a float and two magnetically-responsive sensors. The tank has a fill opening. The track is formed in a first wall of and inside the tank. The float is slidably disposed on the track and has a magnet thereon proximate to a second wall of the tank. The magnetically-responsive sensors are fixed to the second wall of the tank in alignment with the track. The sensors are each associated with a predetermined fluid volume.

Abstract: A brake system including: (a) a pair of electric brake devices respectively for right and left wheels; (b) a pair of individual controllers respectively associated with the electric brake devices; (c) a central controller communicable with the individual controllers; and (d) an on-vehicle network to which the central and individual controllers are connected, wherein the central controller transmits, via the on-vehicle network, control commands to the individual controllers as signals containing destination information of the respective individual controllers, wherein each individual controller controls an associated one of the electric brake devices according to the control command based on the signal containing the destination information of its own, and wherein the brake system further includes a position-change determining device configured to determine, based on a turning behavior of a vehicle, that positions of the individual controllers are mutually changed with respect to the association with the elect

Abstract: A vehicle front structure includes a pair of side rails extending in a vehicle forward-rearward direction on right and left sides in a front portion of the vehicle and a hollow bumper reinforcement extending in a vehicle right-left direction and coupled to front ends of the pair of side rails. The bumper reinforcement includes side extension parts extending outward beyond the side rails, respectively. The vehicle front structure further includes load transmission members each extending from a front face of each of the side extension part of the bumper reinforcement through the side extension part and further extending rearward and toward the inward of the vehicle. In a small overlap crash, the load transmission member transmits a collision load directly to the side rail.

Abstract: An off-center impact structure (a frame protrusion rupture mitigating structure) has a first end section, a mid-section and a second end section. The first end section is fixedly attached to an attachment section of a vehicle front side member. The mid-section extends laterally outward and defines an arcuate shape curving forward from the first end section and laterally outboard. The second end section of the off-center impact structure is located forward of the attachment section. The mid-section has a forward-facing surface formed with a plurality of vertically oriented recesses. In response to an off-center impact event where impacting force is applied to a distal end of the second end section, the off-center impact structure deforms bending along the mid-section with at least a portion of the vertically oriented recesses expanding in a bellows-like manner absorbing impact energy such that the second end section is moved rearward.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure has a frame element extending forward a vehicle longitudinal direction relative to the vehicle. A wheel is rotatably supported to the frame element. A bumper is attached to a front portion of the frame element. The bumper has a lateral side portion extending in an outboard direction relative to the frame element. A first support bracket extends from the frame element. A floating energy transmitting element is attached to the first support bracket at a location outboard of and spaced apart from the frame element, adjacent to but spaced apart from the bumper, and forward of and spaced apart from the wheel. In response to an impact event with the bumper being contacted by another object at a location outboard of the frame element, the floating energy transmitting element is contacted by the bumper and is moved rearward contacting the wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a bumper assembly that includes a bumper cover, and a bumper cover retainer. The bumper cover retainer may further include an integrally formed fastening feature that is integral with the bumper cover retainer and that folds over the bumper cover to connect the bumper cover to the bumper cover retainer.

Abstract: A radar support structure includes a front bumper assembly, a radar bracket and a radar unit. The front bumper assembly has a support bracket, an energy absorbing member and a facia member attached to forward portions of a vehicle. The support bracket has a surface spaced apart from the energy absorbing member. The radar bracket is fixed to the surface of the support bracket and extends away from the energy absorbing member. The radar bracket includes two edge portions with a concaved area defining a mounting surface being located between the two projecting edges. The radar unit is installed to the mounting surface within the concaved area such that the two edge portions are located forward of a front most surface of the radar unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical sensor supporting structure for a saddled vehicle capable of accurately detecting a front of the vehicle by an optical sensor without affecting usability of accessories at a front portion of the vehicle. The optical sensor supporting structure for a saddled vehicle includes left and right cameras which are configured to detect an object in front of the vehicle, and a support stay which is fixed to a head pipe of a vehicle body frame and supports accessories at the front of the vehicle on the head pipe, wherein the left and right cameras are supported by the support stay.

Abstract: An energy supply device for an occupant protection system is described, including an ignition energy supply device and a back-up supply device, the ignition energy supply device including an ignition energy store, which is chargeable via a first charge circuit from a first system voltage to a reserve voltage, the ignition energy store being suitable for providing a high ignition energy in the range of 0.1 kW to 2.5 kW for at least one restraint means for a short time period of 0.5 ms to 2 ms. The back-up supply device includes a back-up energy store, which is chargeable via a second charge circuit from a system voltage to a back-up voltage, the back-up energy store having an energy density value higher than the ignition energy store by a factor of 10 to 50 and being suitable for providing the supply energy in the range of 1 W to 10 W for the passenger protection system in the event of a supply interruption for a predefined time period of at least 5 s.

Abstract: An inflatable airbag system can be configured to be mounted to a frontal region of a vehicle. The inflatable airbag system can include an inflatable airbag cushion that can expand and deploy out of a first housing, and an inflatable support member that can expand and deploy out of a second housing. The inflatable support member can contact and urge a portion of the inflatable airbag cushion in a car-rearward direction.