Abstract: One general aspect includes a mirror system including: a retractor module configured to be installed onto the ceiling of a vehicle interior; a retractor assembly positioned within the retractor module, the retractor assembly having a retractable connector attached at one end to a mirror positioned outside of the retractor module, the retractor assembly configured to releasably maintain the connector in a retracted position and at least one extended position; and the mirror being pivotably connected to the connector around a horizontal axis such that the mirror can be in a substantially horizontal orientation and substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: An acoustic conduit provides a waveguide for coupling a loudspeaker inside a vehicle to a region outside the vehicle, or vice versa. The acoustic conduit includes a proximal opening configured to accommodate the loudspeaker. A distal opening is configured to acoustically couple to an exterior of the vehicle. The acoustic conduit defines an interior volume between the proximal opening and the distal opening and is configured to provide waveguide acoustic coupling between the loudspeaker and the exterior.

Abstract: A quick release assembly for use in mounting a display system to a fixture. The system includes an attachment assembly on a back side of the display system that receives pins from a mounting bracket into openings of lock modules that include a latch that holds at least one pin in place. The latch is held in the lock position by spring bias. An actuator wire made of a shape memory alloy contracts when an electrical current is applied. The contraction of the wire overcomes the spring bias to move the latch from the lock position to an unlocked position to allow the display system to be removed from the pin.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to attach an electronic device, such as a printer, to a vehicle headrest of a vehicle seat. The apparatus includes one or more attachment members configured to attach to a vehicle headrest mounting rod; a support structure attached to the one or more attachment members, the support structure extending outward from the one or more attachment members toward an edge of the vehicle headrest; and a back plate attached to the support structure, the back plate configured to hold the electronic device, wherein at least a portion of the electronic device is accessible from the vehicle seat.

Abstract: Vehicle-environment monitoring device is capable of monitoring a situation outside a vehicle. The vehicle-environment monitoring device includes an image capturing module, an image-capturing-device cover, a fan, and an air passage. The image capturing module is disposed near an inner surface of a glass member and includes a heat-generating device and an image sensor configured to capture an image of the situation outside the vehicle. The image-capturing-device cover covers the image capturing module from inside a vehicle cabin. The fan cools the heat-generating device by introducing air into the image-capturing-device cover and blows the air toward the glass member. The air passage is formed inside the image-capturing-device cover, and the air blown by the fan flows toward the glass member through the air passage.

Abstract: A module and support structure assembly, in particular for mounting on the windscreen of a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle, that includes: a module having a housing; and a support structure adapted to carry the module, the housing and support structure comprising respective first and second fixation members cooperating with each other for releasable fixing, in particular by snapping, the module to the support structure. The housing and support structure further comprise cooperating positioning members that are configured to define a receiving position for the module on the support structure, in which the module is not fixed, and to assist in a guided fashion engagement of the first and second fixation members to bring the module in a fixed position.

Abstract: A vehicular camera apparatus includes an image sensor, and a processor configured to divide an image acquired through the image sensor into a first field of view (FOV) range in a first direction and a second FOV range in the first direction, to process a first region corresponding to the first FOV range in the image, to process a second region corresponding to the second FOV range in the image, and to separately process the first region and the second region.

Abstract: A clip is disclosed for securing a molding to a flange of a vehicle. The clip has a first side wall and a second side wall each comprising an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface. The interior surfaces face one another and the exterior surfaces are shaped to engage the molding. Each of the side walls terminate at a distal edge providing a passage for the flange. A base connects the side walls at an end that is opposite the distal edges. A tab extends from the base and is disposed between the side walls. The tab and the interior surface of the second side wall define a pocket sized to fit the flange of the vehicle. The interior surface of the second side wall comprises a bump that extends towards and faces the tab. The tab and the bump are configured to engage the flange.

Abstract: A vehicle soundproofing structure includes: a soundproofing mechanism configured to suppress sound from leaking outside from a vehicle by absorbing, dissipating, or cancelling sound inside a vehicle cabin, and a controller configured to enable operation of the soundproofing mechanism when the vehicle is stationary, and to disable operation of the soundproofing mechanism when the vehicle is travelling.

Abstract: An autonomous flip-up license plate mount for motorcycles that improves the aesthetics of a motorcycle while ensuring a license plate is properly displayed during use of the motorcycle. The mount includes a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate, an automatic pivoting mechanism, and a hinge mechanism. A first end of the first mounting plate is connected along the hinge mechanism. Additionally, the hinge mechanism is connected along a rear surface of the second mounting plate, allowing for relative rotation about a main axis of the hinge mechanism. The automatic picoting mechanism includes a servomotor and a control linkage. The servomotor is adjacently mounted to the first mounting plate with the control linkage being mechanically engaged in between the servomotor and the second mounting plate. Activation of the servomotor positions the mount into either a functional configuration or a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror control system includes a touchpad including a sensing surface operative to produce signals indicative of a desired movement of a vehicle mirror responsive to a gesture detected by the sensing surface. A vehicle mirror assembly and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A body earth structure for a vehicle includes a bolt of which a head portion is swage-joined to an aluminum vehicle body panel. The bolt is provided to fasten an earth terminal to the vehicle. The bolt includes a projection that protrudes toward the vehicle body panel, on a facing surface of the head portion of the bolt. The facing surface is provided to face the vehicle body panel.

Abstract: A composite cable is composed of a twisted pair formed by twisting together one pair of first electric wires each including a first conductor and a first insulation covering an outer circumference of the first conductor, one pair of second electric wires each including a second conductor greater in cross sectional area than the first conductor and a second insulation covering an outer circumference of that second conductor, the second electric wire being greater in outer diameter than the first electric wire, and a sheath covering aggregates together formed by stranding together the twisted pair and the one pair of second electric wires. The first conductors are formed by stranding a plurality of metal wires together. The second conductors are formed by stranding a plurality of aggregated strands together formed by stranding a plurality of metal wires together.

Abstract: Provided is a wiring module for which the shape of a through hole formed in a wall of a vehicle can be set independent of the cross section of a conductor plate. The wiring module penetrates a wall provided in a vehicle. The wiring module includes a pair of conductor plates and a conductive fastening member. The pair of conductor plates are disposed opposite to each other via the wall. The fastening member penetrates the wall to be conductively connected to the pair of conductor plates, and fastens the pair of conductor plates to the wall.

Abstract: A wiring system for an automobile connecting a processor and a plurality of devices, using one or more backbone sections. The processor and devices are connected to one another to form a first loop and a second loop, such that data may be transmitted along the first loop and data may be transmitted along the second loop.

Abstract: A method for assembling a camera for a vision system of a vehicle includes providing a printed circuit board having an imager disposed at a first side. The camera housing element includes an electrical connector having at least one electrically conductive pin. The lens is aligned and focused relative to the imager and the printed circuit board is affixed relative to the lens holder when the lens is aligned and focused relative to the imager. A header connector is positioned and attached at the printed circuit board after the printed circuit board is affixed relative to the lens holder. The camera housing element is mated with the lens holder, including electrically connecting the at least one electrically conductive pin to an electrically conductive socket of the header connector.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to facilitate wireless temperature control in a vehicle touch point are disclosed. An example vehicle comprises a field generator and a shifter. The field generator generates an electromagnetic field. The shifter comprises a receiving inductor, a thermoelectric element, a temperature sensor, and a processor. The receiving inductor generates an electric current from the electromagnetic field. The thermoelectric element is powered by the electric current. The sensor generates temperature information. The processor is configured to control delivery of the electric current to the thermoelectric element based on the temperature information.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bumper assembly to be connected to a chassis bumper beam at a front of a vehicle. The bumper assembly comprises a plastic fascia; a metal reinforcement member; and a plastic reinforcement member disposed between the plastic fascia and the metal reinforcement member and connected with the plastic fascia and the metal reinforcement member. The plastic fascia, the plastic reinforcement member and the metal reinforcement member extend at a lateral direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for operating a safety system of a motor vehicle includes correcting an output signal of a measuring sensor as a function of a current temperature value measured by a temperature sensor. The motor vehicle includes a sensor device with the measuring sensor to detect a collision and the temperature sensor. The method further includes determining an intrinsic heat of the measuring sensor generated by the operation of the measuring sensor and correcting the output signal as a function of the determined intrinsic heat.

Abstract: A pre-collision system for an occupant protection system of a vehicle, includes a predictive sensor system, a vehicle seat, a restraint system, and an evaluation and control unit that evaluates output signals of the predictive sensor system and activates a belt tensioning function of the restraint system if the evaluation of the output signals indicates an imminent collision, where the belt tensioning function generates a tensile force in the belt, which presses a corresponding occupant into the vehicle seat, with a resulting kinetic energy of the occupant that releases a pre-trigger mechanism, which is integrated into a mounting of the vehicle seat, and that enables a blocked degree of freedom of the vehicle seat so that the entire vehicle seat tilts about a defined tilt axis in the direction of an expected impact force.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicular monitoring and controlled response system includes a substance having a plurality of particles dispersed therein, the particles being tunable in response to an external stimulus; a sensor for measuring a disruption to a vehicle; and a computing device in communication with the sensor and the vehicle. The computing device has non-transitory computer readable medium with computer executable instructions stored thereon executed by a digital processor to analyze data received by the sensor; determine a magnitude of the external stimulus based on the data received by the sensor; and activate the external stimulus.

Abstract: A window net door attachment is provided for coupling with a vehicle door to provide protection to occupants within the vehicle during travel over rough terrain or during rolling over of the vehicle. Framed portions of the window net door attachment surround an open area between a top of the vehicle door, a roof, and a windshield area of the vehicle. A window net within a boundary support is attached to the frame portions and to the top of the vehicle door, such that the window net is disposed throughout the open area. Attachments along the boundary support retain the window net in an extended disposition within the open area. Vertical supports may be interwoven with the window net so as to impart relatively greater strength to the window net.

Abstract: An elongate airbag module (10) of a vehicle occupant restraint system includes a folded airbag (12) and an envelope (14) receiving the folded airbag (12) and at least one elongate flexible fixing tab (16) via which the airbag module (10) can be fastened to a vehicle. The fixing tab (16) has at least one opening (24b) for receiving a fastening clip (18) through which an engaging portion (20) of the fastening clip (18) serving for locking to the vehicle extends. Portions of the fastening clip (18) are wrapped in the fixing tab (16), with the fixing tab (16) extending toward a free end (34) of the fixing tab (16), relating to the not yet folded state, substantially in parallel to a longitudinal direction (L) of the airbag module (10).

Abstract: To improve the positioning accuracy of a reinforcing member relative to a cutting line. An airbag lid includes an airbag lid main body having a positioning reference portion and a cutting line positioned relative to the positioning reference portion, and a reinforcing member attached to the airbag lid main body to surround the cutting line. The reinforcing member is positioned relative to the positioning reference portion.

Abstract: To improve workability when attaching an airbag module disposed in a side portion of a vehicle seat from a seat back side. A vehicle seat (S) includes: a side frame (13) which constitutes a side portion of a seat back frame (10); a bracket (20) which includes an attachment portion (21) attached to a side surface of the side frame (13) on a seat inner side and a back protrusion portion (22) protruding backward from the attachment portion (21); and an airbag module (30) which includes a retainer (34) fixed to the back protrusion portion (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a child safety seat for fastening to a vehicle seat, said child safety seat having a seat element, a backrest element, a first side element with a first inflatable air chamber, and a second side element with a second inflatable air chamber. The first side element is connected to a first longitudinal edge of the backrest element and a first longitudinal edge of the seat element, and the second side element is connected to a second longitudinal edge of the backrest element and a second longitudinal edge of the seat element. A first tensile element is connected to the first longitudinal edge of the backrest element and the first longitudinal edge of the seat element, and a second tensile element is connected to the second longitudinal edge of the backrest element and the second longitudinal edge of the seat element.

Abstract: Inflatable airbag assemblies are disclosed. The airbag assemblies can include a housing, an inflator assembly, an inflatable cushion, a tether, and a tension control mechanism. The tension control mechanism can include a pretensioning retractor and a load limiting member. The pretension retractor can be configured to apply a retracting tension or load to the tether following deployment of the inflatable cushion. The load limiting member can be configured to control extension of the tether during ride down of the inflatable cushion by applying a load or drag force to the tether.

Abstract: An occupant restraint device including: right and left airbags stored inside right and left sides of a seat back of a vehicle seat, respectively; right and left tension cloths connected to outer surfaces of the right and left airbags, respectively; and a lower tension cloth disposed inside a seat cushion of a vehicle seat, the lower tension cloth being continuously connected between lower parts of the right and left tension cloths. The lower tension cloth is movable in right and left directions with respect to an occupant sitting in the vehicle seat. When the right and left airbags are expanded and deployed, the right tension cloth, the left tension cloth, and the lower tension cloth are configured to push the expanded and deployed right and left airbags toward the occupant.

Abstract: A transport system and method for securely transporting subjects such as prisoners or persons that include a belt and a slideably engagable channel positioned across a part of a vehicle seat or bench for securing the belt and subject within the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for securing of vehicles includes at least one server; at least one vehicle having a vehicle processing device and a vehicle communication device designed to communicate with the server via at least one mobile radio network, wherein the vehicle processing device is designed to transmit data to the server; and at least one mobile terminal device, in particular a smartphone. The server has at least one allocation table which assigns at least one terminal device to the at least one vehicle. The server is designed to: (a) determine, by using the transmitted data, whether the vehicle is being moved without authorization; (b) determine, in the event of unauthorized movement of the vehicle, the associated terminal device using the allocation table; and/or (c) send a warning message to the associated terminal device in the event of unauthorized movement.

Abstract: Methods and systems for implementing autonomous vehicle security features. The present invention details an effective and secure methodology to implement the external management and control of autonomous vehicles by authorized personnel, usually law enforcement, through the use of intelligent sensors that can override an autonomous vehicle controller's functionality as necessary.

Abstract: A smart key is provided for use with a body control module (BCM) of an electronic control unit (ECU) of a vehicle. The BCM is configured to control electronic devices of the vehicle. The smart key includes a transceiver unit to communicate with the ECU, a control unit coupled to the transceiver unit, and a display unit coupled to the control unit. The control unit is configured to establish connection with the ECU via communication between the transceiver unit and the ECU for controlling operation of the BCM, and to control the display unit to display a state of at least one of the electronic devices controlled by the BCM.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a system for securely establishing a connection between a key and a receiver within or connected to, a vehicle such as, but not limited to, a car/motorized vehicle, a boat/vessel or a house. The key establishes contact to the receiver by sending a radio transmission. The receiver will respond, upon receipt of incoming transmission, with a message containing a pattern of multiple (2 or more) frequencies the key must transmit information on sequentially to allow for the receiver to do certain actions based on information transmitted by the key such as, but not limited to, turning on ignition, starting engine, switching relays.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a system and or method for combining wireless kill switch functionality and key either mechanical or wireless or other form of access control components. Embodiments of the invention comprise hardware including but not limited to, processing circuitry and wireless transceiver to fulfill the function as both a key or access control device and wireless kill switch.

Abstract: An on-vehicle device includes a determination unit, an instruction unit, and a modification unit. The determination unit determines whether to unlock doors based on a rolling code from a portable device and a reference rolling code to be collated with the rolling code. When the determination unit determines to unlock the doors, the instruction unit instructs the portable device to increase a value of the rolling code. When the portable device accepts the instruction from the instruction unit, the modification unit increases a value of the reference rolling code to be used in the determination unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a vehicle operation. One system includes a plurality of transceivers associated with a vehicle and a vehicle access system. The vehicle access system is configured to receive, via each of the plurality of transceivers, signal strength data associated with a portable communication device using a Bluetooth signal received at an antenna associated with each of the plurality of transceivers, and compare, for each of the plurality of transceivers, the signal strength data with a threshold signal strength value to perform a localization of the portable communication device generating the Bluetooth signal to determine whether the portable communication device is located inside or outside the vehicle. The vehicle access system is also configured to perform the operation based on whether the portable communication device is located inside or outside the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular door handle assembly includes a base portion configured to mount at a handle region of a vehicle door of a vehicle, a handle portion movable relative to the base portion, and an illumination module disposed in the handle portion. The illumination module includes a housing and an electronic circuit assembly having a light emitting diode (LED) and a circuit board with a user actuatable input disposed at a side thereof. The illumination module includes a light pipe in the housing and at least partially along the handle portion and having a light receiving end at the LED. The LED is actuated responsive at least in part to actuation by the user of the user actuatable input. Light emitted by the LED, when actuated, is received at the light receiving end of the light pipe, whereby the light pipe provides illumination at least partially along the handle portion.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a detector to detect and obtain biometric information, a first storage to store encrypted user biometric information, a second storage to store identification information of a user, and a first controller to decrypt the encrypted user biometric information when the detector detects the encrypted user biometric information based on the identification information received from the second storage. The first controller authenticates the user based on whether the detected biometric information is identical to the decrypted user biometric information.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for iris-detection alignment for vehicle entry and feature activation. An example vehicle includes a window, a camera facing the window, a puddle lamp to project an indicator pointing toward the camera, a UV source, and a controller. The controller is to project, via the UV source, a display onto the window upon detecting a user aligns with the indicator. The controller also is to provide directions to the user, via the display, to position an iris in front of the camera and activate a vehicle feature upon identifying the user via iris recognition.

Abstract: A patterned conductor that includes a metal linear conductor positioned on one placement surface that has a main cut surface orthogonal to its longitudinal direction, a plurality of metal crystal grains. In the main cut surface of thereof, a metal crystal grain(s) having a length h0 along a normal direction to the placement surface, which length is larger than one third of a height H of the linear conductor along the normal direction to the placement surface. A minimum value of a ratio (h0/w0), which is a ratio of the length h0 of the metal crystal grain(s) along the normal direction to the placement surface with respect to a length w0 along the placement surface, is not less than 1.2.

Abstract: A heating plate includes: a pair of glass plates; a conductive pattern disposed between the pair of glass plates and defining a plurality of opening areas; and a joint layer disposed between the conductive pattern and at least one of the pair of glass plates; wherein the conductive pattern includes a plurality of connection elements that extend between two branch points to define the opening areas; and a rate of the connection elements, which are straight line segments connecting the two branch points, relative to the plurality of connection elements, is less than 20%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for wiping and cleaning a glazed surface (S) of an automotive vehicle, comprising at least: —one direct current electric motor (7) rotating in a single direction and capable of moving at least one “wiper arm” unit (BB) formed by a drive arm (1) and a wiper blade (2) by means of a linkage (14), said “wiper arm” unit being moved according to an angular reciprocating movement between a rest position (11) and an end position (12) opposite the rest position (11) in relation to an angular sector (13) on the glazed surface (S), —a device (15) for dispensing an active liquid on the glazed surface (S), the active liquid preferably being a de-icing liquid or an insect-removing liquid, —a control means (10) configured to control, on the one hand, the operation of the motor (7) in order to stop the “wiper arm” unit (BB) for a nonzero duration and, on the other hand, the dispensing of the active liquid by the dispensing device (15).

Abstract: A cleaning device for a surface, such as a windshield of a vehicle, has a housing that holds a spray bar, rotatable brush and a wiper blade. An engagement mechanism moves spray bar, the brush, and the wiper blade out from a disengaged position within the housing to an engaged position outside the housing so that they can be used to clean, brush, and dry the surface. After the spray bar, brush, and wiper blade are used to, respectively, clean, brush, and dry the surface, the engagement mechanism then moves the spray bar, the brush, and the wiper blade to a disengaged position within the housing.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an adapter (100) intended to connect a wiper to a drive arm (5) of a motor vehicle wiper system. The adapter (100) according to the invention comprises a head (1) and a body (2) which extend in the continuation of one another in a longitudinal direction of the adapter (100), and the adapter (100) according to the invention comprises a means (6, 61) of rotational connection to a connector (8) attached to the wiper (7). According to the invention, the adapter (100) is formed at least by an upper wall (10, 20) from which derive at least two lateral flanks (11, 21) so as to delimit an internal volume (101) in which the connector (8) is able to extend.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides automatic cleaning system and method. The automatic cleaning system includes a control unit, a Micro Control Unit (MCU), a cleaning device and a sensor device. The control unit is configured to determine a cleaning type for cleaning a protective cover of a camera based on an image captured by the camera and the measured temperature and humidity on the outer surface of the protective cover. The control unit is also configured to generate a cleaning instruction based on the cleaning type. The control unit is also configured to send the instruction to the MCU. The MCU is configured to control the cleaning device to clean the protective cover of the camera in accordance with the cleaning instruction in response to receiving the instruction sent from the control unit.

Abstract: A vehicle snow and ice remover comprises a plurality of modular pieces assembled together to form a pair of vertical supports and a cross piece connecting the pair of vertical supports and a roof clearing device movable along the pair of vertical supports. The plurality of modular pieces include at most two different shapes and each having a maximum outer dimension that is less than or equal to 75% of a height of each of the vertical supports.

Abstract: A wheel brush and lug nut cleaner having a handle with a rear portion and a front portion operably configured to pivot with respect to one another utilizing a pivot pin with a plurality of grooves disposed along an external perimeter thereof. The rear portion has a spring-loaded release mechanism disposed therein and having an accessible release button and a lock tab in operational communication with the release button, wherein the accessible release button is operably configured to move the lock tab to a disengaged position and an engaged position with respect to the plurality of grooves, the disengaged position operably configured to enable pivoting of the front portion with respect to the rear portion and the engaged position operably configured prevent pivoting of the front portion with respect to the rear portion. The device also includes a brush head with a plurality of bristles disposed thereon.

Abstract: A service system for servicing a vehicle includes a service station and a parts locker array disposed in or adjacent the service station and including: a plurality of parts lockers. Each parts locker includes a locker access door configured to alternatively open and close to permit and impede, respectively, access to the parts locker's interior, and a locker locking mechanism configured to alternatively lock and unlock to impede and permit, respectively, opening of the parts locker access door.

Abstract: A method for inflating a tyre mounted on a corresponding wheel rim comprises the following steps in sequence; placing a tool at an operating position, where a first bead of the tyre is interposed between the tool and a second bead of the tyre, and one end of tool is positioned axially between a first flange of the rim and a first rib of the rim and positioned radially between an outside surface of the rim and a tread of the tyre; blowing a gas under pressure through an inflation valve of the tyre into a chamber delimited by the tyre and by the rim, with the tool at the operating position, so that the first sidewall of the tyre is pressed against the end of the tool; removing the tool from the operating position.

Abstract: A semitrailer landing gear controller assembly for automating the extension and retraction of a semitrailer landing gear using an external input of pressurized air. The device includes a primary member designed to receive and rotate a removable secondary member installed over a turning axle for a semitrailer landing gear, where rotation of the turning axle corresponds to the extension or retraction of a semitrailer landing gear depending on the direction of rotation. The primary member further including a turbine designed to drive rotation of the secondary member with the force of pressurized air obtained from an external input of pressurized air, like the supply line from a semitrailer.