Abstract: An emergency alert system for a vehicle includes a drone system including a warning sign disposed within a body defining cavity of the vehicle and a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to a user request during a stop, launch the drone system from the cavity and specify drone position relative to the vehicle based on traffic flow around the vehicle to alert other vehicles in a vicinity of the vehicle via the warning sign regarding occurrence of the stop.

Abstract: A system and method for providing haptic counteractions and alerts within a seat of a vehicle that include determining that at least one front seat passenger is occupying at least one front passenger seat and at least one rear seat passenger is occupying at least one rear passenger seat. The system and method also include determining a location of the at least one rear seat passenger with respect to a location of the at least one front seat passenger within the vehicle and determining if at least one disturbance is affecting the at least one front passenger seat. The system and method further include actuating at least one vibrational element to counteract the at least one disturbance affecting the at least one front passenger seat and to provide a reminder alert pertaining to the at least one rear seat passenger to the at least one front seat passenger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system of historical reaction based driver advanced assistance. In this method, a combination of external environment to a vehicle on which the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) is mounted fetched by forward looking cameras is combined with rear looking camera for internal environment or driver state, is generated. The generated combination is utilized to analyze is there is any critical situation that is upcoming. For providing feedback for such situation, processor within the ADAS transmits the current combination situation to a remote server that stores historical feedback and driver reactions for various combination of situations. For the current combination situation, a historical combination situation is fetched and corresponding feedbacks analyzed and an ideal feedback, that has comparatively least number of negative driver reactions, is determined.

Abstract: A warning system for detecting approaching vehicle and method thereof are provided. The system includes a detection unit detecting a relative distance with respect to the approaching vehicle and a driving path of the approaching vehicle; a storage unit storing a warning information; and a processing unit receiving the detection signal to acquire the current time to collision and the current driving path. When the time to collision is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time to collision, and the driving path falls in the warning area, and the driving path fulfills the confirmation condition, the processing unit sends a warning signal. Therefore, a potentially dangerous approaching vehicle is accurately judged, and the warning is correctly sent.

Abstract: An automated drive system comprises a first and a second system. The first system comprises a camera and an ADS-ECU (a first controller). The camera is configured to acquire front information of a vehicle. The first controller is configured to execute automated driving control of the vehicle. The first controller is configured to judge whether or not headlights are lighted based on the front information. The second system comprises a BODY-ECU (a second controller). The second controller is configured to control lighting operation of the headlights. The second controller is configured to transmit to the first controller an ACK signal about control status of the lighting operation. The first controller is configured to judge whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the second system based on judgement result signal based on the front information and the ACK signal.

Abstract: An onboard display device that includes: a display that includes a display region at a front passenger seat side of a vehicle width direction center position at a front face side of a vehicle cabin, and that is capable of displaying a picture in the display region; and a display controller that converts a second image captured by a second image capture section to a point-of-view-converted image viewed as if from a hypothetical point-of-view at an installation position of a first image capture section, that stitches a first image captured by the first image capture section with an image from a range in the point-of-view-converted image not overlapping with the first image to generate a composite image, and that controls the display so as to display the composite image in the display region as the picture.

Abstract: A side mirror for a vehicle includes a camera, a mirror panel disposed at a portion of the side mirror, a display panel stacked on the mirror panel, and at least one processor configured to cause the side mirror to enter one of a mirror mode or a display mode based on vehicle traveling information, based on the side mirror being in the mirror mode, to output, on a portion of the display panel, a visualization on a mirror image that appears in the mirror panel, based on the side mirror being in the display mode, to output, on the display panel in the display mode, a side-rear image captured by the camera, and based on the side mirror being in the display mode, to provide, a visual effect to a portion of the side-rear image regarding ambient situation information.

Abstract: A backing plate unit for a rear view device for a motor vehicle includes at least one opening passing from a rear side of a backing plate to a front side thereof to form a logo pattern by itself, first attachment means on the rear side of the backing plate for a light source, and light filter means and/or at least one extension which is extending from the front side of the backing plate in the region of the logo pattern. A method for producing such a backing plate unit and a rear view device with such a backing plate unit are also described.

Abstract: An access ladder for access to a pickup truck bed. The access ladder includes a base having a pair of spaced apart “J” shaped brackets, with the proximal end having an open jaw sized and shaped so that it can be releasably secured to the pickup truck bed. The “J” shaped brackets are spaced apart by spacers, and optionally, a step plate. A protective mat may be provided to protect the surface of the pickup truck bed against scratching or abrasion. A handle may be provided for assisting users with balance as they ingress or egress from a pickup truck bed. A plurality of steps are affixed to the “J” shaped brackets. The steps are provided at fixed intervals along a pair of flexible support members, which in an embodiment, may be ropes. Support stops are used to set spacing of steps along the flexible support members. Bumpers may be provided at each step to further protect the outer surface of the pickup truck.

Abstract: Disclosed is a one-piece floorboard storage compartment (100) for a front passenger side floorboard of a vehicle comprising a lower tray (105) and upper tray (150) which may be one-piece and may be used on top of a floorboard basin (A) of a vehicle to conceal for an least one concealed valuable (315) within an inner compartment (240) between the lower tray (105) and the upper tray (150).

Abstract: A pocket is structured to be removably securable to a vehicle door. In one arrangement, the pocket includes at least one positioning element receiving cavity structured to extend horizontally or substantially horizontally when the pocket is attached to a vehicle door.

Abstract: A cover for an operator console of a machine includes a first section rotatably coupled to the operator console. The first section selectively rotates between a first position and a second position about a rotational axis. The cover also includes a second section rotatably coupled to the operator console and the first section. The second section selectively rotates between a third position and a fourth position about the rotational axis. The second section is also adapted to engage with the first section during rotation of the second section from the third position to the fourth position to rotate the first section from the first position to the second position. The second section is further adapted to engage with the first section during rotation of the second section from the fourth position to the third position to rotate the first section from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A carrier assembly for transporting one or more hand trucks includes a platform having an upper surface configured to support a hand truck, a mount configured to couple the platform to a vehicle such that the upper surface of the platform is positioned to support the hand truck at a first elevation, a support extending generally perpendicular to the upper surface of the platform, and a retainer extending generally parallel to the upper surface of the platform. The support and retainer are each configured to restrict a movement of the hand truck when the hand truck is supported at the first elevation. The retainer is moveable between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration.

Abstract: The portable exercise system for use with a trailer or truck frame is configured for use with one or more bumper slots located on the rear bumper of the trailer. The portable exercise system for use with a trailer or truck frame is a kit that creates static structures that are attached to the trailer using the one or more bumper slots. The portable exercise system for use with a trailer or truck frame comprises a plurality of removable bollards and a plurality of grips. The plurality of removable bollards attach the plurality of grips to the one or more bumper slots. The plurality of removable bollards form the static structures. The plurality of grips allow for exercises that require a controlled change in elevation relative to the horizontal surface formed by the trailer.

Abstract: A vibration device includes: a base substrate which is a first conductivity type semiconductor substrate; a lid substrate; a vibration element disposed between the base substrate and the lid substrate; a wiring disposed on a surface of the base substrate at the lid substrate side; and a coupling member that electrically couples the wiring and the vibration element to each other. The base substrate includes a second conductivity type well, which is different from the first conductivity type, and a first conductivity type first contact area that is disposed in the well and that has a first contact surface which is a part of the surface. The wiring and the coupling member are in contact with the first contact surface, and are electrically coupled to each other via the first contact area.

Abstract: A remote control holder is provided for a road finisher, in particular for a paving screed of the road finisher. The remote control holder is configured to hold a first remote control and a second remote control, the remote controls comprising control elements for controlling functions of the road finisher. The remote control holder comprises two wings that each have a receiving tray, and each wing is intended to receive a remote control in the receiving tray. The wings are pivotable between a first position, in which the wings are arranged substantially flat next to each other and the remote control holder is open, and a second position, in which the wings are substantially pivoted to each other and the remote control holder is closed.

Abstract: An elongated pillar garnish configured to be attached to a gap between a peripheral edge portion of a window pane of a vehicle and a pillar of the vehicle, the pillar garnish including: an elongated attachment member for attaching the pillar garnish to the gap; and an elongated decorative member assembled to a front surface side of the attachment member, in which the attachment member includes an elongated main body part, and a cover part provided to at least one end of the main body part in a longitudinal direction, in which the cover part has a covering portion covering at least a part of a front surface of the decorative member, and a supporting wall portion erected from the main body part toward the outer side and supporting the covering portion, and in which the supporting wall portion is provided along a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a motor vehicle with a locator device configured to maintain outer body panel alignment, and a corresponding method. In particular, an example method includes temporarily attaching a locator device to one of a body of a motor vehicle and an outer body panel connectable to the body. The method further includes connecting the outer body panel to the body, and rigidly connecting the locator device to the other of the body and the outer body panel.

Abstract: An insulating material for insulating a structural element in a vehicle including a support element with a first surface and a second surface, and an expandable material which is arranged on the support element. The expandable material is arranged here on a first sub-region of the first surface of the support element, and a second sub-region of the first surface is free from expandable material. The first sub-region is configured here in such a manner that the first surface of the support element is completely covered with expanded material after expansion of the expandable material.

Abstract: A hardware hider cap assembly is provided for covering a fastener, and more specifically, covering a fastener head. The hider cap assembly can include a base member with an opening for receiving the fastener and a cap member releasably coupled to the base member via a threaded engagement. The cap member can include a tab or protrusion configured to engage with a notch in the base member, thereby preventing overtightening of the cap member onto the base member.

Abstract: An insertion coupling structure includes a base portion that is in contact with a surface on one side in a thickness direction of a coupling member, a clamping portion that faces a surface on the other side of the coupling member, a rigid supporting portion that is provided to the clamping portion in a rib-like shape along an insertion direction that intersects the thickness direction of the coupling member and in which the coupling member is inserted, and is in contact with the surface on the other side of the coupling member, and an elastic supporting portion that has rigidity lower than the rigidity of the rigid supporting portion.

Abstract: A rear liftgate window assembly for a vehicle includes a glass window panel configured to be pivotally mounted at a rear portion of a vehicle so as to be pivotable between a closed position and an opened position. A heater grid includes a plurality of electrically conductive traces established at the inner surface of the glass window panel. A pair of busbars are established at the inner surface of the glass window panel and extend outboard of at least one side region of the inner surface of the window panel that contacts a seal at the vehicle when the glass window panel is in the closed position. Electrical connectors are electrically connected to the busbars outboard of the side region. The electrical connectors are configured to electrically connect to a power source of the vehicle when the rear liftgate window assembly is mounted at the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for providing power includes a control and a switch. The control is configured to indicate providing parallel power to a vehicle mounted device. The switch is configured to connect power in parallel to the vehicle mounted device, where connecting power in parallel includes back current protection.

Abstract: A vehicle power management system includes a primary power bus for powering a first non-critical load, a secondary power bus for powering a second non-critical load, and a first relay electrically connected between the primary power bus and the first non-critical load. The vehicle power management system further includes a second relay electrically connected between the secondary power bus and the second non-critical load. The first inductor is electrically connected to the secondary power bus and the second inductor is electrically connected to the primary power bus.

Abstract: A method for determining a cell current limit for a traction battery and for an onboard network that is supplied with power by the traction battery in a motor vehicle with, respectively, a cell and onboard network voltage limiter using an integral feedback loop calculating a respective integral current term. The integral feedback loops of the two voltage limiters are interdependent, the integral current terms of the cell voltage limiter being transmitted to the integral feedback loop of the network voltage limiter and the integral terms of the voltage limiter of the network being transmitted to the integral feedback loop of the cell voltage limiter so as to determine a battery current limit that is common to the two limiters.

Abstract: A crash structure for a vehicle, including a bumper crossmember of which the end portions are each connected to a corresponding longitudinal member via a crash box. End regions of the end portions each project in the vehicle transverse direction beyond the corresponding longitudinal member. In each case a first supporting element which protrudes in the direction of a corresponding wheelhouse is arranged at the end regions and, in an accident situation with slight overlapping of the other party in the accident, impinges on the corresponding longitudinal member. In each case a second supporting element is arranged at the end regions of the end portions and, in the accident situation with slight overlapping of the other party in the accident, impinges on a corresponding connecting region between the crash box and the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A system for providing protection to a track type tractor includes a sweep arrangement having a pair of arms that are supported on a cab of the track type tractor. The pair of arms have first ends that are disposed rearwardly of the cab. The pair of arms also extend forward of an engine compartment of the track type tractor and have second ends that are coupled with a housing of the engine compartment. The system also includes a cross-brace having a pair of clamps and a bar. The clamps are releasably fastened onto the pair of arms of the sweep arrangement and located at an anterior region of the track type tractor. The bar has a pair of ends that are releasably fastened to proximal ends of the pair of clamps.

Abstract: A pedal assembly for a motor vehicle includes a bracket with a first groove, a pedal shaft arranged in the first groove and a pedal arm pivotally coupled to the bracket via the pedal; an operating device and at least one locking device. The operating device is arranged for activation or control of a vehicular function and is pivotally coupled to the pedal arm. The locking device is arranged for locking of the pedal shaft in an operating position, and in the event of a collision, it is releasable to allow movement of the pedal shaft from the operating position to a safety position. The bracket has a second groove. A locking pin is arranged in a locking position in the second groove in order to prevent the release of the locking device.

Abstract: A monument mounted airbag system for arresting passenger movement during a sudden acceleration/deceleration event of a moving vehicle includes an airbag assembly including at least one airbag on a first portion of a monument structure, the airbag assembly having a housing at least partially defined by a space between an external member and the monument structure.

Abstract: A far-side airbag device of a vehicle includes an airbag which is unfolded upon inflation between at least two backrests arranged in the width direction of the vehicle and includes an inner panel facing a passenger and an outer panel facing the central axis of the vehicle at the time of inflation. The far-side airbag device includes a rotation preventing bracket for pressing the rear end of the airbag to prevent the airbag from rotating about the rear end of the airbag by an impact from the passenger at the time of collision of the vehicle, so that it is possible to increase a restraining force for preventing the passenger from moving toward the inside of the vehicle by preventing the airbag from rotating about a fastening portion on the rear end by the impact applied from the passenger due to the collision of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle seat, which is provided in a vehicle equipped with a head portion protecting airbag that protects a head portion of a vehicle occupant at a time of a side collision, includes: a head portion restraining portion that is provided at an upper portion side of a seatback so as to be able to tilt rearward from an upright state, and that restrains a head portion of a vehicle occupant, wherein, when the seatback is tilted rearward beyond a predetermined angle with respect to a vertical direction, the head portion of the vehicle occupant can be protected due to at least a side portion that is at a vehicle transverse direction outer side of the head portion restraining portion covering a side of the head portion of the vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A side inflatable airbag assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. Inflatable airbag assemblies may provide protection for an occupant in a vehicle collision event. In a side collision event, or other event producing lateral movement of the occupant relative to the vehicle, the disclosed inflatable airbag assembly may receive and support the occupant during ride down so as to prevent or minimize injury resulting from impact with a vehicle door, sidewall, center console, or other vehicle structure disposed lateral to the vehicle seating position. The disclosed airbag may differentially support the occupant by providing varied degrees of support for the shoulder, pelvis, and torso, which may be particularly beneficial to an elderly occupant whose bones may be more susceptible to some injury types and modes as a result of age-incident health issues.

Abstract: It is provided an airbag arrangement for a vehicle-occupant-restraining system, comprising an airbag, wherein at least one airbag layer delimits an inflatable volume of the airbag; and at least one fastening tab, which is connected to the airbag layer and is intended for fastening the airbag on a vehicle component. The entire fastening tab is formed from a different material to that of the airbag layer.

Abstract: A side airbag device includes: an inflator; a cushion that is expandable from the side of a seat toward a front of a vehicle; a vent hole that is provided at a predetermined position of the cushion and that discharges the gas; a patch that openably covers the vent hole from an inside of the cushion; a tether that is connected to the patch and a predetermined position (a tether cutter) of the side of the seat, the tether pulling the patch toward a rear of the vehicle so as to open the vent hole when the cushion is expanded and deployed; and a tether cutter that is configured to cut the tether in response to information relating to a state of the vehicle.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle tongue (1) with a tongue body (3) extending in the direction of plug-in (2), in which a strap slot (4) is formed for the passage of a strap (5), and a deflection element (6) movably the tongue body (3), The strap (5), in an unloaded passage position of the deflection element (6), is movable through the strap slot (4), and is at least prevented from moving by the deflection element (6) in the loading position of the deflection element (6) induced by a tensile force to the strap (5). The deflection element (6) is movable from the passage position into the loading position with a constriction portion (18) along the contact surface (19) of the tongue body (3), so that the strap (5) in the loading position with a strap portion is flat in contact with both the contact surface (19) of the tongue body (3) and with the constriction portion (18) of the deflection element (6).

Abstract: A seat system for a motor vehicle has at least one vehicle seat, which can be adjusted between a first position in the forward direction of travel of the motor vehicle, and a second position counter to the forward direction of travel of the motor vehicle. A safety belt device is provided to secure an occupant seated in the vehicle seat in the first and second position. An optimized system in terms of weight, complexity and manufacturing costs, has the safety belt device include a respective belt system, held on corresponding holding points on the motor vehicle body-in-white side, for the first and for the second position of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A remote vehicle immobilizer is described. A network gateway device receives a command from a remote computing device to modify a configuration of an electronic switch from a first configuration to a second configuration. The electronic switch is positioned in a conducting path between a starter motor of the vehicle and a battery of the vehicle. In response to receiving the command, the network gateway device transmits a signal to the electronic switch via a two-way communication channel connecting the network gateway device to the electronic switch. The signal causes the electronic switch to modify the configuration of the electronic switch from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: A portable device executes wireless communication with an in-vehicle device in a vehicle to thereby permit the in-vehicle device to perform control relating to locking or unlocking of a door in the vehicle. The portable device includes a circuit board on which a function for executing control is mounted, a housing, and a side cover. The housing is achieved by combining an upper case and a lower case configured to separate in an up and down direction that is a direction orthogonal to the circuit board. The side cover is attached to a side surface on an outside of the housing to bring the upper case and the lower case into close contact with each other.

Abstract: An electronic key management system assisting device including: a connector (31) that is mounted in a vehicle and is used for a connection with an in-vehicle authentication device communicating with a management server using an in-vehicle communication device; and a requester (35B) that requests the management server to transmit an execution key for obtaining a permission for a transition to a registration mode in which an electronic key of the vehicle is registered in the in-vehicle registration device or an invalidation mode in which the electronic key registered in the in-vehicle registration device is invalidated using a communication device other than the in-vehicle communication device in a case which the in-vehicle authentication device connected through the connector is not able to communicate with the management server using the in-vehicle communication device.

Abstract: A glass plate module (10) according to the present invention includes a glass plate (1), a conductive layer (2) laminated on the glass plate (1), at least one connection terminal (3) fixed to the conductive layer (2), and made of a conductive material, and an adhesive material (4) for fixing the connection terminal (3) to the conductive layer (2).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to techniques for implementing a windshield wiper system with an actively movable platform. The windshield wiper system can include a windshield wiper arm mechanically coupled to a platform and an actuator mechanically coupled to the platform. The windshield wiper arm can be configured to move through a planar range of motion that is substantially parallel to a surface of a vehicle when the platform is positioned at a first spatial location and the movable windshield wiper arm can be configured constrained from moving through the planar range when the platform is positioned at a second spatial location.

Abstract: A gear side feeding terminal (73U, 73V, 73W) connected to a motor side feeding terminal (36U, 36V, 36W) provided to the end portion of a stator (32) in the axial direction of the stator (32) from the axial direction of a rotor (38) is provided on a control board (70) for controlling the rotor (38), housed in a gear case (61) so as to be stacked on a speed reduction mechanism (SD) from the direction crossing the axial direction of the rotor (38). In this manner, the wiper motor is composed of a brushless wiper motor (20), and it is unnecessary to provide the gear side feeding terminal (73U, 73V, 73W) so as to avoid the control board (70). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent electric noises, and provide a wiper motor reduced in size and weight, and since it is unnecessary to form a clearance in the control board (70), it is possible to provide a wiper motor further improved in degree of freedom for designing the control board (70).

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to a windscreen wiper drive of a windscreen wiper device of a rail vehicle. The drive includes at least one electric motor, a gear, the input shaft of which being connected to an output shaft of the electric motor, wherein an output shaft of the gear is provided for driving at least one windscreen wiper arm of a windscreen wiper, which arm swings back and forth with the output shaft, a rotation angle sensor unit, which detects a rotation of at least one element of the windscreen wiper drive, and a mechanical rotation angle limitation, which mechanically limits a rotational movement of at least one element of the windscreen wiper drive. The electric motor is formed by a disc motor and the gear is formed by a planetary gear.

Abstract: A wiper system for vehicles is provided. The system includes a heated wiper blade assembly, a heated cowl assembly and a controller. The controller receives input from one or more sensors or systems and causes a power source to provide, reduce or stop power to heating elements in the blade and/or cowl depending upon sensed conditions. At least some components in the assembly comprise thermally conductive polymers. The system provides surprisingly advantageous results in that it is effective for melting and clearing ice and snow with a lower than expected pull on a power source such as a battery.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a deflector (2; 20) for a wiper blade (1; 10) for a motor vehicle, made from a flexible material characterised in that it is split longitudinally by a groove (11; 110) communicating with a longitudinal cavity (8; 80) of the deflector (2; 20) in such a way as to form two half-foil members (2a, 2b; 20a, 20b) that can assume a deformed position in which the deformed half-foil members (2a, 2b; 20a, 20b) increase the deflection surface area of the deflector (2; 20). The present invention also concerns a wiper blade (1; 10) comprising such a deflector (2; 20).

Abstract: The invention concerns a protection device (3) for protecting an optical sensor (13) for a motor vehicle. According to the invention, the protection device (3) comprises: —a transparent optical element (9) mounted rotatably movable about an axis of rotation (A1), configured to be arranged upstream from an optical unit (14) of the optical sensor (13) such that the axis of rotation (A1) of same coincides with the optical axis (15), and —a motor (5) comprising a rotary shaft (51) configured to rotate about an axis of rotation (A2), and configured to rotate said optical element (9) such that the axis of rotation (A1) of said optical element (9) further coincides with the axis of rotation (A2) of the rotary shaft (51) of the motor (5). The invention also concerns a corresponding driver assistance system (1) and a cleaning method implementing such a protection device (3).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for controlling a sensor system. More particularly, a sensor control system can access respective first data and second data descriptive of one or more monitored parameters associated with a first sensor of an autonomous vehicle. Based on the first data and the second data, the sensor control system can determine that a change in the one or more monitored parameters between the first sensor and the one or more second sensors has exceeded a predetermined threshold level. In response, the sensor control system can implement a control action relative to at least the first sensor (e.g., initiating cleaning of the first sensor, adjusting alignment of the first sensor, determining a compensation factor for the first data received from the first sensor, or communicating a signal request for service of the first sensor).

Abstract: A work machine includes a power generator configured to generate power to propel the machine, a brake system, an operator seat, one or more sensors, and a controller. The operator seat is rotatably mounted to the machine. The one or more sensors are configured to generate one or more signals indicative of an orientation of the operator seat relative to a direction of travel of the machine. The controller is coupled to the machine and communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors. The controller is configured to determine that the operator seat is out of alignment with the direction of travel based on the one or more signals and automatically actuate the brake system if the operator seat is out of alignment with the direction of travel for more than a first threshold time.

Abstract: A drilling tool, in particular a rock drilling tool, for a portable machine tool, includes a drill head, in particular a hard metal drill head. The drill head includes a drill shaft connected, in particular integrally with the drill head, and a rotational axis. The drill shaft is configured as one piece, has a guide section with guide groove winding in a spiral-shaped about the drill shaft for transporting away drilling dust, and has a securing section provided for detachably securing the drilling tool to a machine tool. The guide section has a diameter reinforcement at a drill head support region of the guide section neighboring, in particular adjacent to, the drill head.

Abstract: A power split hybrid powertrain includes an electrically actuated brake that selectively engages a ring gear attached to a flywheel. The ring gear may be, for example, a starter ring gear. Engagement of the brake while the engine is stopped permits use of both electric machines to provide torque to vehicle wheels, thereby increasing the electric torque capacity of the powertrain. The brake is mounted for movement relative to the ring gear, and a mechanical linkage is attached to the brake. In the event of a malfunction of the brake that prevents normal operation of the powertrain, the linkage is manually actuatable by a vehicle operator to move the brake to an override position wherein it cannot engage the ring gear.