Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, systems, and devices for controlling electric vehicle charging across multiple customers and multiple fleets of electric vehicles. These methods, systems, and devices may implement machine learning to determine distinct charging strategies for a plurality of charging depots. Scheduling methods systems, and devices disclosed herein do not require fixed electric vehicle arrival times but may instead update charging strategies in real time based on changes in a state of a system.

Abstract: Methods and system are described for recalibrating a charge storage capacity value of an electric energy storage device. In one example, the charge electric energy storage device may be a battery. The charge storage capacity value may be recalibrated via discharging and charging a battery via electric vehicle supply equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method performed by a control unit (115) for handling charging in an at least partly electric vehicle (100). The control unit (115) transmits, to a charger (103), a request to provide power to at least one auxiliary load (108) and to charge a battery (101) with an amount of voltage. The amount of voltage corresponds to a desired SOC level. The charging of the battery (101) automatically stops when the desired SOC level is reached. The charger (103) continues to provide power to the at least one auxiliary load (108) when the desired SOC level is reached.

Abstract: A vehicular battery management system (BMS) comprises a battery controller, a set of battery cells, a primary network node coupled to the battery controller, and a secondary network node coupled to the set of battery cells. The primary and secondary network nodes are configured to wirelessly communicate with each other using frames that share a common frame format. The frame format includes one or more bits and a status of the one or more bits indicates whether the secondary network node is to communicate with the primary network node on behalf of another secondary network node.

Abstract: An electric propulsion system includes a rotary electric machine having an output member, a rechargeable energy storage system (“RESS”) connected to the electric machine, a user interface device, and a controller. The RESS includes multiple battery modules and a switching circuit, the latter being configured, in response to electronic switching control signals, to connect the battery modules in a parallel-connected configuration or a series-connected configuration, as a selected battery configuration. The user interface device receives an operator-requested drive mode request as an electrical signal indicative of a desired drive mode of the electric propulsion system.

Abstract: A front end structure of a vehicle is disclosed and includes a housing having a fluid reservoir portion, a fan shroud portion, a back face, a bolster portion, a first air passage communicating airflow to an air intake system, and a second air passage in communication with a higher pressure airflow. A fan assembly is mounted within the fan shroud portion and a radiator mounted to the back face of the housing. A battery compartment is in communication with airflow from the second air passage for maintain battery temperature within a predefined range. A headlight also receives an airflow to actively remove moisture from an inner cavity. A method of assembling a front end structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power plant thermal-management-system control method for controlling thermal management systems in PMCs is provided. The thermal management systems are operated based on coolant temperatures of the PMCs of a power plant of a fuel cell vehicle to prevent the temperatures of the PMCs from deviating from a reference range, which in turn prevents degradation of fuel cells.

Abstract: A torque generating system is described, and includes a fuel cell power device, a high-voltage battery, an electric drive unit, and a controller. The fuel cell power device has a non-linear power-temperature relationship that has a local temperature maxima at a first electric power level and a local temperature minima at a second electric power level. A first operating point of the fuel cell power device is less than the first electric power level, and a second operating point of the fuel cell power device is set at a third electric power level that is greater than the first electric power level, wherein the third electric power level generates a fuel cell temperature that is less than the local temperature maxima. The fuel cell power device is controlled to one of the first operating point or the second operating point to transfer electric power to the electric drive unit.

Abstract: A stationary vehicle seating system, including: a hanger bracket assembly configured to engage at least one hinge assembly of a stationary vehicle; and a seat structure that hangs from the hanger bracket assembly when the hanger bracket assembly is engaged with the at least one hinge assembly. A seat structure supporting method includes hanging a seat structure from a hanger bracket assembly that is engaged with at least one hinge assembly of a stationary vehicle.

Abstract: In order to prevent distortion of slide rails caused by an urging force generated by an urging member in a vehicle tumble seat, a vehicle seat is capable of taking a stowed position in which a seat back is folded onto a seat cushion and the seat cushion together with the folded seat back is rotatably lifted away from a floor, and the vehicle seat is configured to include a support member coupled to the floor; a rotating member rotatably supported by the support member via a support shaft extending in a right-left direction; a lower rail extending in a front-rear direction and coupled at an end to the rotating member so as to be extend literally offset relative to the support shaft; an upper rail slidably supported by the lower rail and coupled to the seat cushion; a coupling device provided at a second end of the lower rail on a side toward the support shaft and capable of selectably connecting to the floor; and an urging device extending the front-rear direction and having one end coupled to the support memb

Abstract: A seat sliding device includes a lower rail, an upper rail, a lever member, a lock member, a biasing member and an operation member. The upper rail includes a shaft member, and the lever member includes bearings engaging with the shaft member. Each of the left and right bearings has a surface in contact with the shaft member at one point in an up-down direction by being biased by the biasing member. In the pair of left and right bearings, a surface in contact with the shaft member in one bearing is formed as an arc-shaped surface with a radius slightly larger than an outer diameter of the shaft member, and a surface in contact with the shaft member in the other bearing is formed as a flat surface extending relative to the upper rail in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Various implementations include a seat having a guide track, a base bracket, a first pivot arm, and a second pivot arm. The guide track includes an elongated track having a longitudinal centerline and one or more notches. The base bracket includes at least one laterally extending guide pin slidingly engaging the elongated track and disposable within the one or more notches. The first pivot arm is configured to support a forward cushion. The first pivot arm is rotatably coupled to the base bracket and movable between an upright position and a forward position. The second pivot arm is configured to support a rearward cushion. The second pivot arm is rotatably coupled to the base bracket and movable between an upright position and a rearward position.

Abstract: A fitting arrangement for a vehicle seat including two fitting parts adjustable relative to each other about an adjustment axis and forming a bearing space, a locking element disposed in the bearing space on one of the two fitting parts and radially adjustable with respect to the adjustment axis between an unlocking position, in which the two fitting parts are pivotable relative to each other and a locking position, in which the two fittings parts are non-rotatably locked to each other, and at least one adjuster part pivotally mounted within the bearing space for adjusting the locking element between the unlocking position and the locking position. The at least one adjuster part mounted on a bush element on which a cover element is provided for sealing the bearing space and attached axially with.

Abstract: A vehicle seat reclining device includes a ratchet and a guide assembled to be rotatable, a plurality of pawls that are supported by a pair of guide walls provided on the guide, mesh with the ratchet, and are arranged in the relative rotation direction and restrict relative rotation between the ratchet and the guide, and a cam that moves the pawls outward. One of the pawls is a main pawl having a rattle preventing structure. The main pawl includes a bulging portion configured to abut against the pressing portion. Each of the pawls other than the main pawl do not have a bulging portion corresponding to the bulging portion of the main pawl.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a damper system for a suspension of a vehicle seat. A linkage of the damper system can be configured to cause a damper to provide different damping characteristics when the suspension moves towards a neutral position than when the suspension moves away from the neutral position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat with a ventilation device which is paired with at least two fans. It is provided that only one of the at least two fans is provided with a bus signal as an input signal which is converted into a PWM signal for the at least one other fan in a signal converter wherein the signal converter has at least one output which provides the PWM signal, generated for the at least one fan, to an input of the at least one further fan.

Abstract: An automotive seat has a self-folding armrest to facilitate automated and complete folding of the armrest upon folding the seat. As such, at least one armrest is pivotally coupled to one side of the backrest, wherein the at least one armrest has a bottom surface. The seat comprises at least one guiding member adapted to be coupled to each side of a seat bottom where there is an armrest. The guiding member comprises an upper surface, such that folding of the backrest towards the seat bottom results in sliding of the bottom surface of the armrest over the upper surface of the guiding member. This facilitates automated folding of the armrest with respect to the backrest, without requiring any additional mechanism, and restricting contact of the armrest with a floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A seat headrest includes: a pad assembly; a main cover surrounding a rear side of the pad assembly; an upper guide coupled to the main cover and provided with an upward/downward movement guide groove formed in the upper guide and elongated upward/downward; a post stay including an upper portion inserted in the upward/downward movement guide groove; and a post holding guide, in which the lower portion of the post stay is inserted and held and which is held to a seat back frame.

Abstract: Automobile accessories, kits, and methods of use. An automobile accessory is a heel guard that can be applied to a floor and/or a floor mat within an interior of an automobile such as a car, a truck, a van, a bus, and the like. The heel guard may be secured to the floor and/or the floor mat to provide a layer of protection between the driver's shoe or foot and the floor and/or floor mat. The heel guard prevents damage to these surfaces due to friction produced by movement of the driver's foot during operation of the foot pedals of the automobile.

Abstract: Provided is a vacuum adiabatic body. The vacuum adiabatic body includes a first plate member defining at least a portion of a wall for a first space, a second plate member defining at least a portion of a wall for a second space having a temperature different from the first space, a sealing part sealing the first plate member and the second plate member to provide a third space that has a temperature between the temperature of the first space and the temperature of the second space and is in a vacuum state, a supporting unit maintaining the third space, a heat resistance unit reducing an amount of heat transferred between the first plate member and the second plate member, a port through which air in the third space is discharged, and a heat exchange module coming into contact with an inner surface of a cavity provided by the first plate member and the second plate member so as to perform heat exchange.

Abstract: A beverage container holder assembly is adapted to be utilized in a vehicle for accommodating a beverage container. The beverage container holder assembly includes a duct pipe and a container holder. The duct pipe is disposed in front of an instrument panel of the vehicle and extended along a direction perpendicular to a front-rear direction of the vehicle. A first end of the duct pipe is connected to an air conditioner. The container holder is connected to a second end of the duct pipe opposite to the first end. The container holder has a recessed pocket facing an upper direction of the vehicle for removably inserting the beverage container therein, a first opening disposed between the container holder and the second end of the duct pipe, and a second opening facing toward the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A roof rail hoist system includes a support rail mountable to a vehicle roof. The support rail includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion including a recess that extends between the first end and the second end. A winch arm is mounted to the support rail. The winch arm is pivotable between a first position, wherein the winch arm resides in the recess and a second position, wherein the winch arm extends outwardly from the support rail. A winch motor is mounted to the support rail. The winch motor includes a cable spool. A winch cable is provided on the cable spool.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for mounting on a U-shaped foundation frame supported on wheels for travel over a ground surface where the foundation frame includes first and second laterally spaced mounting beams fixed to and extending from a base. The implement is configured to perform an agricultural operation, to rest on the ground surface when in an idle position, and to attach to the foundation frame when in an operating position. The implement comprises a rigid implement portion configured to be attached to the first and second mounting beams at first and second beam locations remote from the base such that the first and second mounting beams are prevented from moving laterally with respect to each other.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle for handling glass-sheet supporting racks of the type comprising: a front rack-supporting chassis provided with a substantially U-shaped rigid oblong frame having two longitudinal beams that extend horizontally and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, on opposite sides of the vehicle midplane, and that delimit a large central slit or compartment open at the front and dimensioned to accommodate a glass-sheet supporting rack; a rear tractor unit which is firmly connected to the front rack-supporting chassis via mechanical means allowing the rack-supporting chassis to move vertically with respect to the tractor unit; a lifting apparatus Adapted to vary, on command, the height from the ground of the rigid oblong frame of the rack-supporting chassis; and an electronic vehicle-load detecting apparatus which is adapted to detect the geometric and/or structural features of the glass-sheet supporting rack during insertion into the central slit or compartment of the rack-supporting

Abstract: Vehicle tie down assemblies may be provided for securing cargo and/or accessories at vehicle front ends. The tie down assemblies may be mounted to a vehicle fender without obstructing the opening and closing of the vehicle hood. Exemplary vehicle tie down assemblies may embody a multi-piece design that establishes a pass-through for receiving various tie downs. The tie down assemblies may additionally include one or more bolt assemblies for mounting accessories.

Abstract: A system for controlling a function of a vehicle by activation of a vehicle button includes a vehicle component configured to receive a signal and to perform an electrical or mechanical function in response to receiving the signal. The system further includes a physical structure located on an exterior of the vehicle and having an integrated button such that at least one of manual actuation of or physical proximity to the physical structure initiates a button selection event. The system further includes an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled to the vehicle component and to the integrated button and configured to identify the button selection event and to transmit the signal to the vehicle component in response to identifying the button selection event to cause the vehicle component to perform the electrical or mechanical function.

Abstract: An automotive lamp includes a variable light distribution lamp and a controller. When a first light distribution pattern is to be changed to a second light distribution pattern, and when a difference in the number of shaded portions between the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern is one, the controller switches a control method for gradually changing the light distribution pattern according to a position relation between the shaded portions included in the first light distribution pattern and the shaded portions included in the second light distribution pattern.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and vehicles, such as an autonomous vehicle, a semi-autonomous vehicle, etc., for collaboratively directing or configuring one or more headlights of a vehicle to avoid visually interfering with operation of an oncoming vehicle. Various embodiments may include receiving, by a first vehicle processor, a first collaborative lighting message from a second vehicle, wherein the first collaborative lighting message requests that the first vehicle direct one or more headlights of the first vehicle to avoid visual interference with operation of the second vehicle and directing one or more the headlights of the first vehicle in accordance with the collaborative lighting plan. Directing the headlights to avoid visual interference with operation of the second vehicle may include switching the headlights to a low-beam configuration.

Abstract: An auxiliary third brake light which is installed on a truck bed enclosure or frame is disclosed. The auxiliary third brake light is not physically secured by adhesive or mechanical fastener to the truck bed, cab or body or any part of the truck. The parts of the auxiliary third brake light mounted to the truck bed cover and contact the truck bed, cab or body is pressed into contact. When the truck bed cover is collapsed or removed, the user can have full use of the truck bed. The parts of the auxiliary third brake light that contact the truck bed, cab or body are pulled off therefrom. When the truck bed cover is deployed to the erected position, the parts of the third brake light that contact the truck bed, cab or body are properly repositioned back into position.

Abstract: A warning and emergency light module removably attached to a tailgate of a vehicle. A contoured fixture having a length and couture to match a panel of the tailgate holds a light bar within a channel. End caps placed on the opposing ends of the assist in holding the light bar ends in the channel and the contoured fixture on the tailgate of the vehicle. In another embodiment, a warning and emergency light module is attached to a roof of a vehicle so that lights forming an array extend longitudinally along the side of the vehicle. Visibility in all directions and functionality of an emergency vehicle is enhanced.

Abstract: An automotive lamp includes a first semiconductor light source and a second semiconductor light source configured to emit different colors, and to mix the two colors, so as to generate mixed-color light. A first driving circuit supplies a first driving current stabilized to a first target amount to the first semiconductor light source. A second driving circuit supplies a second driving current stabilized to a second target amount to the second semiconductor light source. Upon detecting an abnormal non-lighting state in the first semiconductor light source, the first abnormal state detection circuit stops the operation of the second driving circuit. Upon detecting an abnormal non-lighting state in the second semiconductor light source, the second abnormal state detection circuit stops the operation of the first driving circuit.

Abstract: The lighting device for a vehicle includes a masking cover disposed inside a garnish, and a light source disposed inside the masking cover and disposed to face an inner surface of the garnish, wherein the masking cover includes a plurality of variable pattern portions provided to have different shapes and selectively disposed in a position where at least one of the plurality of variable pattern portions faces the garnish when the masking cover is rotated.

Abstract: A vehicle indoor illumination device includes a housing having an upper opening with an internal space formed therein, a light-emitting unit disposed on the housing to emit light, a diffuser disposed outside the light-emitting unit in a manner as to close the upper opening of the housing to allow the light emitted from the light-emitting unit to diffuse to the outside, a cover part disposed on an outer surface of the diffuser and on which a light pattern is formed through scattering of the light transmitted through the diffuser, and a controller configured to receive an operation signal of a vehicle electronic part to control an operation of the light-emitting unit.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for the interior of a motor vehicle includes a housing on which a light-transmissive cover is provided, and an illuminant configured to produce light in the interior of the housing, the light emerging from the illumination apparatus through the cover to illuminate the interior. The cover includes a faceted outer surface made of a plurality of plane facets. Further, the illuminant includes one or more flat lighting elements in the interior of the housing, each flat lighting element having two extensive opposing side surfaces and an edge situated between the side surfaces, the illuminant being configured such that light is emitted through both side surfaces of a respective flat lighting element during operation, with the light emerging from the illumination apparatus through the cover.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: a housing; a passive radiator disposed on a rear surface of the housing; an active speaker disposed on a front surface of the housing and configured to output a virtual engine sound; a partition wall disposed inside the housing such that one side is in contact with the left side surface of the housing and the other side is in contact with the right side surface of the housing; a driver configured to move and rotate the partition wall; and a controller configured to control the driver based on at least one of a transmission position of the vehicle and a speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for detecting one or more characteristics of an object within an automotive vehicle includes one or more sensors mounted within an interior of the vehicle or on an exterior of the vehicle, with each sensor being configured to detect a location, an orientation, a size and/or an object type of the object, and a controller operably connected with the one or more sensors and configured to assess whether the object is disposed in a predetermined alertworthy disposition. A method for detecting characteristics of the object within the vehicle includes determining the location, orientation, size and/or object type of the object using the one or more sensors, and assessing whether the object is disposed in a predetermined alertworthy disposition.

Abstract: A mirror assembly is described having an integrated fan, which is adapted to be used in an automobile. In some uses, the mirror assembly may be used to watch infants and toddlers and keep them cool with flowing air as needed. In other uses, the mirror assembly may be used to cool off a driver or passenger of a vehicle who has connected the mirror assembly to a visor.

Abstract: A vehicular trailer angle detection system includes a rear camera, a left-side camera, a right-side camera and a control having an image processor. With a trailer hitched at a vehicle, and while the vehicle is driven in a forward direction and towing the trailer, image data is captured by at least one of the cameras. The vehicular trailer angle detection system determines an expected location of the portion of the trailer based on provided vehicle-trailer parameters as the vehicle is driven forward and towing the trailer. The vehicular trailer angle detection system determines an actual location of the portion of the trailer via processing of captured image data as the vehicle is driven forward and towing the trailer. Responsive to an offset between the determined actual location of the portion of the trailer and the determined expected location, the vehicular trailer angle detection system accommodates the offset.

Abstract: This disclosure details vehicle static body structure mounted side view mirror assemblies. The exemplary side view mirror assemblies may include features for supporting vehicle off-roading, such as a pivoting and telescoping mirror section, a wind wing, lighting features, snorkel features, and/or accessory mounts, etc. The exemplary side view mirror assemblies may also include features for supporting improved vehicle security, such as mirror mounted radar sensors capable of establishing a security protection zone about the vehicle.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror element including a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface. A reflector is disposed adjacent to one of the first and second surfaces. The rearview mirror assembly further includes a lighting subassembly includes a light source and a diffuser. The light source is operable to project light through the mirror element. The diffuser is disposed between the light source and the mirror element. The light source comprises a plurality of micro light-emitting diodes arranged in a light shape representing a display icon such that the display icon is projected through the mirror element without any influence on the shape caused by any other component of the mirror element.

Abstract: A method of providing a trailer end line for a tractor-trailer includes determining a fixed point on a tractor, determining a trailer angle of a trailer, determining a trailer line that is arranged at the trailer angle from the fixed point, determining an intersection point between the trailer line and a trajectory of a reference point on the trailer, determining a trailer end point along the trailer line and offset from the intersection point, and displaying a trailer end awareness line based upon the determined trailer end point.

Abstract: Provided is a seat organizer bracket for a vehicle, including: a storage box for supporting a tablet and storing items, and a connection cup holder for connecting a seat of the vehicle; wherein the connection cup holder is detachably connected to the storage box; the storage box includes a container body and a lid; an end of the lid is hingedly connected to the container body through a lid bearing; a hidden tensile clamp arm structure is arranged in the lid for clamping the tablet; a bottom bracket is arranged on a lower end of the lid for supporting the tablet; the connection cup holder is arranged with an extension arm, and the extension arm 24 is adjustable to lock the connection cup holder into a saucer with different sizes of the seat.

Abstract: There is provided a sound-insulation material for a vehicle that can reduce the weight thereof and exhibit sufficient sound insulation performance against noise of 500 Hz to 6400 Hz generated in vehicles. The sound-insulation material for a vehicle, of the present invention, includes: a core layer having tubular cells, the tubular cells being arranged in a plurality of rows; an airflow-blocking resin film layer provided on one surface of the core layer; and a decoupling layer provided on the airflow-blocking resin film layer; and an average (P/v)/Za is 2.8 to 10 between 500 and 6400 Hz, where: P and v are respectively a sound pressure and a particle velocity on a surface of the airflow-blocking resin film layer provided on the core layer, the surface being opposite to the core layer; and Za is an acoustic impedance of the decoupling layer.

Abstract: There is provided a sound-absorbing material for a vehicle, capable of stably yielding desired sound absorption performance while reducing weight of the sound-absorbing material for a vehicle. The sound-absorbing material for a vehicle of the present invention has a multilayer structure, including: a core layer in which tubular cells are arranged in a plurality of rows; and an airflow-blocking resin film layer adhered to one surface of the core layer. The relationship between the Young's modulus E (MPa) of the airflow-blocking resin film layer 40 and the surface density M (g/m2) of the layer structure on the first airflow-blocking resin film layer 40 side with respect to the core layer 10 is 0.5<E/M<21.

Abstract: A license plate assembly includes a backing and a flexible license plate. The flexible license plate includes plural layers, including a licensing-information layer, in which ink is deposited in the form of alphanumeric characters on an underlying one of the plural layers, the alphanumeric characters providing license information. The flexible license plate optionally includes one or more holograms, and/or watermarks, and/or QR-codes. The flexible license plate is disposed on the backing, which extends beyond the perimeter of the flexible license plate, defining a marginal region. In some embodiments, plural indices are disposed in the marginal region to facilitate alignment of flexible license plate during installation thereof on a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A device for securing a display to a vehicle grill and a method for securing the display to prevent theft are disclosed. The device includes a display holder that can hold license plates or other visual displays. The display holder includes a set of lower levers with hooks configured to engage a first portion of the vehicle grill. The display holder includes a set of upper levers with hooks configured to engage a second portion of the vehicle grill. The device includes a locking mechanism with a lock and a ratchet gear. The lock is attached to a front plate of a linear motion module. The locking mechanism includes a cam which is secured onto an end of the lock. The cam and the lock rotate together when a fitted key is turned.

Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes a roof and a headliner. The vehicle includes a seat having an occupant seating area. The vehicle includes a curtain airbag. The curtain airbag includes an extension. The curtain airbag is inflatable from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The curtain airbag is between the roof and the headliner in the uninflated position. The curtain airbag is inflatable downwardly from the headliner to the inflated position. In the inflated position, the curtain airbag has a main chamber and the extension extending cross-vehicle from the main chamber and vehicle-forward of the occupant seating area.

Abstract: A vehicle airbag apparatus includes an airbag, a front lid, and a tether. The airbag is configured to be disposed on a back side of an instrument panel, and configured to be expanded and developed between the instrument panel and a windshield glass so as to be disposed on a front side in a vehicle and in front of a vehicle occupant. The front lid is configured to be disposed on the instrument panel, and configured to be ruptured and opened by the expanded and developed airbag so as to stand on the front side in the vehicle and at a front end of the airbag. The tether is disposed on an outer part of the airbag and couples the front lid and the airbag, and configured to be elongated in a front-rear direction of the vehicle in a state where the airbag is expanded and developed.

Abstract: An airbag having an outer skin having an inner side and an outer side is described. The outer skin has an inflator attachment region in which an opening structure for an inflator is provided. The airbag is a part of an airbag assembly further having a flange and an inflator extending through the opening structure and being attached to the flange. In order to provide the possibility of an easy and automatable mounting process, the opening structure having at least two basically radially extending cut-outs, so that the attachment region has at least two flap sections being separated by the cut-outs. These flap sections can be pulled apart during the mounting process, such that the inflator can be attached to the flange.

Abstract: An occupant protection system may comprise an airtight, deformable container having a pressure sensor configured to generate a vehicle collision signal. A side airbag may be configured to expand between a stowed state and a deployed state. A deployment control system may be configured to receive the vehicle collision signal from the pressure sensor, and based upon the vehicle collision signal, cause an inflator to provide a gas to the airbag to thereby cause the side airbag to expand from the stowed state to the deployed state.