Abstract: The disclosure provides a battery cell casing for holding a plurality of cell elements, each electrode structure in its own compartment. The disclosed casing eliminates the need for some individual cell walls and replaces them with shared wall partitions.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for accelerometer-based external sound monitoring for position aware autonomous parking. An example vehicle includes accelerometers mounted on windows of the vehicle, a computing platform communicatively coupled to the accelerometers, and an autonomy unit. The computing platform receives, via the accelerometers, signals indicative of a stop command associated with a voice. Additionally, the computing platform validates the stop command when the voice either is authorized or originates from within an emergency zone. The autonomy unit prevents autonomous motion of the vehicle in response to receiving the validated stop command.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for mobile device interface for trailer backup-assist. An example vehicle system includes a vehicle and a mobile device. The mobile device includes a touchscreen, a communication module, and a controller. The controller is to present, via the touchscreen, an interface for trailer backup-assist and detect a swipe when the interface is presented. The controller also is to instruct, via the communication module, the vehicle to move in a direction corresponding to the swipe and continue to instruct the vehicle to move in the direction while detecting a continuous orbital motion extending from the swipe.

Abstract: Vehicle and touch pad are disclosed including perovskite features for illumination. An example vehicle includes a touch pad having a substrate, circuit elements disposed on the substrate, pairs of electrodes disposed on the substrate, and perovskite ink disposed on the substrate between each respective pair of electrodes, wherein the perovskite ink is configured to provide illumination of the circuit elements by passing current through the pairs of electrodes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for managing location uncertainty areas for a passive start system of a vehicle. An example vehicle includes antenna modules for determining signal strengths of communication with a mobile device. The example vehicle also includes a wireless module configured to, when the mobile device is in a location uncertainty area (LUA), determine first and second location predictors. The wireless module is also configured to enable passive start when the first and second location predictors both indicate the mobile device is inside the vehicle. The wireless module is further configured to disable passive start if the mobile device is outside the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of casting an assembly is provided that includes forming a structural insert, over-molding the structural insert with a temporary core, and positioning the over-molded structural insert within a cavity of a casting die. The over-molded structural insert is cast within a part, to form the assembly, and the temporary core is removed. The method may also include a temporary core configured to define an alloy flash trim location or locating features to position the structural insert within the cavity of the casting die. Further, the temporary core may define shared features with the structural insert. The part and structural insert may be dissimilar materials such as a part of an aluminum alloy material and a structural insert of a steel alloy material.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a phase control apparatus in a variable cam timing (VCT) system of an engine, the phase control apparatus having a locked configuration where a locking pin coupled to a first vane of the vane rotor is engaged with a locking pin recess in a cover plate of the phase control apparatus. In one example, the phase control apparatus includes a rubber or plastic isolator pad positioned in a recess in a wall adjacent to the first vane such that when the vane rotor is rotated to the locked configuration, the first vane contacts the isolator pad before it can strike the housing. The isolator pad serves to maintain the gap between the first vane and the housing, and also reduces the likelihood of other vanes of the vane rotor from striking the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a door opening shaped to receive a removable door, a flexible panel deployable to a position extending across the door opening, and a controller programmed to deploy the flexible panel in response to an impact based on an absence of the removable door from the door opening. The vehicle may include a track elongated along the door opening, and the flexible panel may be deployable along the track.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for operating an engine that includes a knock control system that may determine contributions of individual transient and steady-state noise sources to an engine background noise level. The contributions of the transient and steady-state individual noise sources may be the basis for establishing the presence or absence of knock in one or more engine cylinders.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for input signal management for vehicle park-assist. An example vehicle includes a door, an autonomy unit, a communication module, a vehicle speed sensor for monitoring a vehicle speed, and a controller. The controller is to cause the autonomy unit to perform remote parking upon receiving, via the communication module, a remote parking signal. The controller also is to receive an unlock request during performance of the remote parking and prevent unlocking of the door responsive to determining the vehicle speed is greater than a threshold speed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, each of a first valve positioned in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage, the EGR passage coupled between the intake passage and the first exhaust manifold coupled to a first set of cylinder exhaust valves, and a second valve positioned in a flow passage coupled between the first exhaust manifold and the exhaust passage may be adjusted based on a measured pressure in the first exhaust manifold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a four wheel drive vehicle that includes automatic engine stopping and starting are presented. In one example, engagement of a driveline wheel mode is not permitted when an engine is automatically started so that a driveline wheel mode actuator may fully engage a driveline wheel mode when it is requested to do so.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a fuel tank comprising a scavenge pump. In one example, a system may include arranging a scavenge pump adjacent to a scavenge inlet, distal to a primary fuel delivery module. The arrangement may allow positive pressure from a fuel pump to force fuel back to the primary fuel delivery module during some vehicle conditions.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for determining a distance between a vehicle and a computing device during a remote parking operation. An example method includes receiving, by a computing device, a 3D model of a vehicle and vehicle inertial data. The method also includes capturing an image of the vehicle. The method further includes determining a distance between the computing device and the vehicle based on the image and the 3D model, and updating the distance based on the vehicle inertial data.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a diagnostic method for a spindle arm of a machine. The method includes rotating the spindle arm of the machine at a first rotational speed, and acquiring, from an accelerometer, data indicative of a vibrational response of the spindle arm operating at the first rotational speed. The accelerometer is disposed along the spindle arm. The method further includes converting the vibrational response to a frequency based response to obtain a first frequency response, determining whether an amplitude of the first frequency response exceeds a diagnostic threshold, and performing a designated correction on the machine in response to the frequency response exceeding the diagnostic threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a cushion and a trim layer. A permeable heater is disposed between the cushion and the trim layer. An air mover is in fluid communication with the permeable heater. The permeable heater and the air mover are operable to respectively heat or cool a seating surface.

Abstract: A vehicle seat hinge assembly includes a first pivoting member that defines a first axis and is coupled to a first bracket disposed on a vehicle floor. The hinge assembly also includes a second pivoting member that defines a second axis and is disposed on a seat. The first pivoting member is pivotable about the first axis between at least first and second positions. The second pivoting member is pivotable about the second axis between at least fixed and released positions.

Abstract: A method of producing a laminated article comprising placing a first metal skin, a core, and a second metal skin freely onto each other as discreet layers to provide a layered component; and forming the layered component into a shaped article via a die prior to producing a laminated article by applying pressure and heat to the shaped article, wherein at least the first skin moves relative to the core and/or second skin during the forming.

Abstract: A vehicle including a storage bin and a restraint control system. An actuation assembly is configured to activate in response to a signal from the restraint control system. A tether is operable between undeployed and deployed positions and the actuation assembly is configured to deploy the tether over an opening defined by the storage bin.

Abstract: A capless refueling port attached to a fuel tank of a vehicle is presented. In one example, the capless refueling port includes a main opening, an articulating unitary plug mounted within a nozzle chamber of the fuel port, and a drain tube. The articulating plug is configured to partially or fully close an inlet of the drain tube connected to the fuel port during refueling; the articulating plug is further adjusted to open after refueling, allowing the fuel port to dissipate any residual pressure in the nozzle chamber to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing exhaust gas recirculation to a naturally aspirated internal combustion engine. In one example, exhaust gas is recirculated to an engine intake via a dedicated scavenging manifold and a scavenging exhaust valve. The exhaust gas and fresh air that has not participated in combustion may be recirculated to engine cylinders even at high engine loads since the exhaust gas and fresh air is returned to the engine air intake at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an engine including cams having different lobe profiles. In one example, cams of a first cam group drive a plurality of deactivatable cylinder valves and cams of a second cam group drive a plurality of non-deactivatable cylinder valves. The cams of the first cam group include a different lobe profile relative to cams of the second cam group.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine with a plurality of deactivating valves for deactivating engine cylinders are presented. In one example, a plurality of different cylinder operating modes may be available to operate the engine. Engine fuel consumption in each of the plurality of different cylinder operating modes is estimated and the engine may be operated in the cylinder mode that provides greatest fuel efficiency.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for coordinating operation of a high pressure EGR control loop with a boost pressure control loop. In one example, following a tip-in, turbine vane position may be adjusted as a function of a maximum permissible exhaust pressure upstream of a turbocharger turbine. The maximum permissible exhaust pressure may be determined as a function of a HP EGR valve position at the time of the tip-in.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using compression heating to heat a cylinder piston before cylinder combustion is resumed. Cylinder heating is achieved using combinations of slow unfueled engine rotation where the engine cylinders are heated via compression stroke heating, and slow compressor rotation where the cylinders are heated via compression heating. One or more intake or exhaust heaters may be concurrently operated to expedite cylinder heating.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for determining whether to provide an over-the-air (OTA) update to a vehicle. An example method includes determining an update characteristic of a pending software update for a vehicle. The method also includes determining a vehicle battery state of charge (SOC) threshold based on the update characteristic. The method further includes modifying the threshold based on a location of the vehicle. The method still further includes determining a SOC of a battery of the vehicle. And the method yet further includes responsively providing the pending software update to the vehicle based on the SOC and the threshold.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a flow of coolant through a coolant system including a rear axle heat exchanger. In one example, a method may include flowing coolant through the coolant system while an engine is not operating. In another example, a method may include increasing a flow of coolant to the rear axle heat exchanger while the engine is not operating when a rear axle oil temperature exceeds a threshold temperature.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for regenerating and purging a particulate filter of an exhaust treatment system for a combustion engine. In one example, a method may include flowing exhaust gas in a reverse direction through the particulate filter to purge particulate matter to an intake manifold of the engine for combusting. The duration of purging may be based on a regeneration achieved during a previous regeneration of the particulate filter during a deceleration fuel shut-off event.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: a dashboard with load sensors and airbag(s), a seat, processor(s) configured to: (a) detect load on the dashboard, (b) generate a display based on (a), (c) count time elapsed since (b), (d) activate a vibrating motor of the seat based on (a) and (c), (e) count time elapsed since (d), (f) disable the airbag(s) based on (a) and (e).

Abstract: Systems devices and methods are disclosed for detecting DC arc faults in a high voltage vehicle electrical distribution system. An example vehicle includes a high voltage electronic system comprising a current sensor configured to capture current data and a processor. The processor is configured to generate filtered data by applying a filter to the current data, determine a Hurst exponent based on the filtered data, and responsive to determining a threshold change in the Hurst exponent, detect the presence of a DC arc in the high voltage electronic system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a VCR engine. In one example, the VCR engine includes a VCR mechanism that relies on electric power to adjust a compression ratio of the VCR engine. The compression ratio is maintained by hydraulically-assisted engagement of a mechanical locking pin with an S-link of the VCR mechanism, holding a position of the VCR mechanism while an electric motor, used to adjust a position of the S-link, may be deactivated.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing a vehicle having an air dam for improving vehicle aerodynamics. In one example, during steady-state vehicle cruising, a baseline fuel economy for the vehicle is established with the air dam deployed. Then, the air dam is actively retracted and air dam hardware issues are identified based on a change in fuel economy following the commanded change in air dam position.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting an evaporative emissions test responsive to an indication of a vehicle remote engine start event. In one example, responsive to an indication of a remote start and further indication that the vehicle is not occupied, intake manifold vacuum is utilized to reduce pressure in the fuel system and evaporative emissions system to a threshold, wherein the fuel system and evaporative emissions system are sealed, and undesired evaporative emissions indicated responsive to a pressure bleed-up rate greater than a threshold. In this way, by applying intake manifold vacuum on the fuel system and evaporative emissions system while the vehicle is stationary and not occupied, engine hesitations resulting from desorption of fuel vapors from a fuel vapor canister are not experienced by the vehicle operator and/or passengers, and noise factors from driving conditions, passenger movement, etc., do not impact the evaporative emissions test.

Abstract: Systems are provided for aligning and assembling an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) assembly with an engine intake housing. In one example, an intake system may include an EGR port housing for coupling the EGR assembly on an intake housing. The EGR port housing may include one or more alignment tabs on at least one side of the EGR port housing for aligning and guiding the EGR assembly during installation onto the intake housing.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling boost pressure in a staged engine system comprising a turbocharger and an upstream electric supercharger. In one example, a method may include coordinating the operation of the electric supercharger and an electric supercharger bypass valve and to open the electric supercharger bypass valve to reduce the extent and duration of electric supercharger overboost.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing vacuum to a vehicle are described. In one example, a method adjusts an engine air-fuel ratio in response to provide additional vacuum to the vehicle.

Abstract: Opportunistic fueling for car hailing autonomous vehicles are disclosed herein. An example method includes evaluating a trip schedule having one or more destinations for a vehicle, calculating a plurality of potential routes based on the trip schedule with fueling options along a proposed path of travel for the vehicle, applying one or more vehicle fueling constraints, selecting an optimized route from the plurality of potential routes for the vehicle using the one or more vehicle fueling constraints, and completing the trip schedule using the optimized route.

Abstract: An assembly includes a bumper. The assembly further includes a base fixed relative to the bumper and a hook supported by the base. The hook is rotatable relative to the base between an extended position and a retracted position. The assembly further includes a spring between the base and the hook positioned to bias the hook from the retracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling vehicle TPMS sensor localization. An example vehicle includes a plurality of tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors, a communication module, and a controller. The controller is to detect an initiation event associated with the vehicle, and, in response to detecting the initiation event, determine whether first localization information is valid based on information associated with the TPMS sensors. The controller is also to initiate, via the communication module, a localization procedure at the TPMS sensors when the first localization information is not valid.

Abstract: A system includes a computer including a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to determine that a steering disturbance based on a difference between current vehicle state data and corresponding vehicle state model data exceeds a threshold, the vehicle state model including a yaw rate and a vehicle speed and, then, identify a wheel misalignment condition.

Abstract: A method of protecting a repair joint having at least two workpieces joined by a fastener includes selecting a preformed functional body based on at least one joint characteristic and applying the preformed functional body to cover the fastener and at least a portion of one of the workpieces. Generally, the preformed functional body inhibits contamination or moisture ingress at a joint interface, and especially in a repair operation. The preformed functional body in one form defines a material that undergoes a color change to indicate a state of cure, and in another form is cured by UV light, moisture, or heat after application.

Abstract: A composite material includes polypropylene in an amount between 60 wt. % and 95 wt. %, glass bubbles in an amount between 3.0 wt. % and 20.0 wt. %, a secondary structural filler of magnesium oxysulfate or wollastonite in an amount greater than 0.0 wt. % and up to 30.0 wt. %, and at least one additive. In one form of the composite material, the secondary structural filler is either magnesium oxysulfate or wollastonite. In another form the magnesium oxysulfate is in an amount between 2.0 wt. % and 6.0 wt. %. in yet another form the wollastonite is in an amount between 6.0 wt. % and 12.0 wt. %.