Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to collect steering, speed, and position data about a plurality of vehicles from one or more infrastructure sensors, identify a vehicle that varies from a specified position in a roadway lane relative to a roadway lane marker or exceeds a threshold speed based on the collected data, instruct the identified vehicle to move to a side of a roadway, and send a message to a central server including an identification of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating ethanol content in fuel, water content in fuel, and an age of the fuel in a vehicle engine. In one example, a method may include estimating fuel ethanol content, water content, or fuel age based on fuel rail temperature, and two or more of a resonant frequency (f) of pressure pulsations, a change in fuel rail pressure (?p), and a damping coefficient (?) of pressure pulsations in the fuel rail as estimated after a fuel injection or a pump stroke. One or more engine operating parameters may be adjusted based on the estimated fuel ethanol content, water content, and fuel age.

Abstract: In one aspect the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a cryogenic pressure vessel. The method may include providing a metal lined, composite wrapped vessel which has a boss. The method may further include securing an inlet to the boss, and then encapsulating the metal lined, composite wrapped vessel within a metallic layer in a vacuum controlled environment to form an encapsulated inner tank subassembly. The method may further include securing at least one support to an exterior of the encapsulated inner tank subassembly, and within the controlled vacuum environment, applying a metal coating over the encapsulated inner tank subassembly and the at least one support to form a metal coated, encapsulated inner tank subassembly. The method may further include, within the controlled vacuum environment, encapsulating the metal coated, encapsulated inner tank subassembly within a metallic vacuum jacket, which forms the cryogenic pressure vessel.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a multi-speed transmission having an input shaft and an output shaft, an actuator, and a torque converter having an impeller selectively coupled to the actuator and a turbine coupled to the input shaft. A vehicle controller is programmed to, in response to an estimated torque ratio between the impeller and output shaft of the transmission being less than a minimum torque ratio between the impeller and output shaft of the transmission during a shift of the transmission, command torque to the actuator based on a driver-demanded wheel torque and the minimum torque ratio, and, in response to the estimated torque ratio exceeding the minimum torque ratio during the shift of the transmission, command another torque to the actuator based on the driver-demanded wheel torque and the estimated torque ratio.

Abstract: A vehicle door system includes a vehicle door and electrically-powered linear and rotary actuators. The vehicle door system also includes a pinch sensor. Upon receiving an open door command, a controller actuates the linear actuator and then actuates the rotary actuator to open the door. The controller also actuates the linear actuator to prevent closing of the door if the pinch-sensor detects an object in a door opening. The controller actuates the rotary actuator to close the door upon receiving a close door command.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a vehicle that includes feedback of operating status of an engine starting system is described. In one example, the method inhibits automatic engine pull-down in response to feedback from an engine starting system that does not meet expectations. The system and method may provide diagnostics for the engine starting system.

Abstract: A cooling system differential oil contained in the housing of a differential for a vehicle. The differential includes a housing containing a first portion of differential oil. A tank contains a second portion of differential oil. An inlet passage is provided through which differential oil flows from the housing to the tank. An outlet passage is provided through which differential oil flows from the tank to the housing. A valve is disposed in the outlet passage that has a closed position preventing differential oil from flowing through the outlet passage. The valve has an open position in which differential oil is permitted to flow from the tank to the housing in response to the temperature of the differential oil in the housing exceeding a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method for downshifting a vehicle having an automatic transmission is described. In one example, the method determines whether or not conditions are met for a power matching downshift. If conditions are met for a power matching downshift, output power of a powertrain propulsion torque source at an end of the power matching downshift is adjusted to an output power of the powertrain propulsion torque source at the beginning of the power matching downshift plus an offset power.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle and a method of controlling the vehicle are provided. The vehicle has an accessory powered by an engine with a compressor. An ejector has an inlet positioned to receive compressed air from the air intake system downstream of the compressor, and an outlet positioned to provide compressed air into the air intake system upstream of the compressor. A check valve is positioned between and fluidly connects the canister purge valve and the ejector. A controller is configured to stimulate boosted operation of the engine by activating the accessory and increasing a torque output of the engine to open the second check valve.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an engine with a pump that is driven via the engine are described. In one example, start of opening of an injector that supplies a fluid to an engine exhaust system is timed based on a period of the pump so that the output of the fluid injector may be repeatable in the presence of fluid pressure oscillations that are periodic with pump rotation.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes a rim that is movably connected to a base for movement between driving and utility positions. A movement control mechanism is configured to selectively lock the rim in the driving position relative to the base structure. The motion control mechanism includes a detent that is configured to retain the rim structure in the utility position relative to the base structure, whereby a user can apply a force to the rim structure to overcome the detent and move the rim structure from the utility position to the driving position.

Abstract: A method of heating and cooling at least one zone of a passenger compartment in a vehicle includes the steps of (a) pumping a coolant through an auxiliary coolant loop, (b) changing a temperature of the coolant utilizing a first heat exchanger associated with a refrigerant loop via an expansion device in the cooling mode, and a second heat exchanger associated with the refrigerant loop and (c) moving air through a third heat exchanger through which coolant moves, that third heat exchanger positioned in the passenger compartment, and at least one vent positioned within at least one zone of the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fascia having a first fascia portion that is selectively moveable relative to a second fascia portion, and an engine shield that has at least a first shield panel and a second shield panel. The first shield panel has a first portion that moves with the first fascia portion and a second portion that is connected to a vehicle static structure. The second shield panel is mounted for movement with the first fascia portion. At least one actuator selectively moves the first fascia portion relative to the second fascia portion in response to at least one predetermined vehicle input condition.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor includes a spool. The seatbelt retractor includes a torsion bar elongated along an axis within the spool and defining passages elongated parallel to the axis, the passages spaced from each other surrounding the axis.

Abstract: A restraint system includes a seat having a seatback and a seat bottom extending from the seatback in a seat-forward direction. A first airbag is fixed to the seatback at a side of the seat, and a second airbag is fixed to the seat bottom at the side of the seat. The first and second airbags are each inflatable to an inflated position. The second airbag in the inflated position overlaps the first airbag in the inflated position in a seat-rearward direction.

Abstract: An incremental forming machine and a process are disclosed that comprise selecting a blank and selecting a stylus that has a tip at one end. The stylus may be heated to a desired temperature before contacting the blank with the stylus to change a characteristic of the blank or part. The stylus apparatus may include a tip on an end of a shaft and a resistance heating element disposed inside the tip. Alternatively, the stylus apparatus may include an induction heating coil disposed around the tip. The tip of the stylus may have a rotatable ball that engages the blank or part.

Abstract: An assembly includes a rod, a tube slidably supported by the rod, a seatbelt buckle supported by the tube, and a lock. The tube and the rod are releasably engageable to each other by the lock.

Abstract: A disclosed component for a motor vehicle includes a component main body, with at least one reinforcing element integrated in a component matrix of the component main body. The at least one reinforcing element may be fastened to the component main body. The component for a motor vehicle has a high component stability, is able to be manufactured with relatively low production costs and enables integration of functional components. The component includes the reinforcing element as a band with a plastics matrix and embedded unidirectionally oriented continuous fibers. A method for manufacturing such a component is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for maintaining a temperature of catalyst above a threshold temperature during vehicle braking and coasting is described. In one example, engine pumping work may be increased without increasing flow of cool fresh air through the engine's exhaust system to provide a desired level of engine braking. The net air flow through the engine may be reduced via activating a decompression actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle control system configured to control a braking operation of a hitch ball to a coupler on a trailer. The system may comprise a vehicle brake control system, a maneuvering system, an image sensor configured to capture an image data, and a velocity sensor. The system may also comprise a vehicle mass sensor configured to detect a vehicle mass and a controller. The controller may be configured to control the maneuvering system of the vehicle along a vehicle path. The controller may also identify a coupler distance based on the image data depicting a coupler of the trailer. The controller may also calculate a stopping distance for the braking operation based on a plurality of braking parameters, wherein the braking parameters comprise the velocity, the brake pressure, and the vehicle mass.

Abstract: A system for assisting in aligning a vehicle for hitching with a trailer includes a vehicle steering system, a detection system outputting a signal including object position information of an area to a rear of the vehicle, and a controller. The controller receiving the object position data and identifying a targeted trailer and at least one additional object within the area to the rear of the vehicle and controlling the vehicle steering system to maneuver the vehicle during reversing to align a hitch ball mounted on the vehicle to a coupler of the targeted trailer. Upon aligning the hitch ball with the coupler, the controller presents an indication, if it is determined that the at least one additional object is within a threshold distance of a side of the targeted trailer.

Abstract: A system includes a bicycle and a container including an opening. The bicycle is movable between an unfolded position and a folded position. The system includes a first member supported by the container in the container and positioned to engage the bicycle, and a second member supported by the container in the container and positioned to engage the bicycle spaced from the first member. The first member is movable relative to the second member toward and away from the opening.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an axle, an electric machine, a first wheel, a second wheel, a first friction brake, a second friction brake, and a controller. The controller is programmed to, in response to and during an anti-locking braking event, generate first and second signals indicative of a braking torque demand at the first and second wheels, respectively, based on a difference between a desired wheel slip ratio and an actual wheel slip ratio of the first and second wheels, respectively, adjust a regenerative braking torque of the electric machine based on a product of the first signal and a regenerative braking weighting coefficient, adjust a first friction braking torque based on a product of the first signal and a friction braking weighting coefficient, and adjust a second friction braking torque based on the second signal and dynamics of the first and second output shafts.

Abstract: A lift mechanism for a vehicle seating assembly comprises a gear assembly that includes a first gear and a second gear. A mounting bracket is fixedly coupled to a vehicle and shares a common axis with the first gear, wherein the first and second gears are positionable in a fixedly coupled arrangement at an initial location relative to the mounting bracket or at a final location relative to the mounting bracket, such that, when the first and second gears are in the fixedly coupled arrangement at the initial location relative to the mounting bracket, the seating assembly is in a sitting position, and when the first and second gears are in the fixedly coupled arrangement at the final location relative to the mounting bracket, the seating assembly is in a standing position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring of vehicle window vibrations for voice-command recognition. An example vehicle includes a window, an outer layer, a vibration sensor coupled to the window to detect audio vibrations, an audio actuator coupled to the outer layer to vibrate the outer layer, and a controller. The controller is to detect a voice command from a user via the vibration sensor, identify an audio response based upon the voice command, and emit the audio response to the user via the audio actuator.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing method for a component, the component being produced layerwise by fused filament fabrication, includes magnetizing a substrate plate, depositing at least one first layer on the substrate plate, this first layer including a first substance that contains magnetic material, depositing at least one further layer of a second substance, and demagnetizing the substrate plate. An apparatus for producing a component by fused filament fabrication includes a substrate plate for depositing layers of the component, wherein the substrate plate is magnetized before depositing a first layer on the substrate plate, the first layer including a first substance that contains magnetic material, and further layers including a second substance that does not contain a magnetic material are deposited on the first layer, and the substrate plate is demagnetized after forming the part.

Abstract: A hollow body composite component is produced by a method using an injection mold, wherein a cavity of the injection mold is filled at least partially with a flowable material by injection of the flowable material, and a mandrel is driven through the flowable material to form a hollow body. Using the mandrel, at least one strip-shaped reinforcing element is introduced into a hollow body interior and is arranged on a surface of the hollow body facing the hollow body interior.

Abstract: A method for the additive manufacturing of a composite component in which a fluid matrix material by way of an additive manufacture is introduced successively into a manufacturing device with the formation of an additively manufactured component. A reinforcing element is at least partly introduced into the fluid matrix material and/or arranged on the fluid matrix material.

Abstract: A connecting element is configured to position a stabilizing member during the production of a component from a composite material, the connecting element having openings into which a melt composition in a molten state can flow, and the connecting element having at least one positioning device configured to position the stabilizing member on the connecting element. A component of a composite material has a cohesive, hardened melt composition, the connecting element described above, and at least one stabilizing member, the connecting element and the at least one stabilizing member being embedded in the melt composition, the melt composition reaching into the connecting element through the openings of the connecting element, and the at least one stabilizing member being positioned on the at least one positioning device of the connecting element.

Abstract: A connecting element for producing a structural connection between a first structural part and a second structural part by a foamable material, the connecting element includes a plug-in part and at least two chambers separated from one another in a fluid-tight manner by a partition, the at least two chambers each accommodating a reactant; a plug-in delimiting part mechanically connected to the plug-in part and configured to delimit displacement of the plug-in part in the plug-in direction; and a break-open mechanism configured to damage the partition, as a result of a break-open force supplied to the break-open mechanism, such that the fluid-tight manner between the at least two chambers is canceled, wherein reactants are selected such that mixing thereof causes a foaming reaction, which extends radially outward beyond the circumferential surface of the plug-in part.

Abstract: A method for producing a support for a motor vehicle, in particular a dashboard support, comprises the following steps: producing a core from a foam material and at least partially surrounding the core with a unidirectional layer to form a reinforced core. A resulting support for a motor vehicle has a core made of a foam material, wherein the core is at least partially provided with a unidirectional layer.

Abstract: An assembly and method of forming the assembly are disclosed. The assembly may include first and second components, the first component including a non-mating region and a mating region. The mating region may have an offset in a direction towards the second component and have a welding surface contacting the second component. A weld located within the welding surface may join the first and second components. The weld may be a laser weld. The method may include positioning a first component including a welding pad offset from a surrounding region of the first component such that the welding pad is in contact with a second component to form a gap between the surrounding region of the first component and the second component. The first component may then be welded to the second component in an area within the welding pad.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed toward a high volume manufacturing method for forming high strength aluminum parts. The method includes acquiring material blanks that are made of 7xxx series aluminum alloy, heating the blanks to a solvus temperature of the material, and stamping and quenching the heated blanks to form multiple parts. The parts are cooled to a second temperature lower than the solvus temperature during the quenching operation. The method further includes performing one or more structural modifications of the parts within a set time period that is less than or equal to 24 hours. The method further includes racking the parts with a gap defined between two adjacent parts, artificially aging the parts with an industrial oven, and pretreating the parts with a chemical solution.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a converter, outlets, and a switching arrangement electrically between the outlets and the converter. A controller is programmed to, responsive to a first request, operate the switching arrangement to electrically connect a line and a neutral to a first outlet and operate the converter to output single-phase power to the first outlet. Responsive to a second request, the controller is configured to operate the switching arrangement to electrically connect a plurality of lines and not the neutral to a second outlet, and operate the converter to output three-phase power to the second outlet.

Abstract: A battery pack mounting system includes, among other things, a bracket having a first connection flange configured to connect to a vehicle structure, a second connection flange configured to connect to a battery pack, and a spanner portion spanning from the first connection flange to the second connection flange. The bracket includes one or more openings that segment the bracket into at least a first section and a second section. Each of the openings extends into both the spanner portion and the first connection flange.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive image data of a scene around a user location, including identification of a plurality of vehicle objects within the image. The processor is also configured to process the image data to determine where stopping spaces, not occupied by vehicle objects, exist within the image. The processor is further configured to select a determined stopping space and provide the selected stopping space to a passenger and driver to arrange a pickup location for a ride request.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, and a transmission are described. In one example, various vehicle operating modes may be entered from a baseline vehicle operating mode and the vehicle operating modes may revert back to the baseline vehicle operating mode in a plurality of stages so that returning to the baseline operating mode may be less noticeable to vehicle occupants.

Abstract: A system includes a computer that includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive an input route from a user device, wherein the input route is determined by user input tracing the input route on a display of a map on the user device, to specify a travel route for a vehicle, including a direction of movement of the vehicle, based on the input route received from the user device, and upon determining that the vehicle specified travel route is within a specified distance of the input route, to adjust the travel route based on vehicle sensor data, a destination of the input route, and a time of day, thereby outputting an adjusted travel route.

Abstract: Vehicle backup warning notification systems and methods are disclosed herein. An example method can include determining a hazardous condition in an operating area around a vehicle based on user input of a first user at a first point in time, storing a warning message that indicates that the hazardous condition is present in the operating area, determining a second user driving the vehicle at a second point in time, determining that the stored warning message exists, and presenting the warning message for the second user driving the vehicle to notify the second user that the hazardous condition is present in the operating area.

Abstract: A request is received, from an onboard unit of a vehicle to a roadside unit in control of a gate protecting a gated area, for access rights to the gated area. Responsive to determining that the vehicle is authorized to enter, vehicle localization is performed to confirm that the vehicle has an unobstructed path to the gate. The vehicle localization is performed using one or more approaches. Responsive to confirming that the vehicle has an unobstructed path to the gate, direct the gate to open to allow the vehicle to proceed.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to collect control data indicating behavior of a vehicle controlled by a control program, collect virtual control data indicating behaviour of a virtual vehicle controlled by a virtual control program, and determine a difference between the control data and the virtual control data.