Abstract: A method of separating a blank from a stack of blanks is provided and includes grasping a first blank and moving the first blank away from a plurality of blanks. At least one additional blank from the plurality of blanks is adhered to the first blank to form a sub-stack of blanks and at least one impulse electrically generated force (EGF) is applied to separate the at least one additional blank from the first blank. The first blank may be grasped by a device with a force F1, and the at least one impulse EGF may be less than the force F1. Also, the at least one impulse EGF may be applied to separate the at least one additional blank from the first blank by passing a pulse of current through an EGF generator positioned adjacent the first blank and inducing an EGF within the plurality of blanks.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a controller, programmed to, send a vehicle status report reflecting current status of the vehicle to a server; responsive to receiving a connection message from the server indicative of a predicted data transaction, wirelessly connect to a fleet vehicle using the connection message; and transmit a data block defined in the connection message to the fleet vehicle.

Abstract: A dual path fuel vapor purge system is disclosed for an engine having a turbocharger or a super. The purge system includes a canister configured to collect fuel vapor from a fuel tank. A canister purge valve is provided downstream from the canister. An ejector valve receives fuel vapors from the canister through the canister purge valve. A first vapor purge path directs the fuel vapor to an intake manifold of the engine. A second vapor purge path directs fuel vapor to an air induction system. A check valve downstream from the ejector valve receives the fuel vapor from the ejector and supplies the fuel vapor to the air induction system. Boost flow opens the check valve when the air induction system is in operation to boost the engine and closes the check valve when the engine is in operation with normal aspiration or when a leak is detected.

Abstract: A computing platform of a vehicle may receive a request, from a mobile application accessing a secure vehicle function, to create a secure tunnel between the computing platform and the mobile device; retrieve an application certificate from the mobile application; and validate the creation of the secure tunnel using the application certificate and a module certificate from a local policy table of the computing platform. A mobile device, connected to a computing platform of a vehicle may execute a mobile application requiring a secure vehicle function; send a request to create a secure tunnel with the computing platform responsive to access of by the mobile application of the secure vehicle function; and send to the computing platform an application certificate corresponding to the mobile application to validate creation of the secure tunnel.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for engine starting and transmission shifting where a controller may be operable to decrease a torque of a motor and operate a starter-generator (ISG) to start an engine responsive to a command to shift the transmission and start the engine. The controller may disengage a second clutch and subsequently shift the transmission to a target gear ratio speed responsive to the torque of the motor achieving zero. The controller may increase respective torques of the motor, ISG, and engine to drive a speed of the motor, ISG, and engine toward a target speed defined by the target gear speed responsive to completion of the shift. The controller may engage the second clutch responsive to the speed of the motor achieving the target speed and engage a disconnect clutch responsive to the respective speeds of the ISG and engine achieving the target speed.

Abstract: This disclosure details exemplary electrical architectural layouts for distributing high voltage power within electrified vehicles. An exemplary battery pack associated with an electrical architectural layout of an electrified vehicle may include an enclosure assembly that houses one or more battery arrays. The battery arrays may be efficiently arranged relative to one another inside the enclosure assembly to establish an open channel within the enclosure assembly. A high voltage wiring harness may be routed through an interior of the battery pack within the open channel. The exemplary electrical architectural layouts of this disclosure may be employed within all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or front-wheel drive electrified vehicles.

Abstract: A display assembly for a vehicle seat includes a housing portion that defines a space for receiving a display. The housing portion includes an angled rear wall. A coupling ledge extends from the angled rear wall. The coupling ledge defines a receiving slot within a recess. A coupling extension has a top edge and a bottom edge. The top edge of the coupling extension is coupled to a bottom of the housing portion. A hook is coupled to and extends from an inner surface of the coupling extension. The hook is disposed adjacent to the bottom edge of the coupling extension.

Abstract: A system includes a sensor window, a sensor having a field of view through the sensor window, a piezoelectric vibrator positioned to impart vibrations to the sensor window, and a computer communicatively coupled to the sensor and the piezoelectric vibrator. The computer is programmed to identify a type for an obstruction of the sensor window based on data from the sensor, and instruct the piezoelectric vibrator to vibrate the sensor window with vibrations having a vibration profile. The vibration profile has at least one of frequency or phase velocity chosen according to the identified type of obstruction.

Abstract: A vehicle including a passenger compartment having a roof support framework including a pair of roof rails, a header and at least one roof bow. A roof including several rigid removable roof panels is removably assembled to the roof support framework. Pins are removably assembled to the roof rails or to brackets attached to the roof rails that extend through the roof panels. A roof rack or cargo carrier is removably attached to upper ends of the pins and is spaced above the roof panels. A method of assembling a roof rack to a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A footwell assembly for a vehicle is disclosed herein. The footwell assembly includes a receiving member that defines a recess configured to receive a stowed foot pedal. A cover feature includes a connecting member that is removably coupled to the receiving member and a cover member that is coupled to the connecting member. The cover member is operable to move relative to the connecting member from a first position to a second concealment position to cover the stowed foot pedal.

Abstract: A vehicle console assembly includes a body that defines a cutout. The cut out includes a contact surface. A lid is operably coupled to the body and includes a connector that defines an engagement member. The lid is operable between a raised position, a lowered position, and an intermediate engaging position therebetween defined by a predefined opening angle. The engagement member is space-apart from the context surface when the lid is in the lowered position and engages the contact surface when the lid is in the intermediate engaging position. A biasing member is disposed proximate the connector. A hinge pin extends through the cutout, the biasing member, and the engagement member.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle interior having opposed first and second sides and a support surface disposed therebetween. A track system is laterally disposed on the support surface. A seat pedestal includes a base portion supported on the track system for lateral movement within the vehicle interior. The seat pedestal further includes a seat portion rotatably supported on the base portion. A first interior trim member includes an outer surface facing inwardly into the vehicle interior in a lateral direction. The first interior trim member includes a seatback integrated into the outer surface thereof. A second interior trim member includes an outer surface facing inwardly into the vehicle interior in a rearward direction. The second interior trim member includes a seatback integrated into the outer surface thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a dual-purpose grab handle and tie-down bracket for a motor vehicle. An example vehicle includes a body panel defining at least a portion of a recess, and a component mounted at least partially in the recess. Further, the component provides a tie-down bracket configured to attach to a tie-down and a grab handle configured to be grasped by a hand of a user.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a window and a striker positioned to strike the window. The vehicle includes an actuator positioned to drive the striker. The vehicle includes a temperature sensor in communication with the actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery having a plurality of battery cells and a balance circuit configured to selectively discharge one or more of the battery cells. A controller is programmed to estimate charge capacities of the battery cells and determine a standard deviation of the estimated capacities. The controller is further programmed to determine a skewness of the estimated capacities. The controller is also programmed to, in response to the skewness exceeding a first threshold, command the balance circuit to discharge one or more of the battery cells when a state of charge (SOC) of the traction battery is less than a second threshold, and, in response to the skewness being less than the first threshold, command the balance circuit to discharge one or more of the battery cells when the SOC of the traction battery is greater than the second threshold.

Abstract: A stator for an electric machine is formed in stratified layer forming a core having axial slots, and a plurality of hurdle-shaped conductors. Each conductor includes first and second uprights disposed in the slots, and a bridge connecting the uprights and extending circumferentially over a core end surface. The first upright is radially closer to a core central axis than the second upright. Each bridge steps radially outward from the first upright to the second upright. Radially adjacent bridges nest next to one another without crossing over one another. A junction between the first end of the bridge and the first upright defines a radially outward-facing ledge, and a junction between the second end and the second upright defines a radially inward-facing ledge. Each bridge passes over the outward-facing ledge of its radially inwardly adjacent conductor and passing over the inward-facing ledge of its radially outward adjacent conductor.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a power source configured to provide drive torque, a front axle, a rear axle, and a transfer case configured to distribute drive torque from the power source between the front axle and the rear axle. The vehicle additionally includes a clutch arranged between the front axle and the transfer case. The clutch has a disengaged state and an engaged state drivingly coupling the transfer case and the front axle. The vehicle also includes a regenerative braking system configured to, in response to a braking request, provide regenerative braking torque to the rear axle. The vehicle further includes a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to a braking request and the clutch being in the disengaged state, control the clutch to shift into the engaged state to couple the regenerative braking system to the front axle and provide regenerative braking torque to the front axle.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system for an engine includes a first conduit, a second conduit, and a mixer. The first conduit is configured to direct a first portion of exhaust gas away from a first exhaust manifold. The second conduit is configured to direct a second portion of exhaust gas away from a second exhaust manifold. The mixer is configured to direct the first and second portions of the exhaust gas from the first and second conduits, respectively, into an engine air intake system. The mixer is arranged to segregate the first and second portions of the exhaust gas while the first and second portions of the exhaust gas are within the mixer. The mixer forms a ring about a perforated tube. The mixer is configured to direct the first and second portions of the exhaust gas into the air intake system via the perforated tube.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine and a traction motor include operating the engine at an operating point selected based on system efficiency, operating the electric machine to provide an electric machine torque responsive to a difference between a driver demand torque and the engine torque associated with the operating point, and limiting a rate of change of the electric machine torque in response to a rate of change of the driver demand torque. The electric machine torque rate limit may vary continuously responsive to the rate of change of driver demand torque and whether the driver demand torque is increasing or decreasing.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powerplant, at least one drive wheel, a transmission, and a controller. The powerplant is configured to generate power to propel the vehicle. The transmission is configured to deliver power from the powerplant to the at least one drive wheel. The controller is programmed to, in response to a scheduled upshift of the transmission and detection of a set of conditions that are indicative of the vehicle climbing while on loose terrain, override upshifting the transmission and maintain a current gear of the transmission. The controller is further programmed to, in response to the scheduled upshift of the transmission and non-detection of at least one condition of the set of conditions that are indicative of the vehicle climbing while on loose terrain, upshift the transmission.

Abstract: A pressurized gas tank for a motor vehicle includes a cylindrical axially extending housing with two end pieces axially connected thereto connected together by one or more tie rods configured for axial transmission of tensile force. The tie rods include an axially continuous through-channel configured to be connected to a vehicle cooling system including a circulating liquid coolant to cool the pressurized gas at least during refueling of the pressurized gas tank.

Abstract: Example embodiments described in this disclosure are generally directed to the use of a multi-zone geofence for key-free vehicle operations management. The multi-zone geofence may include a first zone where vehicles can be operated without the use of keys or key fobs, and a second zone surrounding the first zone where a first set of functional restrictions are imposed upon the vehicles. The first set of functional restrictions can include an upper speed limit that is automatically imposed upon a vehicle. The multi-zone geofence can include additional zones having functional restrictions, such as a third zone surrounding the second zone wherein key-free vehicle operations are permitted with a second set of restrictions. The second set of restrictions may include a directional speed feature involving an automatic speed reduction upon a vehicle travelling towards a periphery of the third zone and lifting the speed reduction if the vehicle turns back.

Abstract: A battery system includes a plurality of battery cell packs arranged in layers selectively connected in series and parallel by a control system controlling a plurality of switches. Each of the battery cell packs includes a plurality of battery cells. A plurality of first switches and a plurality of second switches are controlled by a control system to connect the battery cell packs in response to a desired current output of the battery system and/or a desired voltage output of the battery system irrespective of individual battery cell or battery cell pack voltages or currents associated with state of charge or operational performance. The control system controls the switches to selectively connect the battery cell pack(s) to the output connections in parallel and/or series to provide redundancy and reduce output voltage/current fluctuation otherwise associated with state of charge or underperforming battery cells/packs.

Abstract: A method for producing a compressed gas tank for a motor vehicle includes inserting a bundle of heat-conducting elements through an opening in a housing of the compressed gas tank and exerting a force on the bundle that radially expands the bundle within the housing beyond the size of the opening. The heat-conducting elements may be helically wound about a central axis when inserted through the opening with a torsional force applied to unwind the elements while radially expanding and reducing axial length of the bundle. A compressed gas tank for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of heat-conducting elements including at least one tube within a tank housing that extend axially along the tank and radially within the housing to a size exceeding an opening of the housing. The tube is configured to circulate coolant to cool compressed gas within the tank.

Abstract: A vehicular storage box that includes a compartment for holding articles, the compartment comprising four sides, a bottom and a top lid. The compartment is fabricated from an engineered plastic or a polymer matrix composite. The box further includes a locking assembly situated within the lid. The locking assembly comprises a central locking wheel connected to a linkage, a plurality of pawls for each of at least three of the sides of the compartment, and a solenoid switch. The locking wheel is movably connected to the plurality of pawls. Further, the solenoid switch is connected to the linkage to move the wheel to drive the plurality of pawls into and out of the at least three of the sides of the compartment into a respective locked position of the lid and an unlocked position of the lid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1). In order to increase motor vehicle user convenience and eco-friendliness in connection with a parking of motor vehicles (1) subject to a charge, the motor vehicle (1) has at least one device (2) permanently integrated into at least one structure of the motor vehicle (1) for displaying a parking duration and/or a parking start of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical power system for a vehicle comprising a base powernet and a primary powernet electrically connected to primary safety critical loads. A switch is disposed between the base powernet and the primary powernet. The switch is configured to transition between a closed state that electrically connects the base powernet to the primary powernet and an open state that disconnects the base powernet from the primary powernet.

Abstract: A method of installing and sealing a friction fastener to at least an upper substrate and a lower substrate includes providing an expandable sealant to an underhead volume of the friction fastener, installing the friction fastener through the upper substrate and into the lower substrate using a joining device, and applying heat in-situ to the expandable sealant such that the friction fastener is sealed to at least the upper substrate. The heat in-situ is applied to the expandable sealant via installing the friction fastener and/or with an external heating source disposed downstream from the joining device.

Abstract: A console assembly includes a body that has a front portion and a rear portion. The body defines a support extension extending from a rear portion. The support extension includes a guide and a resilient member that defines a channel. A lid is operably coupled to the body. A connector outwardly extends from the lid and is coupled to the support extension. An engagement member is positioned within the channel and is coupled to the connector and mutually engageable with the resilient member.

Abstract: A system includes a computer including a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to, generate a synthetic image by adjusting respective color values of one or more pixels of a reference image based on a specified meteorological optical range from a vehicle sensor to simulated fog, and input the synthetic image to a machine learning program to train the machine learning program to identify a meteorological optical range from the vehicle sensor to actual fog.

Abstract: A solenoid valve in a manifold is commanded to move to a closed position. Upon activating a pump to supply fluid to the manifold via a supply line, a first pressure is determined in the supply line after commanding the solenoid valve to move to the closed position. Upon deactivating the pump to stop supplying fluid to the manifold, a second pressure is determined in the supply line. Based on a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure, the solenoid valve is determined to be one of (a) at least partially open or (b) in the closed position.

Abstract: In some cases, signal attenuation may occur when a mobile device communicates with a vehicle. To accommodate for this, a vehicle may determine a distance between the vehicle and the mobile device by evaluating a signal strength of a wireless signal received from the mobile device. An erroneous distance result may be produced when the wireless signal is attenuated by an intervening object. A wearable device worn by the individual is used to detect the presence of the mobile device. The detection procedure involves measuring a separation distance between the wearable device and the mobile device at different instances in time as the individual swings his/her arm back and forth while moving towards the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and determining a propulsion request are described. In one example, the propulsion request is evaluated according to two separate plausibility checks. The plausibility checks may include comparing a monitor propulsion request against the propulsion request and comparing the monitor propulsion request against a wheel torque.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an actuator, a drivetrain configured to receive mechanical power from the actuator, an accelerator pedal position sensor configured to output a driver-demanded torque, and a controller in electric communication with the sensor and the actuator. The controller is programmed to receive the driver-demanded torque and output a shaped torque command to mitigate driveline disturbances caused by backlash and shaft compliance.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for managing scooter fleets based on geolocation boundaries. In certain embodiments, individual scooters of the scooter fleet may be associated with geographical areas in which they are allowed to operate, and such areas may be defined by a geolocation boundary. The geographical areas may be provided to prevent scooters from being used and subsequently left in an undesirable location (for example, at an airport terminal or an area where crime is commonplace).

Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a cooling loop, an exhaust system, and a thermosiphon. The cooling loop is configured to direct an engine coolant through the engine. The exhaust system is configured to direct exhaust gas away from the engine. The thermosiphon is configured to transfer heat from the exhaust gas to the engine coolant.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring a crankcase ventilation system. In one example, a method may include diagnosing a breach in a crankcase vent tube based on a regression of measurements of pressure in the crankcase vent tube. The regression allows the pressure measurements to be extended across an entire range of operating air flows and the breach may be identified by comparing the regressed pressure measurements to expected crankcase vent tube pressures.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an aftertreatment system. In one example, a method comprises regenerating a NOx trap during an engine shut-down event. The method further comprises reversing a direction of flow of a gas through a HP-EGR passage during the regenerating.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing a clogged crankcase and performing a crankcase clean out. In one example, a method of operating an engine system including an engine includes measuring a crankcase pressure, and in response to the crankcase pressure increasing above a threshold pressure, determining a position of a clogged oil separator in a crankcase, and directing fluid to flow through the clogged oil separator and into the crankcase until a flow rate of the fluid through the clogged oil separator and into the crankcase increases above a threshold flow rate.

Abstract: A pick-up truck bed having controllably magnetized areas for retaining cargo or attachment devices. A first permanent magnet may be attached below the lower surface of the truck bed with a second permanent being rotatable relative to the first permanent magnet to control the magnetic flux provided to retain objects in the truck bed. Alternatively, one or more electromagnets may be provided that may be turned on to retain objects in the truck bed and turned off to allow removal of objects.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. In one example, output of an electric machine is adjusted after commanding reactivation of all engine cylinder valves that have been deactivated. The electric machine torque may counteract the engine producing torque that is greater than a requested torque due to high intake manifold pressure.

Abstract: Techniques and examples pertaining to virtual reality remote valet parking are described. A processor of a control system of a vehicle may establish a wireless communication with a remote controller. The processor may provide a stream of video images captured by a camera of the vehicle to the remote controller. The processor may receive a signal from the remote controller. The processor may maneuver the vehicle from one location to another according to the signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving accuracy of an amount of fuel injected to an engine are disclosed. In one example, holding current of a fuel injector is adjusted to follow a fixed period and timing of a fuel injector off command is adjusted according to attributes of fuel injector holding current so that a fuel injector may provide a requested fuel amount. The fuel injector off command may be adjusted according to an amount of holding current that is expected to be flowing through the fuel injector at a time when the fuel injector is commanded off.