Abstract: A transportation system is disclosed. The transportation system includes a vehicle, a plurality of seating assemblies positioned within a passenger compartment of the vehicle and defining an arrangement, a plurality of actuators that effect movement of various components of the plurality of seating assemblies, a plurality of sensors, and a controller. Specific examples of pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements are disclosed, as well as the ability to customize the arrangement. Additionally, exemplary methods are disclosed that illustrate transitions between a variety of the pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements.

Abstract: A transportation system is disclosed. The transportation system includes a vehicle, a plurality of seating assemblies positioned within a passenger compartment of the vehicle and defining an arrangement, a plurality of actuators that effect movement of various components of the plurality of seating assemblies, a plurality of sensors, and a controller. Specific examples of pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements are disclosed, as well as the ability to customize the arrangement. Additionally, exemplary methods are disclosed that illustrate transitions between a variety of the pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements.

Abstract: A transportation system is disclosed. The transportation system includes a vehicle, a plurality of seating assemblies positioned within a passenger compartment of the vehicle and defining an arrangement, a plurality of actuators that effect movement of various components of the plurality of seating assemblies, a plurality of sensors, and a controller. Specific examples of pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements are disclosed, as well as the ability to customize the arrangement. Additionally, exemplary methods are disclosed that illustrate transitions between a variety of the pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements.

Abstract: A transportation system is disclosed. The transportation system includes a vehicle, a plurality of seating assemblies positioned within a passenger compartment of the vehicle and defining an arrangement, a plurality of actuators that effect movement of various components of the plurality of seating assemblies, a plurality of sensors, and a controller. Specific examples of pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements are disclosed, as well as the ability to customize the arrangement. Additionally, exemplary methods are disclosed that illustrate transitions between a variety of the pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements.

Abstract: A transportation system is disclosed. The transportation system includes a vehicle, a plurality of seating assemblies positioned within a passenger compartment of the vehicle and defining an arrangement, a plurality of actuators that effect movement of various components of the plurality of seating assemblies, a plurality of sensors, and a controller. Specific examples of pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements are disclosed, as well as the ability to customize the arrangement. Additionally, exemplary methods are disclosed that illustrate transitions between a variety of the pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements.

Abstract: A transportation system is disclosed. The transportation system includes a vehicle, a plurality of seating assemblies positioned within a passenger compartment of the vehicle and defining an arrangement, a plurality of actuators that effect movement of various components of the plurality of seating assemblies, a plurality of sensors, and a controller. Specific examples of pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements are disclosed, as well as the ability to customize the arrangement. Additionally, exemplary methods are disclosed that illustrate transitions between a variety of the pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements.

Abstract: A method for modifying a trailer detection routine for a vehicle trailer detection system includes identifying a trailer in image data via a trailer detection model and activating a detection training routine for the trailer. The method further includes capturing the image data of the trailer from a plurality of perspectives relative to a trailer heading of the trailer and controlling an update procedure configured to generate a modified trailer detection model operable to detect the trailer.

Abstract: A transportation system is disclosed. The transportation system includes a vehicle, a plurality of seating assemblies positioned within a passenger compartment of the vehicle and defining an arrangement, a plurality of actuators that effect movement of various components of the plurality of seating assemblies, a plurality of sensors, and a controller. Specific examples of pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements are disclosed, as well as the ability to customize the arrangement. Additionally, exemplary methods are disclosed that illustrate transitions between a variety of the pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery housing, a plurality of batteries, and a door step. The battery housing is disposed in a floor area of the vehicle. The batteries are within the battery housing. The door step is located proximate a side of the battery housing. The door step includes an upper running board with a stepping surface and a lower bottom part that is spaced apart from the upper running board and extends parallel to the upper running board to define at least one chamber therebetween. The lower bottom part includes a central weakened area which extends in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is configured to permit a center region of the door step to buckle upwards in response to a lateral force greater than a predetermined threshold amount of force.

Abstract: While a vehicle is in an off state, expiration of a timer and receipt of a first message from a user device are monitored. Upon determining that at least one of the timer has expired or that the first message is received from the user device, a communication network onboard the vehicle is then monitored for a specified set of fault conditions. Upon detecting, on the onboard vehicle communication network, a fault condition included in the set of fault conditions, the fault condition is then identified as one of transient or persistent. A user assist feature of the vehicle is disabled upon identifying that the fault condition is transient and that a second message was received from the user device after the fault condition was detected.

Abstract: A method of additive manufacturing a part via vat photopolymerization (VPP) includes irradiating a first material through a first transparent wall of a first material tank and forming a first section of an nth layer of the part on a platform, positioning the platform with the first section of the nth layer in a second material tank with a distance between the first section of the nth layer and a second transparent wall, and irradiating a second material such that a second section of the nth layer of the part is formed on the platform adjacent to the first section of the nth layer. The method repeats forming first and second sections of additional layer until a predetermined number of total layers are formed. Positioning the first and second sections with a distance between the second and first transparent walls, respectively, inhibits crashing during forming of the part.

Abstract: A transportation system is disclosed. The transportation system includes a vehicle, a plurality of seating assemblies positioned within a passenger compartment of the vehicle and defining an arrangement, a plurality of actuators that effect movement of various components of the plurality of seating assemblies, a plurality of sensors, and a controller. Specific examples of pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements are disclosed, as well as the ability to customize the arrangement. Additionally, exemplary methods are disclosed that illustrate transitions between a variety of the pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a backup assist system for a trailer attached to a vehicle is provided which includes a hitch sensor continuously measuring a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer. A controller is configured to determine an offset of the measured hitch angle. The controller is configured to calculate and store in memory a forward offset if no reverse offset is stored.

Abstract: A center console for a vehicle includes a base. The base is coupled to the vehicle and includes a receptacle. The center console includes a body that is coupled to the base and that includes a shelf. The body is operable to move relative to the base between a retracted position, wherein the shelf covers the receptacle, and an extended position, wherein the receptacle is exposed.

Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle includes a fuel cell assembly with at least a first fuel cell stack and a second fuel cell stack. Waste gas extracted from the first fuel cell stack is routed to an input of the second fuel cell stack. The first and second fuel cell stacks may be of the same size or the second fuel cell stack may be sized smaller than the first fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A vehicle module system is disclosed. The system includes a track assembly operably coupled with a body of a vehicle. One or more modules may be removably and slidably coupled with the track assembly. The modules include base structure defining an attachment point. A rail feature is disposed along a bottom portion of the base structure. An attachment feature having a retainer for removably coupling to the attachment point to the base structure.

Abstract: An assembly includes a vehicle floor defining a seating area. The assembly includes a post supported by the vehicle floor and movable along a vehicle-longitudinal axis adjacent the seating area. The assembly includes an airbag supported by the post above the vehicle floor.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining acoustic data from a plurality of acoustic sensors disposed on one or more mobile systems, one or more fixed infrastructure elements, or a combination thereof. The method includes obtaining image data from a plurality of image sensors disposed on the one or more mobile systems, the one or more fixed infrastructure elements, or a combination thereof. The method includes determining whether the anomalous state is present based on the image data and the acoustic data. The method includes, in response to the anomalous state being satisfied, identifying a location associated with the anomalous state based on the acoustic data and the image data and transmitting a notification based on the anomalous state and the location.

Abstract: A planned acceleration of a vehicle and a predicted optimal acceleration of a target is determined. Upon determining that an actual acceleration of the target differs from the predicted optimal acceleration, the planned acceleration of the vehicle is revised based on the actual acceleration of the target. The foregoing steps can be implemented by a vehicle computer according to program instructions stored in a memory of the vehicle computer. The vehicle can include sensors, actuators, and/or controllers in communication with the computer via a vehicle communication network.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a sleeve for repairing or reconstructing a frame rail of a motor vehicle. An exemplary repair sleeve includes a base wall, first and second side walls projecting from opposite sides of the base wall, and a sectioned wall including first and second sections spaced-apart from one another such that the two side walls are moveable relative to one another in a pre-installed condition.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an oil gallery of a piston. In one example, a system for a piston comprising an internal oil gallery. The internal oil gallery comprises one or more of a funnel shaped inlet, a funnel shaped outlet, and a plurality of tongues extending along a circumference of the internal oil gallery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an on-board electrical network (4) of a motor vehicle (2), with a first voltage circuit (I) and a second voltage circuit (II), the first voltage circuit (I) having a first operating voltage which is higher than a second operating voltage in the second voltage circuit (II), the first voltage circuit (I) being connected to the second voltage circuit (II) via a DC-DC converter (8), and the first voltage circuit (I) having a battery (10) and the second voltage circuit (II) having a main battery (12), characterized in that the second voltage circuit (II) has an additional third auxiliary battery (14), and wherein by means of a changeover switch assembly (18) components of the motor vehicle (2) are supplied with electrical energy from the main battery (12) and/or the auxiliary battery (14), and in that the main battery (12) is disconnected from the second voltage circuit (II) by means of an isolating switch (66) during a startup mode.

Abstract: A tool for driving a threaded fastener includes a driver head, a motor, and an injector. The driver head includes a spindle rotatable about an axis. A distal end of the spindle defines a plurality of drive surfaces configured to engage mating drive surfaces on the fastener to rotate the fastener about the axis. The driver head defines a fluid passage having an outlet proximate to the distal end of the spindle. The motor is drivingly coupled to the spindle to rotate the spindle about the axis. The injector is coupled to an inlet of the fluid passage and configured to feed a liquid insulator through the fluid passage.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly for a vehicle includes, among other things, a frame sub-assembly that includes a driver side section, a passenger side section, and a connection member coupling the driver side section to the passenger side section. The assembly further includes a door sub-assembly disposed between the driver side section and the passenger side section. The door sub-assembly and the frame sub-assembly are pivotable together about a first axis between a tailgate closed position and a tailgate open position. The door sub-assembly is pivotable relative to the frame sub-assembly about a second axis between a door closed position and a door open position. The door sub-assembly in the door open position provides a cargo bed access opening that extends vertically downward at least as far as a floor of the cargo bed.

Abstract: A drainage system for a vehicle is disclosed herein. A drain is disposed within a vehicle substrate and has a floor. A receiver is disposed proximate to the floor. A cap feature is operably coupled to the drain and is operable between first and second positions relative to the drain. The cap feature includes an upper platform and a sidewall that extends generally downward from the upper platform. A cutout is defined by the cap feature and is configured to allow liquid to flow through the cap feature. An engagement feature is coupled to the cap feature and is operable between a disengaged position and an engaged position in which the engagement feature is engaged with the receiver. Movement of the cap feature from the first position to the second position moves the engagement feature from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an engine that includes a controller and a NOx sensor are described. In one example, output of the NOx sensor is selectively made available to software modules within the controller when an offset in NOx sensor output is not expected. If the offset in NOx sensor output is expected, the NOx sensor output may not be made available to the software modules.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a vehicle that includes a plurality of engine starting devices and an internal combustion engine is described. In one example, the method selects one of a plurality of engine starting devices to start an engine based on durability metrics of each of the plurality of engine starting devices. In addition, engine starting device selection may be based on calibration parameters that are generated via a server that is external to the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing diagnostics on an evaporative emission are described. The methods and systems may include evaluating pressure or vacuum development within an evaporative emissions system over time to determine the presence or absence of a breach in the evaporative emissions system. If a breach is identified, mitigating actions may be performed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine with deactivating and non-deactivating valves is presented. In one example, the engine may include non-deactivating intake valves, deactivating intake valves, and only non-deactivating exhaust valves. The non-deactivating exhaust valves may operate to open and close during an engine cycle while deactivating intake valves remain closed during the engine cycle to prevent air flow through selected engine cylinders.

Abstract: A method of forming a molded polymer part having a screw boss includes positioning a screw boss insert on a pin of a mold tool. The screw boss insert may contact guide surfaces of the mold tool. During molding, polymer material flows along the screw boss insert while the screw boss insert is positioned on the pin. The polymer material may bond to the screw boss insert. The screw boss insert may include one or more geometric features that prevent rotation and/or axial movement of the screw boss insert relative to the surrounding polymer material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle frame that includes a first pillar and a second pillar. The first pillar includes an upper member that has a first upper flange and a second upper flange. The first pillar also includes a lower member that extends outwardly from the second upper flange. The lower flange includes a chamfer and a transition portion, such that the chamfer has an arcuate shape that extends from the second upper flange to the transition portion. Further, the chamfer includes a first portion a second portion, such that the first portion and the second portion are angularly displaced with respect to the horizontal axis.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting an evaporative emissions test on a fuel system and an emissions control system in a vehicle. In one example, in response to an indication that a vehicle parking condition may result in the isolation of the fuel system from the emissions control system via the unintentional closing of fuel tank valves, a vehicle's active suspension system may be employed in order to level the vehicle a determined amount such that the fuel system isolation issues may be mitigated prior to an evaporative emissions test procedure. In this way, the entire fuel system and emissions control system may be diagnosed for potential undesired emissions, and potential violations of regulatory requirements for evaporative emissions testing may be reduced.

Abstract: A storage system for a vehicle includes a storage bin. The storage bin is positioned vehicle-downward of the seating assembly of said vehicle. A trim component overlies a door sill of said vehicle. The trim component and the storage bin together define an under-seat storage cavity. The trim component defines a side receptacle distinct from the under-seat storage cavity.

Abstract: Systems are provided for a vehicle fan shroud with integrated structural support. In one example, a fan shroud includes an opening adapted to house a fan impeller, and an upper extension and a lower foot adapted to couple the fan shroud to a vehicle in an angled position. The upper extension and lower foot provide structural support to the fan shroud to enable vehicle components such as a heat exchanger and condenser to be mounted to the fan shroud and maintained in position by the fan shroud.

Abstract: Assistance is provided to a driver of a road vehicle using bioptic eyewear which has a carrier lens and a telescopic lens. Presence of bioptic eyewear on the driver is detected while driving the vehicle. Spatial positioning of the driver with bioptic eyewear is tracked to identify a telescopic event in which the driver is looking through the telescopic lens. A gaze direction through the telescopic lens is detected during the telescopic event. Remote sensing data is collected covering a region of interest corresponding to a projection of the gaze direction. An object is detected within the region of interest. A driving indicator is identified according to the object. The driving indicator is presented to the driver as supplemental information to highlight key driving indicators such as identity of signage and color of a traffic light.

Abstract: A vehicle and method are provided for monitoring and changing quality of air in a passenger compartment of a vehicle so that the air quality remains above a predeterminable threshold value. The vehicle has an air quality sensing device and an air quality changing device. The method includes sensing the quality of the air in the passenger compartment and in the surroundings of the vehicle with the air quality sensing device; and in the event that the quality of the air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle drops below the predeterminable threshold value, changing the quality of the air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle with the air quality changing device so that the quality of the air in the passenger compartment rises above the predeterminable threshold value.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for mitigating water ingestion in a variable displacement engine. In one example, a method for a vehicle may comprise: with an engine of the vehicle turned on, responsive to detection of a water wading condition through which the vehicle is passing, operating the engine in a variable displacement engine (VDE) mode with a reduced number of cylinders of the engine activated and any cylinders in excess of the reduced number of cylinders deactivated. In this way, water ingestion into the cylinders of the engine and the resulting combustion instability may be avoided during the water wading conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment includes, among other things, a single-piece bracket having a first mount interface configured to receive a fog lamp and a second mount interface configured to receive an actuator for an active air dam. A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, injection molding a single-piece bracket from a plastic material to include a first mount interface configured to receive a fog lamp and a second mount interface configured to receive an actuator for an active air dam.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an oil heater of a hybrid electric vehicle. The oil heater comprises a metal foam comprising a plurality of pores. The oil heater is activated during a regenerative braking event where an oil temperature is less than a predefined temperature.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a valve system for actuating two cylinder valves in an engine. In one example, the valve system may include a single pump and a solenoid valve capable of non-concurrently actuating the two cylinder valves coupled to separate cylinders.

Abstract: This disclosure details exemplary battery pack designs for use in electrified vehicles. An exemplary battery pack may include an enclosure assembly, one or more battery arrays housed within the enclosure assembly, a first battery internal component (e.g., an array holding device, heat exchanger plate, tray, etc.) adjacent to the battery array, a mounting bracket mounted to the first battery internal component, and a second battery internal component (e.g., a wiring harness of an electrical distribution system) elevated above the first battery internal component by the mounting bracket.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an engine housing assembly. In one example, an engine housing assembly comprises an engine housing component, the housing component at least partially defining a first bore for receiving a first shaft and at least partially defining a second bore for receiving a second shaft; and a reinforcement member cast into the housing, the reinforcement member having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the housing component, wherein the reinforcement member at least partially surrounds the first and second bores. A method of manufacturing the engine housing assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A restraint system includes a seat defining a cross-seat axis. The seat includes a seat bottom and a seatback supported by the seat bottom. An airbag is mounted to the seat bottom and is inflatable upwardly from the seat bottom to an inflated position. The airbag, in the inflated position, includes a panel spaced from the seatback and two extensions each extending from the panel to the seatback. The extensions are spaced from each other along the cross-seat axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting travel patterns of a vehicle or one or more occupants in the vehicle are provided. A transceiver may receive data indicative of at least one of passenger information, vehicle occupancy, vehicle status, and vehicle location from at least one of a voice recognition device, IoT sensors such as seat sensors, vehicle status sensors, or a GPS system. A processor may determine travel patterns based on the data, predict travel patterns based on the determined travel patterns, and generate a database comprising the predicted travel patterns. In addition, the processor may generate an alert if the determined travel pattern deviates from the predicted travel patterns.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of frame rails and a bumper assembly. The bumper assembly includes a bumper beam supported by the frame rails and an airbag. The airbag includes a first airbag chamber supported by the bumper beam and inflatable to an inflated position, and a second airbag chamber supported by the bumper and inflatable to an inflated position. The first airbag chamber is disposed in a cross-vehicle direction relative to the second airbag chamber. The first airbag chamber has a first volume in the inflated position. The second airbag chamber has a second volume in the inflated position. The first volume is different than the second volume.

Abstract: A device localization system for a vehicle and a mobile device configured as a Phone-as-a-Key (PaaK) is described. The system includes a fob-free mode for performing remote control vehicle features using a selective mobile device localization technique that reduces motive functionality of the vehicle, based location of a user performing the vehicle control during the remote-control operation. The system determines a geographic position of a user using a single Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) antenna, and establishes establish a high-fidelity zone based on a change in mobile device position. The system reduces a motive functionality of the vehicle, based on the selective mobile device localization, from a first motive mode having a full motive functionality to a second motive mode responsive to determining that the mobile device is not present in the high-fidelity zone.

Abstract: Switchable tailgate imaging and sensing systems and methods are disclosed herein. A vehicle may include a tailgate comprising a closed position and an open position, a first camera and a second camera configured to obtain images in a field of view, and a first proximity sensor and a second proximity configured to determine a proximity of the vehicle to objects in a sensing area. When the tailgate is in the closed position, the first camera and the first proximity sensor are used. When the tailgate is in the open position, the second camera and the second proximity sensor are used.