Abstract: In some aspects, a battery module includes a plurality of high energy density-based cells sandwiched between low energy density-based cells provides for a relatively thinner cell barrier between groups of cells, which reduces space required for mitigation solution for thermal runaway propagation (TRP) while maintaining a relatively high range of miles in an electric vehicle per individual charge. In some embodiments, the module includes bus bar and tab configurations on the front and rear portions which enables an efficient connection of components using the above-referenced combination of high and low energy density-based cells for optimal performance.

Abstract: A method of controlling access into a vehicle interior from a vehicle exterior using an access door includes generating a digital key signal via a mobile device in possession of a vehicle user. The method also includes receiving, via a virtual key control module (VKCM), the digital key signal from the mobile device and communicating a signal indicative of the received digital key signal to a vehicle controller. The method additionally includes detecting a presence of the vehicle user external to the vehicle within a predetermined proximity of the access door via an ultrasonic sensing arrangement. The method also includes communicating, via the ultrasonic sensing arrangement, the detected presence of the vehicle user to the vehicle controller. Furthermore, the method includes commanding, via the vehicle controller, a mechanism to release the access door in response to the received digital key signal and the detected presence of the vehicle user.

Abstract: A method and system for correcting alignment of images received from cameras by estimating camera alignment parameters based on perturbative correction such that corrected alignment parameters satisfy pairwise epipolar constraints as well as global loop closure constraints. The corrected alignment parameters are estimated as a Least-Mean-Square solution to a system of linear equations and an estimation algorithm may be implemented as a part of a Random Sample Consensus criterion estimation for improved robustness. The method and system is fast and efficient and may be implemented in a real-time system.

Abstract: A method of controlling a color display screen aboard a motor vehicle includes performing, via a host computer, a color calibration test of a user of the motor vehicle in which the user is subjected to a calibrated set of color-coded test information. The method includes receiving a color perception response of the user to the calibrated set of color-coded test information via the host computer. Additionally, the method includes mapping a reduced visual gamut of the user via the host computer using the color perception response, and then commanding adjustment of user-specific color settings of the motor vehicle using the reduced visual gamut to thereby accommodate a color perception deficiency of the user.

Abstract: A system includes a battery configured for providing electrical energy in direct current and a drive unit configured for utilizing electrical energy in alternating current to provide an output torque. The system includes a power inverter configured for receiving the electrical energy in direct current, transforming the electrical energy to alternating current, and providing the electrical energy in alternating current to the drive unit. The power inverter includes a direct current bus bar. The system includes a computerized controller. The controller monitors an environmental temperature of the inverter and monitors a current flow of the electrical energy received by the inverter. The controller determines an estimated temperature of the bus bar based upon the environmental temperature and the current flow and determining an inverter percent available capability based upon the estimated temperature.

Abstract: The concepts described herein relate to a system, method, and/or apparatus for monitoring a NOx sensor that is arranged in an exhaust gas feedstream of an internal combustion engine downstream of an exhaust aftertreatment system to detect a fault related to the NOx sensor. This includes utilizing a catalyst efficiency model to detect occurrence of a fault that may indicate an in-range biased or stuck NOx sensor.

Abstract: Aspects of a synchronous electric motor, including a synchronous interior permanent magnet or a synchronous reluctance motor, are disclosed. The outer edges of pockets and magnet pockets, including flux barriers, selectively include one or more notches at the front of the pockets. The use of these notches may redirect flow of the magnetic flux such that overall torque ripple may be reduced without significantly adversely affecting the average torque output of the motor. In some embodiments, various characteristics of the notches may be changed to achieve optimal performance including number, geometry, and location of the notches on select outer edges of the pockets. Another characteristic includes symmetry of the notches or asymmetry, whether in the radial and longitudinal directions of the rotor.

Abstract: A forming tool has an upper portion composed of an upper forming die arranged between a first clamping element and a second clamping element, and a lower portion composed of a lower forming die arranged between a third clamping element and a fourth clamping element. The first clamping element and the third clamping element cooperate to exert a first clamping force on a workpiece; and the second clamping element and the fourth clamping element cooperate to exert a second clamping force on the workpiece. The upper forming die cooperates with the first and second clamping elements and the lower forming die cooperates with the third and fourth clamping elements to exert a lateral force on the workpiece when the first and second clamping forces are being exerted on the workpiece and when a vertical compressive force is being exerted upon the upper forming die and the lower forming die.

Abstract: Methods and systems for joining multiple workpieces are provided. In one example, the method includes dispensing adhesive on a first workpiece. A second workpiece is contacted with the adhesive such that the adhesive is disposed between the first and second workpieces. Resistance heating is produced in the first and second workpieces at first processing conditions to partially cure the adhesive and affix the first and second workpieces together to form a partially cured, adhesive-joined workpiece assembly. The partially cured, adhesive-joined workpiece assembly is exposed to heat at second processing conditions to substantially fully cure the adhesive.

Abstract: A wellbeing system configured for assessing a mental wellbeing of a driver while driving the vehicle and deploying a countermeasure in response to a mindfulness level of the driver being beyond a desired range. The countermeasure may be configured to mitigate a probability of a mental wellbeing of the driver undesirably impacting operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A nozzle in a vehicle includes a nozzle insert to provide pulsed flow of a cleaning agent from an outlet to clean a sensor of the vehicle. The nozzle also includes a cleaning agent supply line to provide the cleaning agent to an inlet of the nozzle insert.

Abstract: A power control system comprises a battery system including N battery packs. A plurality of contactors selectively connects N battery packs of a battery system in a first configuration supplying a first voltage level, a second configuration supplying a second voltage level, and a disconnected configuration. M power inverters connect the battery system to M electric machines, respectively. A controller is configured to determine when to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration. The controller is configured to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration by causing one of a positive torque transient and a negative torque transient to be generated by at least one of the M electric machines, transitioning the battery system from one of the first configuration and the second configuration to the disconnected configuration, and transitioning from the disconnected configuration to the other one of the first configuration and the second configuration.

Abstract: A method for presenting one or more images to an observer on a reconfigurable electronic display includes prompting the observer to select a portion of the display that is visible to the observer and, if the observer has selected a portion of the display, presenting the images to fit within the selected portion of the display. Subsequent to presenting the images to fit within the selected portion of the display and in response to at least partial obstruction of the observer's view of the images by a visual obstruction, the images are reconfigured to be fully visible to the observer notwithstanding the visual obstruction.

Abstract: An automated driving system (ADS) of an autonomous vehicle includes a communication module, a misbehavior detection module, and a processor. The communication module is configured to receive a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) message including source vehicle data and receive a fusion data message including fusion data from a mobile edge computing (MEC) system including a roadside unit (RSU). The source vehicle data includes a source vehicle location. The fusion data is based on RSU sensed data and on vehicle sensed data received at the RSU from at least one vehicle. The misbehavior detection module is configured to determine whether a source vehicle is disposed at the source vehicle location based on the fusion data. The processor is configured to manage performance of the autonomous vehicle in accordance with the source vehicle data based at least in part on the determination. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A system for notifying an occupant of a vehicle of unauthorized interaction with his or her possessions includes one or more cameras that collect image data of a surrounding environment of the occupant. The surrounding environment of the occupant is an interior cabin of the vehicle. The system also includes one or more controllers in electronic communication with the one or more cameras, the one or more controllers execute instructions to monitor, by the one or more cameras, the image data of the surrounding environment of the occupant. In response to detecting the unauthorized interaction with the one or more possessions associated with the occupant, the one or more controllers generate a notification informing the occupant of the unauthorized interaction.

Abstract: An anti-submarining seat cushion for a vehicle includes a main body constructed of an anisotropic material. The anisotropic material includes a primary material including a primary stiffness and a plurality of inserts that are dispersed throughout the primary material. The plurality of inserts exert an axial compressive force in response to the main body of the anti-submarining seat cushion experiencing a submarining load, where the axial compressive force is exerted in a direction that opposes the submarining load to increase an overall stiffness of the main body in a direction that aligns with the submarining load.

Abstract: A vehicle seat restraint system includes a vehicle seat of a vehicle. The vehicle seat includes a leg-rest supporting lower legs and feet of an occupant of the vehicle seat. An in-vehicle occupant detection system identifies positions of the lower legs and the feet of the occupant. A restraint actuator is connected to the vehicle seat. A safety restraint element is extended by actuation of the restraint actuator from a stowed position proximate to the leg-rest into an engaged position wherein the safety restraint element contacts and restrains the lower legs and the feet of the occupant against the leg-rest, mitigating against occupant knee hyperextension due to leg straightening at an occupant knee joint.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a battery assembly includes a processing device configured to receive measurement data from a plurality of battery components, and input the measurement data to a battery model configured to determine parametric data. Based on the battery model, the processing device is configured to acquire the parametric data, extract statistical information based on at least one parameter of each battery component, and input the statistical information to a failure identification module that includes a first classifier configured to determine whether the battery assembly is in a failure condition based on the statistical information. The processing device is configured to output a health indicator having a first value indicating that the battery assembly is healthy based on first classifier determining that the battery assembly is in the healthy condition, and a faulty value based on the first classifier determining that the battery assembly is in a failure condition.

Abstract: A quality control system analyzes the quality of a battery cell, with the battery cell defining a gas pouch configured to be filled with a gas. The quality control system includes a computational system including a processor and a memory, a manifold defining a passageway extending between an inlet port for receiving the gas and an outlet port, and at least one sensor in electronic communication with the computational system. The sensor is arranged to measure a physical property of the gas and transmit a signal to the computational system corresponding to the physical property of the gas. The computational system analyzes the physical property of the gas, accesses a threshold value corresponding to the physical property, compares the physical property to the threshold value, and assess a quality score for the battery cell. A corresponding method analyzes the quality of the battery cell with the quality control system.

Abstract: An energy absorbing material includes a multi-cellular structure formed from a plurality of interconnected cells having a lattice structure. Each of the plurality of interconnected cells includes at least four nodes and at least one lattice element extending between each of the at least four nodes. The at least one lattice element has a diameter no greater than 2.5 mm.

Abstract: A testing system for an intermediate steering shaft includes a steering input motor including a shaft. A first U-joint includes a first end connected to the shaft of the steering input motor. An intermediate steering shaft includes a first shaft coupled to a second end of the first U-joint, a slider connected to the first shaft, and a second shaft connected to the slider. A second U-joint includes a first end connected to the second shaft of intermediate steering shaft. A motor includes a shaft and is configured to simulate steering loads. An adapter is configured to connect a second end of the second U-joint to the shaft of the motor. The adapter is configured to cause eccentric rotation of the second shaft of the intermediate steering shaft.

Abstract: A cell temperature measurement system for a battery includes a heat spreader and a temperature sensor. The heat spreader is configured to thermally conduct energy through a substrate from a cell contact to a sensor contact. The temperature sensor is configured to generate a measurement reflective of a cell or another component temperature of the battery. The temperature sensor may generate the temperature measurement according to readings taken with a probe positioned proximate the sensor contact.

Abstract: An electrode component for an electrochemical cell is provided herein. The electrode component includes a current collector having a first surface, a metal oxide layer disposed on the first surface of the current collector, and a lithium-containing layer bonded to the first surface of the current collector. The metal oxide layer includes a plurality of features. A method for manufacturing such an electrode component is also provided herein. The method includes directing a laser beam toward the first surface of the current collector in the presence of oxygen to form the metal oxide layer on the first surface and applying the lithium-containing layer to the metal oxide layer thereby bonding the lithium-containing layer with the current collector.

Abstract: A battery system includes a plurality of battery modules electrically connected in series. Each of the battery modules includes: one or more battery cells; a first switch connected between a positive reference potential of the one or more battery cells and a first node; and a second switch connected between the first node and a second node, where a negative reference potential of the one or more battery cells is connected to the second node. A management module is configured to: selectively close the first switches of the battery modules while the second switches are open; and selectively close the second switch of one of the battery modules while the first switch of the one of the battery modules is open.

Abstract: A system for generating a centrally located floating three-dimensional image display for a plurality of passengers positioned within a vehicle includes a plurality of autostereoscopic three-dimensional displays, one autostereoscopic three-dimensional display individually associated with each one of the plurality of passengers, and a controller in communication with each of the plurality of autostereoscopic three-dimensional displays and adapted to cause each one of the plurality of autostereoscopic three-dimensional displays to display a three-dimensional image to the associated one of the plurality of passengers, wherein, each of the plurality of passengers perceives the three-dimensional image floating at a central location within the vehicle.

Abstract: Snap rings, assemblies, and methods are provided for retaining a component on a shaft. The snap ring includes an annular body defining an opening through a center thereof, defining an outer curved surface and an inner curved surface, having a first end and a second end spaced apart from each other to define a gap therebetween, and having a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge spaced apart from each other to define a circumferential opening slit extending from the first end to the second end. The snap ring is configured to be received within a continuous, circumferential mating groove formed in an exterior surface of the shaft, and to retain the component in a fixed position when the component is located on the shaft and the snap ring is located in the mating groove.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle comprises a controller comprising a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions. The system comprises a transformable knob manipulated between first and second states. The knob comprises a body having a periphery wall arranged to flex between first and second configurations with the first and second states, respectively. The system comprises an output device arranged to change between first and second settings. Manipulation of the transformable knob from the first state to the second state transmits an input signal to the controller and facilitates flexing of the periphery wall from the first configuration to the second configuration. The controller receives the input signal, and the processor compares the input signal to the instructions in the non-transitory computer-readable medium and transmit an output signal to the output device to change the output device from the first setting to the second setting.

Abstract: A stabilizer bar assembly for a suspension system of a vehicle. The stabilizer bar assembly includes a first bar configured to be coupled to the vehicle suspension system proximate to a first wheel. A second bar is adjacent to the first bar. A coupling assembly is at an interface between the first bar and the second bar. The coupling assembly includes a magnetorheological material in contact with both the first bar and the second bar. The magnetorheological material is configured to transform from a fluid state to a viscoelastic solid state when subject to a magnetic field. A magnet is configured to apply the magnetic field to the magnetorheological material. In the viscoelastic solid state, the magnetorheological material resists relative movement between the first bar and the second bar.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a first electrode that includes a first current collector and a first electroactive material layer disposed on or near the first current collector, a second electrode that includes a second current collector and a second electroactive material layer disposed on or near the second current collector, and a separating layer disposed between the first electroactive material layer and the second electroactive material layer. The second electroactive material layer includes a plurality of hierarchical silicon columns, each of the hierarchical silicon columns has a longest dimension perpendicular to a major axis of the second current collector. The second electroactive material layer also includes a carbonaceous network that at least partially fills interstices defined between hierarchical silicon columns of the plurality of hierarchical silicon columns. The carbonaceous network includes linked carbon atoms that define a plurality of pores.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a device includes an electric motor configured to generate torque to propel the device. A controller is in communication with the electric motor and is adapted to select at least one harmonic order for a harmonic current command. The controller is adapted to define a plurality of operating regions, including a first operating region, a second operating region and a third operating region, each associated with a respective objective function for generating the harmonic current command. The controller is adapted to operate the harmonic current command with four degrees of freedom by selectively varying a q-axis current magnitude, a d-axis current magnitude, a q-axis phase and a d-axis phase as a function of the torque and a motor speed.

Abstract: A pre-charge system for a DC electric power system includes a high-voltage electric power bus that electrically connects to an external bus. A contactor includes a first switch arranged to control electric power through the positive bus link, and a second switch arranged to control electric power through the negative bus link. A pre-charge resistor is arranged in parallel with the first switch. A controller is operatively connected to the first and second switches, and in communication with a voltage sensor. The controller includes an instruction set to activate the second switch, periodically monitor the electrical potential, determine a time-rate of change in the electrical potential, and close the first switch when the time-rate of change in the electrical potential is less than a first threshold.

Abstract: An antenna system includes a first antenna operational to transmit a first radio-frequency signal, a second antenna operational to receive a second radio-frequency signal and receive the first radio-frequency signal, a first electromagnetic polarizer disposed between the first antenna and the second antenna and operational to change a polarization of the first radio-frequency signal, a second electromagnetic polarizer disposed between the first electromagnetic polarizer and the second antenna and operational to further change the polarization of the first radio-frequency signal, and a conductive ground plane disposed on a ground side of the first antenna and the second antenna. The conductive ground plane defines a gap between the first antenna and the second antenna. The gap extends under the first electromagnetic polarizer. The gap extends under the second electromagnetic polarizer. A horizontal component of the second polarization of the first radio-frequency signal is maintained across the gap.

Abstract: A system for transmitting an audio signal in a vehicle includes a stabilizer located at a source position in the vehicle. At least one speaker is operatively connected to the stabilizer. The speaker is adapted to transmit an audio signal to a target position for at least partially supporting a spatial audio representation. The target position and the source position are independently movable. The stabilizer is adapted to direct the audio signal such that a trajectory between the target position and the source position is maintained regardless of respective motion of the target position and the source position. The trajectory includes a first segment between the source position and a deflecting surface and a second segment between the deflecting surface and the target position.

Abstract: A charging system includes a service office, a charging station, a charging plug, a plurality of cameras, and a controller. The charging station is in communication with the service office. The service office is remote from the charging station. The charging plug is coupled to the charging station. The charging plug is operable to charge a battery of an electric vehicle. The plurality of cameras is coupled to the charging station. The plurality of cameras is operable to generate a plurality of images of the charging plug from a plurality of directions. The controller is disposed in the charging station. The controller is operable to transmit the plurality of images to the service office. The service office is operable to determine a physical state of the charging plug based on the plurality of images received from the controller.

Abstract: Presented are articulating roof assemblies for electrical generator systems, methods for making/using such roof assemblies, and fuel cell powered electric vehicle charging stations with such roof assemblies. An electrical generator system includes a mobile or stationary rigid support frame with an electrical generator that is mounted to the support frame and operable to generate electric power. At least one charging cable is electrically connected to the generator in order to transfer the electric power to a load. A control circuit is communicatively connected to the generator and governs the creation and transfer of electric power. Mounted onto the rigid support frame is a roof assembly with one or more roof panels. Each roof panel is movable between an undeployed position, whereat the roof panel at least partially covers the generator, and a deployed position, whereat the roof panel is obliquely angled to and/or projects outwardly from the rigid support frame.

Abstract: A method for displaying lane information on an augmented reality display includes receiving roadway data. The roadway data includes information about a roadway along a route of a vehicle. The roadway includes a plurality of lanes. The roadway data includes lane information about at least one of the plurality of lanes along the route of the vehicle. The method further includes receiving vehicle-location data. The vehicle-location data indicates a location of the vehicle. The method further includes determining that that the vehicle is approaching a road junction using the vehicle-location data and the roadway data. The method further includes, in response to determining that the vehicle is approaching the road junction, transmitting a command signal to a dual-focal plane augmented reality display to display at least one virtual image that is indicative of the lane information.

Abstract: A method of using a system for generating a centrally located floating image display includes displaying a first map image with a first display, receiving the first map image with a first reflector, reflecting the first map image with the first reflector, displaying, a second map image with a second display, receiving the second map image with a second reflector, reflecting the second map image with the second reflector, displaying first private information to the first passenger and second private information to the second passenger with a transparent display positioned between the first passenger and the first reflector and between the second passenger and the second reflector, receiving input from the first and second passengers with the system controller, and collecting images with an external scene camera.

Abstract: A method for forming a layered anode material includes contacting a precursor material and a first electrolyte. The precursor material is a layered ionic compound represented by MX2, where M is one of calcium and magnesium and X is one of silicon, germanium, and boron. The method further includes applying a first bias and/or current as the precursor material contacts the first electrolyte to remove cations from the precursor material to create a two-dimensional structure that defines the layered anode material. In certain variations, the method further includes contacting the two-dimensional structure and a second electrolyte and applying a second bias and/or current as the two-dimensional structure contacts the second electrolyte so as to cause lithium ions to move into interlayer spaces or voids created in the two-dimensional structure by the removal of the cations thereby forming the layered anode material.