FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160138502 | ENGINE BLOCK HEATER FAILURE DETECTION - A vehicle system includes a sensor that measures an engine block heating characteristic associated with an engine block heater. A processing device is programmed to determine an operating state of the engine block heater based on the engine block heating characteristic measured. A communication device is programmed to transmit a message that includes the operating state of the engine block heater. | 05-19-2016 |
20160138306 | UNIVERSAL GLOBAL LATCH SYSTEM - A powered latch system for a door of a vehicle including a latch assembly, actuatable inside and outside handles, a powered actuator and a door controller that causes the powered actuator to unlatch the latch assembly upon actuation of the inside and outside door handles. The latch assembly may be mechanically unlatched by a user within a vehicle interior even if the powered actuator does not actuate due to a loss of electrical power or other failure. The controller can be programmed to unlatch the latch assembly according to various criteria as required to meet the specific requirements of different markets. | 05-19-2016 |
20160137134 | Vehicle Step System - A vehicle step system and method incorporating an end of a vehicle bumper. The step system includes an end of the bumper movable between a first, closed position and a second, open position. When placed in the second, open position the end of the bumper includes a step surface. One example of the vehicle step system and method includes positioning the step surface below the top of the bumper. The end of the bumper may be pivotally connected at the bottom wherein an actuator operates to move the end of the bumper between the first, closed position and the second, open position. In an additional example, a latch operates to prevent movement of the end of the bumper. | 05-19-2016 |
20160137102 | VEHICLE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION - A vehicle system includes at least two sensors. A first sensor is configured to output a child restraint signal indicating a presence of a child restraint system. A second sensor is configured to output a belt tension signal representing a tension associated with a seat belt. A processing device is programmed to determine whether the child restraint system includes a child seat or a booster seat based on the child restraint signal and the belt tension signal. | 05-19-2016 |
20160137089 | POWER SPIKE MITIGATION - A vehicle system includes a processing device programmed to monitor a vehicle battery, predict a vehicle maneuver, and determine whether the vehicle battery has sufficient charge for a vehicle to execute the predicted maneuver. The processing device is further programmed to perform a preparatory action if the vehicle battery lacks sufficient charge for the vehicle to execute the predicted maneuver. | 05-19-2016 |
20160134383 | MULTIPLE TRANSCEIVER AND ANTENNA VERIFICATION SYSTEM - A system includes a control unit and multiple transceivers connected by a communication bus. The transceivers are respectively connected to antennas. The control unit tests the operation of the transceivers by transmitting a test signal from a first transceiver to a second transceiver, receiving a return signal based on the test signal from the second transceiver, and determining if the strength of the return signal is within a predetermined range. | 05-12-2016 |
20160129920 | LANE DEPARTURE FEEDBACK SYSTEM - A lane departure warning system for a vehicle includes a positional input device and a seat having an inflatable bladder therein and a vibrational unit coupled with the bladder. A controller is communicatively coupled with the positional input device and with the vibrational unit and includes electronic circuitry programmed to detect a lane departure based on a signal from the positional input device and to cause the vibrational unit to vibrate in response thereto. | 05-12-2016 |
20160129912 | VEHICLE CORNERING MODES - A curve length, a curve size, and a curve heading angle change of a roadway being traveled by a vehicle are determined. Each of the curve length, the curve size, and the curve heading angle are compared with one or more threshold values to obtain a driving mode request. | 05-12-2016 |
20160129880 | SEAT BELT PRESENTER FAULT INDICATION - A vehicle system includes a seat belt buckle configured to receive a seat belt. The seat belt buckle is moveable between a first position and a second position. A timer is configured to determine an amount of time that the seat belt buckle is in the second position. If the seat belt buckle is in the second position for longer than a predetermined amount of time, the timer outputs an alert signal representing a potential fault. | 05-12-2016 |
20160129877 | BUCKLE GUIDE - A guide mechanism may be provided in a buckle assembly including an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The guide mechanism in one example includes notches in the outer sleeve mateable to notches in a tongue piece. In another example, the guide mechanism includes ribs formed on an interior of the outer sleeve, that together with a wall of an outer button included in the outer sleeve, form a slot for receiving a tongue piece. In yet another example, the guide mechanism includes a pair of leaf springs having openings therein forming a slot for receiving a tongue piece. | 05-12-2016 |
20160129869 | FLEXIBLE ELECTRO-RESISTIVE IMPACT DETECTION SENSOR FOR FRONT RAIL MOUNTED AIRBAG - A sensing device for actuating an airbag system in a motor vehicle comprises an airbag having a stowed condition and an inflated condition, an inflator operationally coupled with the airbag responsive to electrical actuation for inflating the airbag with a gas, an impact detection sensor for generating a signal upon an offset impact event, and a controller for processing the signal generated by the sensor and electrically actuating the inflator upon computing a predetermined impact severity to a forward corner of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle further comprises a front bumper beam attached proximate a distal end of a front rail and the sensor comprises a flexible electro-resistive sensor mounted to a rear side of an outboard portion of the front bumper beam. | 05-12-2016 |
20160129846 | RETENTION FEATURE FOR SNAP-IN ATTACHMENTS - A coupling system includes a glovebox panel having inner and outer surfaces and a keyhole slot disposed therethrough having an enlarged portion leading to a narrowed portion. A ramped flange is disposed on the outer surface of the glovebox panel. A damper mechanism includes an abutment plate with a post and head member. The head member is received through an enlarged portion of the keyhole slot when the damper mechanism is in a pre-load position. The abutment plate engages the ramped flange to progressively drive the head member into engagement with the inner surface of the glovebox panel as the damper mechanism moves from the pre-load position to a seated position. | 05-12-2016 |
20160129815 | HEAD RESTRAINT WITH A MULTI-CELL BLADDER ASSEMBLY - A vehicle seating assembly includes a pump and a headrest. The headrest has a support base, a flexible foam layer coupled with the support base, a flexible substrate overlying the foam layer and defining an outer surface, and an inflatable bladder assembly positioned between the base and the foam layer. The bladder assembly has a plurality of cells corresponding to respective regions of the outer surface that are independently operable between inflated and deflated conditions by the pump. The seating assembly further includes a control operably coupled to the pump. | 05-12-2016 |
20160123793 | APPARATUS FOR CUSTOMIZING A VEHICLE SEAT FOR AN OCCUPANT - An apparatus for customizing a vehicle seat includes a seat having a cushion and a back coupled thereto and a plurality of force sensors in respective locations along the cushion and the back. The apparatus further includes electronic circuitry coupled with the plurality of sensors and programmed to associate forces sensed by ones of the plurality of force sensors with the respective locations thereof and to output the sensed forces and associated areas. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121951 | PROXIMITY-BASED BICYCLE ALARM - An alarm system for a vehicle, such as a bicycle, includes a touch sensor electrically connected to a vehicle frame. The touch sensor outputs an alarm signal based on a proximity of a person to the vehicle frame. A communication module receives signals from a remote device. A controller is programmed to selectively enable and disable the touch sensor in response to signals received from the remote device. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121937 | FASTENING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE SHEET COMPONENT - An assembly includes a sheet component, a joint base, and a brazed bond therebetween. The sheet component includes aluminum and an aperture, and the joint base has first and second portions and a fastener coupling. The first portion of the joint base overlaps the aperture and engages a first side of the sheet component, and the second portion of the joint base extends through the aperture and engages a second side of the sheet component. The fastener coupling is larger than the aperture. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121835 | ADAPTIVE SUPPRESSION OF VEHICLE RESTRAINT SYSTEM - A vehicle has a restraint system with at least two restraint devices. A sensor detects a potential collision object and outputs a signal representing a relative position of the potential collision object to the vehicle. A processing device suppresses deployment of at least one of the restraint devices based at least in part on the signal output by the at least one sensor. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121679 | SUSPENSION MEMBER FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A suspension member having an arm member and a ball joint section. The ball joint section having an opening receiving a press fit ball joint. The material of the ball joint section having a smaller material thickness than the material of the arm member. The ball joint section connected to the arm member. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121678 | Suspension Member for a Motor Vehicle and Method of Making Same - A control arm or transverse link having a ball joint seat for receiving a press-fit ball joint. The material of a portion of the ball joint seat in a region provided for press-fit contact with the ball joint having a reduced material thickness. A method for producing the control arm or transverse link includes reducing a wall thickness of the ball joint seat by deformation or material severing. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121677 | Suspension Member for a Motor Vehicle and Method of Forming the Same - A suspension member for a motor vehicle including a control arm or transverse link having a ball joint seat for receiving a press-fit ball joint. The ball joint seat including a reinforcement section formed from the material of the suspension member in a region thereof provided for friction or press-fit contact with the ball joint. A method for producing the control arm or transverse link includes increasing the material thickness of the reinforcement section by deformation. | 05-05-2016 |
20160114836 | REINFORCED MOLDABLE RIVET ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE - An assembly of vehicle components includes first and second components abutting each other. At least one of the first and second components includes a non-metallic material. The first and second components respectively include overlapping first and second apertures. The assembly further includes a joining component extending through the first and second apertures. The joining component has a support body and an outer body at least partially encasing the support body. The outer body includes a polymeric material. The joining component clamps the first and second components between first and second flanges of the outer body, and the support body extends into at least one of the first and second apertures. | 04-28-2016 |
20160114805 | DRIVER-CENTRIC LEARNING - A vehicle system includes a remote device having a processor programmed to receive driver data in real-time during operation of a first vehicle. The processor processes the driver data to determine a driver behavior. A command signal is generated to command a second vehicle to update at least one parameter in accordance with the driver behavior. | 04-28-2016 |
20160114374 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING VEHICLE COMPONENTS WITH REINFORCED MOLDABLE RIVET - A system for assembling vehicle components includes a die assembly securing first and second vehicle components having first and second apertures, respectively. The die assembly positions the first and second vehicle components with the first and second apertures overlapping, and at least one of the first and second vehicle components including a polymeric material. The system further includes a joining component extending through the first and second apertures. The die assembly supports the joining component, and the joining component including a support shank and a moldable body at least partially encasing the support shank. The system also includes a punch member selectively engaging and deforming the moldable body of the joining component. The die assembly guides the moldable body into engagement with the first and second vehicle components, and the die assembly locates the support shank within at least one of the first and second apertures. | 04-28-2016 |
20160112044 | DIRECTIONAL PROXIMITY SWITCH ASSEMBLY - A proximity switch assembly is provided and includes a proximity sensor comprising a first electrode comprising first fingers and a second electrode comprising second fingers, wherein the first and second fingers are interdigitated with a varying density and a variable spacing therebetween along a first direction. The proximity switch assembly also includes control circuitry processing a signal in response to a user activation of the proximity sensor and determining sliding activation of the sensor in the first direction. The switch assembly may determine a tap, stable press and sliding activations. | 04-21-2016 |
20160110493 | METHOD OF PRODUCING VEHICLE ORNAMENTATION - A method includes providing a computer aided design model including a panel model having a panel model surface and an ornamentation model having an ornamentation model surface facing the panel model surface. A respective distance in the computer aided design model is calculated between the ornamentation model surface and the panel model surface at discrete points on the ornamentation model surface. Each distance is compared to a tolerance to identify the discrete points at which the respective distance is outside of the tolerance. The ornamentation model surface at the discrete points at which the respective distance is outside of the tolerance is adjusted to bring the respective distance within the tolerance. The method includes manufacturing an ornamentation including points on a surface of the ornamentation corresponding to the discrete points on the ornamentation model surface that were adjusted to bring the respective distance within the tolerance. | 04-21-2016 |
20160108300 | USE OF PVE LUBRICANTS WITH SUBSTITUTE REFRIGERANTS IN A MOBILE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - A heat transfer composition for use in a mobile air-conditioning system in a vehicle, includes a first component comprised of a hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant. A second component of the composition includes a polyvinylether lubricant. The heat transfer composition is compatible for use in a mobile air-conditioning system when the mobile air-conditioning system is powered by a mechanically driven compressor, and is also compatible for use in the mobile air-conditioning system when the mobile air-conditioning system is powered by an electrically driven compressor built-in to the mobile air-conditioning system. | 04-21-2016 |
20160107592 | VEHICLE FRAME COMPONENT - A vehicle frame component for limiting the movement of the wheel of the vehicle toward the cab of a cab on frame vehicle including a base member welded to openings in the frame side rail and extending outwardly and located proximal the wheel structure. In one embodiment the vehicle frame component is located forward of the wheel and includes a tire puncture device to deflate the tire during an offset front impact and in a second embodiment the vehicle frame component is located rearward of the wheel. The vehicle frame component has particular utility during an offset front impact where the offset is less than approximately twenty-five percent (25%) of the width of the vehicle. | 04-21-2016 |
20160107583 | Bike Rack Attachment for Vehicle - A mechanism for attaching a bike rack to a vehicle including a support member located behind an exterior wall of the vehicle. An attachment assembly, including a receiver operative to move between the first, stowed position any second, use position is connected to the support member. The exterior wall includes a removable portion wherein upon removal provides access to the attachment assembly. Once the removable portion is removed, the attachment assembly, including the receiver is moved from the first, stowed position to the second, use position wherein the bike rack then connects to the receiver. Additionally, the removable portion may include a detachable license plate bracket, which upon being detached from the vehicle, can be mounted to the rear of a bike rack. Sensors are mounted on the license plate bracket to allow for a functional back-up or park assist when the bike rack is attached to rear of the vehicle. | 04-21-2016 |
20160107497 | SPRING ISOLATORS AND SUSPENSION SYSTEMS INCORPORATING SAME - A spring isolator for a wheel suspension may include a first side configured to rest on a spring plate of the suspension. The spring isolator may also include a second side, opposite the first side, configured to receive a last coil of a coil spring of the suspension to support the coil spring on the spring plate. The first side may have at least one cavity extending through a thickness of the isolator toward the second side. An elasticity of the isolator between the first and second sides may prevent the last coil from breaking contact with the second side during operation of the suspension. | 04-21-2016 |
20160104479 | ACOUSTIC IMPULSE RESPONSE SIMULATION - At least one spoken utterance and a stored vehicle acoustic impulse response can be provided to a computing device. The computing device is programmed to provide at least one speech file based at least in part on the spoken utterance and the vehicle acoustic impulse response. | 04-14-2016 |
20160104381 | VEHICLE CUT-IN STRATEGY - A vehicle system includes a first sensor configured to output a first signal and a second sensor configured to output a second signal. The first and second signals represent movement of a potential cut-in vehicle. The vehicle system further includes a processing device programmed to compare the movement of the potential cut-in vehicle to at least one threshold. The processing device selects the potential cut-in vehicle as an in-path vehicle if the movement exceeds the at least one threshold. | 04-14-2016 |
20160104327 | ROAD EMERGENCY ACTIVATION - A vehicle system includes a processing device programmed to monitor an operating state of a vehicle and the operation of at least one subsystem module. Depending on the operating state of the vehicle, the processing device can detect a subsystem module failure. If a failure is detected, the processing device can perform a remedial action. The remedial action taken may be based on the type of failure detected. | 04-14-2016 |
20160103319 | VEHICLE IMAGE DISPLAY - A heads up display system includes a computer that is programmed to receive data from one or more sources in a vehicle. The computer is further programmed to identify respective subsets of the data to be provided to respective ones of a plurality of display devices, and to provide the respective subsets of the data to the respective display devices. | 04-14-2016 |
20160103212 | DETECTING LOW-SPEED CLOSE-RANGE VEHICLE CUT-IN - A vehicle system includes an input device interface and a processing device. The input device interface receives a radar signal. The processing device defines a region of interest between a host vehicle and a front vehicle, detects that a potential cut-in vehicle has entered the region of interest, and selects the potential cut-in vehicle as the new front vehicle. The vehicle system may be incorporated into an autonomous or partially autonomous vehicle. | 04-14-2016 |
20160102622 | DETECTING AND NEGOTIATING A CLIMBABLE OBSTACLE IN A VEHICLE - Data is collected in a vehicle relating to a potential obstacle. Based at least in part on the collected data, an obstacle is identified. At least one characteristic of the obstacle is determined. At least one torque to be applied in a vehicle powertrain is determined based at least in part on the at least one characteristic of the obstacle. | 04-14-2016 |
20160101810 | TRAILER MOTION AND PARAMETER ESTIMATION SYSTEM - A trailer backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer includes a sensor module adapted to attach to the trailer and generate a trailer yaw rate or a trailer speed. The trailer backup assist system also includes a vehicle sensor system that generates a vehicle yaw rate and a vehicle speed. Further, the trailer backup assist system includes a controller that estimates a hitch angle based on the trailer yaw rate or the trailer speed and the vehicle yaw rate and the vehicle speed in view of a kinematic relationship between the trailer and the vehicle. | 04-14-2016 |
20160101783 | ADAPTIVE DRIVER IDENTIFICATION FUSION - A vehicle system includes a driver identification fusion module programmed to receive a confidence level from a plurality of identification modules. Each confidence level indicates the likelihood that a driver of a vehicle is a particular person. The driver identification fusion module is programmed to aggregate the confidences levels received from the plurality of identification modules and output an aggregated confidence level signal representing an identity of the driver based at least in part on the confidence levels received from the plurality of identification modules. | 04-14-2016 |
20160101755 | STRUCTURE FOR POSITIONING A TRIM COMPONENT ON A VEHICLE - A component positioning device including at least one resilient structure that centers the component. For example, a spring that acts between a grille and a grille opening to center the grille within a grille opening. The spring generating a reaction force sufficient to self-adjust the grille within the grille opening wherein opposing springs are deployed on either side of the grill with the springs exerting a force on and moving the grill until the force exerted by the opposing springs reaches equilibrium. | 04-14-2016 |
20160101670 | VEHICLE WITH A SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM - A vehicle having a sliding door arranged behind a body pillar, a frame around the door opening closeable by the sliding door, a rail system provided in the region of the sliding door connected fixedly to the vehicle and having upper and lower guide rails, sliding carriages provided on the sliding door connected to the sliding door via a respective supporting arm and guided displaceably on the guide rails, and side impact protection in the region of the sliding door. At least one of the sliding carriages or supporting arms is provided with a stop. In the event of a side impact, in which the outer vehicle wall is deformed in the direction of the vehicle interior, an abutment connected to the vehicle wall comes to bear against the stop of the sliding carriage or of the supporting arm, and the position of the sliding door is thereby blocked. | 04-14-2016 |
20160101660 | VEHICLE SUSPENSION MEMBER - A suspension member for connecting a vehicle wheel to a vehicle. In one example, the suspension member is a control arm having a control arm body and at least one bearing receiver having a bushing. The control arm body has a recess or opening extending one direction. The control arm body has a reinforcing structure in the recess or opening. The reinforcing structure formed of a material different from that of the control arm body. For example, the reinforcing structure is formed from a fiber-reinforced plastic, while the control arm body at least in regions comprises a lightweight metal or metal alloy. | 04-14-2016 |
20160097650 | VEHICLE AND ELECTRIC BICYCLE CHARGE MONITORING INTERFACE - A vehicle system includes a charging interface that is configured to connect to a bicycle battery and a processing device programmed to determine a state of charge of the bicycle battery. The processing device further estimates traveling ranges of a vehicle and a bicycle. The vehicle system further includes a navigation module programmed to generate a route to a selected destination based on the estimated traveling ranges of the vehicle and the bicycle. | 04-07-2016 |
20160097433 | DAMPED BRAKE COMPONENTS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A brake component for a motor vehicle may include a body and at least one cable positioned within the body. The at least one cable may include a plurality of wires positioned relative to one another, each of the plurality of wires having a surface in sliding contact with surfaces of adjacent wires of the plurality of wires. During braking of the motor vehicle, sliding movement of the surfaces of the plurality of wires relative to each other may dampen a resonant frequency of the component. | 04-07-2016 |
20160096587 | POWER UNIT ATTACHABLE TO A BICYCLE - A power unit includes a drive unit and a power sprocket for engaging the transmission band of a bicycle. The power unit includes a first free-wheeling sprocket arranged on a first side of the power sprocket and a second free-wheeling sprocket arranged on a second side of the power sprocket. The power sprocket receives the transmission band from the first free-wheeling sprocket on the first side and passes the transmission band to the second free-wheeling sprocket. | 04-07-2016 |
20160096526 | ENHANCED VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL - A demand is identified based on input from a vehicle operator. Data is received providing a history of vehicle velocities. An estimated reference velocity is generated based at least on the velocity data. A final demand is generated based at least in part on a reference velocity indicated by the velocity control signal and the estimated reference velocity. | 04-07-2016 |
20160096514 | VEHICULAR POST-IMPACT FORWARD MOVEMENT MITIGATION - A vehicle impact is determined to be likely to occur. Determinations are made that a vehicle speed is below a first predetermined threshold, that a vehicle pedal condition is met, and that a vehicle acceleration is below a second predetermined threshold. At least one instruction is then provided that includes at least one of an instruction to override an acceleration request and an instruction to suppress a throttle. | 04-07-2016 |
20160096459 | REAR SEAT CUSHION WITH H-POINT ARTICULATION - A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat pan and four linkage arms individually pivotably coupled with the seat pan. The assembly further includes a mounting plate, each of the four linkage arms being pivotably coupled therewith. A gear rack is coupled with the seat pan and defines an articulation path therefor, and a pinion is operably engaged with the rack to drive articulation of the seat pan including pivoting of the four linkage arms and sliding of the mounting plate. | 04-07-2016 |
20160096451 | REAR SEAT CUSHION WITH H-POINT ARTICULATION - A vehicle seat assembly includes a fixed mounting plate and a support bar coupled with the mounting plate and slidable with respect thereto along an arcuate path. A cushion support is coupled with the support bar, and a drive mechanism is operably coupled with the cushion support to rotate the cushion support about a center of the arcuate path positioned opposite the rail by sliding of the support bar along the path. | 04-07-2016 |
20160096449 | MANUAL UPPER SEATBACK SUPPORT - A vehicle seating assembly includes a lower seatback. An upper seatback is operably coupled to the lower seatback. The upper seatback is pivotally mounted to the lower seatback at a pivot axis. A manual articulation assembly operably couples the lower seatback with the upper seatback. The manual articulation assembly includes a housing member having a cam channel and an inner wall with a plurality of engagement recesses. A positional cam includes a cam pin engaged with the cam channel and an outer wall with a plurality of engagement teeth in removable engagement with the plurality of engagement recesses. | 04-07-2016 |
20160096448 | TORSION BAR UPPER SEATBACK SUPPORT ASSEMBLY - A vehicle seating assembly including a lower seatback. An upper seatback is operably coupled to the lower seatback. The upper seatback is pivotally mounted to the lower seatback at a pivot axis. An arcuate back support bar is disposed in the upper seatback and is configured to rotate the upper seatback between forward and rearward positions. The arcuate support bar includes first and second generally linear members and an arcuate intermediate portion disposed between the first and second generally linear members. An articulation assembly operably couples the lower seatback with the upper seatback. | 04-07-2016 |
20160090032 | VEHICLE VISOR AND LIGHT ASSEMBLY - A vehicle sun visor is provided that includes a visor body having a first side and a second side, and a vanity and lighting assembly located on the visor body. The assembly includes a lighting device located on the visor body. The lighting device is configured to provide a vanity light for a vanity mirror and is further configured to provide a dome light. | 03-31-2016 |
20160090017 | BICYCLE STORAGE IN A VEHICLE - A bicycle stowage mechanism is configured to be mounted on a vehicle. At least one first connector is included in the stowage mechanism and is configured to be communicatively coupled to a computer wherein the at least one first connector is mateable to a respective at least one second connector that is associated with a bicycle. The memory of the computer stores instructions to cause the processor to receive an indication that the at least one first connector is mated to at least one second connector associated with a bicycle and, upon receiving the indication, initiate a bicycle stowage operation. | 03-31-2016 |
20160090012 | OVER-TRAVEL MECHANISM FOR EASY-ENTRY SYSTEM - A seat assembly includes an easy-entry system with a seat frame having a seatback pivotally coupled to a seat member. An external lever is operably coupled to an engagement lever disposed on the seat frame and is configured to activate the engagement lever to move the seatback into an engaged position with a sector pivotally coupled to the seat frame. A disengagement rod flexibly is coupled to a spring member disposed on the sector at a first end and further coupled to a track release lever at a second end. As such, rotation of the seatback to a release position rotates the track release lever to unlock the seat assembly from a seat track. Further rotation of the seatback from the release position to an over-travel position loads the spring member but does not further rotate the track release lever. | 03-31-2016 |
20160090010 | INDEPENDENT CUSHION EXTENSION WITH OPTIMIZED LEG-SPLAY ANGLE - A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat frame seat frame having a longitudinal centerline and a seat H-point along the centerline. A first extendable member is disposed on a forward portion of the seat frame along a first side of the centerline and is operable between extended and retracted positions. A second extendable member adjacent to and independent of the first extendable member is disposed on the forward portion of the seat frame along a second, opposite side of centerline and is operable between extended and retracted positions. The first and the second extendable members extend forwardly from the seat H-point at a lateral angle of between 5 to 10 degrees relative the centerline, respectively. | 03-31-2016 |
20160089941 | TWIST LOCK TOW RECOVERY EYE - A vehicle tow recovery eye includes a shaft between a towing end connectable to a towable item and an insertion end that is insertable in a vehicle opening, a resistance assembly mounted on the shaft; and a locking pin having an axis that is substantially perpendicular to an axis of the shaft. The tow recovery eye can be used with a portion of a vehicle frame that includes a frame opening dimensioned to accommodate insertion of the shaft and the locking pin. | 03-31-2016 |
20160088086 | COOPERATIVE OCCUPANT SENSING - A vehicle system includes a communication interface and a processing device. The communication interface is programmed to pair with at least one mobile device. The processing device is programmed to receive a data file, which includes occupant information, sent from the mobile device. The processing device is further programmed to update at least one vehicle setting based on the occupant information. | 03-24-2016 |
20160086489 | E-BIKE TO INFRASTRUCTURE OR VEHICLE COMMUNICATION - An electric bicycle includes a communication module and a computing device. The communication module receives vehicle information indicating a trajectory of a vehicle. The computing device compares the vehicle information to bicycle information, which represents a trajectory of a bicycle. The communication module wirelessly transmits the bicycle information to the vehicle associated with the vehicle information. A method includes generating an alert signal if the vehicle is predicted to collide with the bicycle. | 03-24-2016 |
20160083984 | SLIDING DOOR FOR MOTOR VEHICLES - A motor vehicle sliding door can be moved by a sliding movement between open and closed positions, wherein, in order to lock the sliding door in the open position, a mechanical door stop in the form of a locking latch which has a receiving region for a catch element of the sliding door is provided, and wherein the locking latch can be released by a motorized actuation device, whereby the catch element is released. In the event of failure of the motorized actuation device of the locking latch, for an intuitive unlocking and locking of the sliding door in the open position thereof may be achieved in that the locking latch has a resiliently loaded overload lever, in that the overload lever forms a lateral portion of the receiving region of the locking latch and in that, when the locking latch is locked, the overload lever can be pivoted outward when a specific pushing force of the sliding door is exceeded. | 03-24-2016 |
20160082919 | HINGE FOR A VEHICLE HOOD - A hinge for a hood of a vehicle includes a first bracket; a member rotatably coupled to the first bracket, and a second bracket rotatably coupled to the member. An actuator includes a base connected to the member and a rod moveable relative to the base. The rod moves from a retracted position to an extended position in contact with the second bracket for rotating the second bracket relative to the member. | 03-24-2016 |
20160082630 | PLASTIC PART WITH REDUCED READ-THROUGH - A vehicle interior panel includes a substrate having an interior surface and an exterior surface. An attachment structure extends integrally from the interior surface of the substrate. The attachment structure defines a first wall spaced apart from the substrate and having an attachment opening therethrough. The attachment structure further defines a supporting wall segment adjacent the substrate that has a plurality of holes therein, the holes extending in a first direction generally parallel with the interior surface of the substrate. | 03-24-2016 |
20160075301 | SEAMLESS INSTRUMENT PANEL PASSENGER AIR BAG DOOR - An air bag housing includes a chute defining an upper perimeter with a first wall extending from the upper perimeter and a cover extending over the chute integrally from the upper edge. The cover defines a tear seam extending between opposite portions of the upper perimeter remote from the first wall and a hinge area extending between the opposite portions of the upper perimeter and disposed between the first wall and the tear seam. | 03-17-2016 |
20160075277 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO LOCATE VEHICLE EQUIPMENT - A vehicle system configured to identify a location of emergency equipment is disclosed. The vehicle system comprises a storage compartment forming an interior cavity disposed in a cargo area and a cover configured to facilitate access to the storage compartment. An illumination apparatus is disposed in the storage compartment and configured to illuminate a first portion of the storage compartment in response to a first vehicle condition. The illumination apparatus is further configured to illuminate a second portion of the storage compartment in response to a second vehicle condition. | 03-17-2016 |
20160075275 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTE ACTIVATION OF VEHICLE LIGHTING - A lighting system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a controller in communication with at least one light source and an occupancy sensor. The controller is configured to control an activation emission output from the light source configured to charge a persistent luminescent portion. The controller is further configured to detect an occupancy of the vehicle and charge the luminescent portion by periodically outputting the activation emission. The controller determines the periodicity of the output based on the occupancy. | 03-17-2016 |
20160075225 | ELECTRICAL BICYCLE MODULAR POWERTRAIN - A drive unit for a vehicle includes a drive unit spindle. The drive unit spindle extends along an axis for connecting the drive unit to the vehicle. The drive unit further includes one or more wheel assemblies. Each of the wheel assemblies has a hub that is removably supported by the spindle along the axis. At least one of the wheel assemblies includes a wheel which rotates about the hub and a motor connected to the wheel to rotate the wheel about the hub. | 03-17-2016 |
20160075219 | INTEGRATED LATERAL LOAD-TRANSMITTAL SYSTEM - According to one aspect of the present invention, a load-transmittal system for a vehicle includes a cross member of a vehicle frame extending substantially perpendicular to a vehicle door. A pusher is disposed within a cavity defined between inner and outer sheet metal panels of the vehicle door, wherein the pusher is disposed distal from the cross member to define an idle state. A container receptacle is disposed between the pusher and the cross member, wherein the container receptacle defines a transmittal zone of the vehicle door. When the vehicle door experiences a side-impact load, the side-impact load moves the pusher through the transmittal zone and into at least partial engagement with the cross member to define a collapsed position of the pusher. In this manner, the side-impact load is transferred through the pusher to the cross member. | 03-17-2016 |
20160068224 | BATTERY BOX FOR ELECTRIC CYCLE - A battery box for an electric cycle includes a battery and a case enclosing the battery. The case includes an air inlet and an air outlet in communication with the air inlet for directing air flow through the case to cool the battery. An adjustable vent is disposed at the air outlet for deflecting the air flow from the air outlet in a selected direction, such as toward an occupant of the electric cycle. | 03-10-2016 |
20160068194 | TWELVE-CORNERED STRENGTHENING MEMBER, ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING A TWELVE-CORNERED STRENGTHENING MEMBER, AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING AND JOINING THE SAME - A motor vehicle assembly that includes a strengthening member having a twelve-cornered cross section along at least a portion of the strengthening member, and an automotive component having a four-cornered cross section along at least a portion of the automotive component. The cross section of one of the strengthening member and the automotive component transitions between twelve corners and four corners to facilitate a connection between the strengthening member and the automotive component. | 03-10-2016 |
20160068158 | AUTOMATIC PARK AND REMINDER SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - A parking system adaptively controlling a vehicle during a parking maneuver using a park assist system, for example an active park assist (APA) or trailer backup assist (TBA). Control of the park assist system based on previous speed profiles at a geographic location where the same park assist system was previously activated. The parking system including an activation system that, based on vehicle speed and geographic location, activates the park assist system when preconditions for park assist system operation are met. The activation system may cooperate with the park assist system based on default or previously stored drive history profiles associated with the current geographic location. | 03-10-2016 |
20160068100 | SUN VISOR WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE - A vehicle lighting system is provided. The system includes a sun visor having a visor body movable between a stored position and a use position. A photoluminescent structure is coupled to a surface of the visor body and a light source is coupled to a headliner and oriented to excite the photoluminescent structure when the visor body is in the use position. A switch is included for activating the light source in response to a signal change. | 03-10-2016 |
20160060909 | KEYLESS VEHICLE DOOR LATCH SYSTEM WITH POWERED BACKUP UNLOCK FEATURE - A keyless door latch system for doors of motor vehicles includes a backup electrical power supply to unlock the door latch in the event the primary power supply fails, thereby eliminating the need for a lock cylinder. The latch system includes a user input device having first and second user input features. The door latch system is configured to supply electrical power from the primary electrical power supply to unlock the latch upon actuation of the first user input feature, and to supply electrical power from the backup electrical power supply to unlock the latch upon actuation of the second user input feature. The user input device may comprise a wireless portable device that generates first and second wireless signals upon actuation of the first and second user input features, respectively. | 03-03-2016 |
20160059905 | HYBRID COMPOSITE INSTRUMENT PANEL - A vehicular instrument panel having a reinforcement that includes a plurality of chopped carbon fibers within a nylon resin, and a substrate coupled to the reinforcement comprising a plurality of chopped carbon and chopped glass fibers within a nylon resin. The plurality of chopped carbon and glass fibers in the substrate are segregated such that the carbon fibers and the glass fibers are each substantially concentrated within respective driver-side and passenger-side portions of the substrate. The substrate can also include a boundary region such that the plurality of chopped carbon and glass fibers in the substrate are substantially mixed in the boundary region. | 03-03-2016 |
20160059901 | FENDER FOR A VEHICLE INCLUDING A BODY PORTION AND A FLEXIBLE SEAL PORTION - A fender for a vehicle includes a body portion and a seal portion. The body portion presents an outer surface and an inner surface facing opposite the outer surface. The seal portion extends from the inner surface and is flexible relative to the body portion. The body portion is formed of a first material and the seal portion is formed of a second material different than the first material. The seal portion is integral with the body portion. | 03-03-2016 |
20160059833 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REDUCING BRAKE DRAG - Systems and methods are described for reducing brake drag in a brake system of a vehicle. It may be determined that the vehicle is stationary. A brake pressure of the brake system may be monitored. The monitored brake pressure may then be compared to a brake pressure criteria. A brake pressure to be applied may be regulated when the monitored brake pressure does not meet the brake pressure criteria, wherein the applied brake pressure meets the pressure criteria. | 03-03-2016 |
20160059823 | DEPLOYABLE VEHICLE HOOD EXTENDER FOR PEDESTRIAN PROTECTION - A pedestrian protection apparatus for use with a motor vehicle having a windshield, a cowl and an engine hood is provided. The apparatus includes a deployable hood extender, movable between a stowed position within or beneath the hood and a deployed position, wherein the hood extender substantially overlaps the cowl or an area of increased component stiffness rearward of the vehicle hood and beneath at least a portion of the windshield. The hood extender may include a positional control portion, an energy absorbing portion, a bending control feature, and softened edges. The hood extender may be a single moveable panel or may comprise a plurality of moveable panels, strips or rod-like elements, wherein the plurality of elements may be rigidly or pivotally attached to one another for linear or rotational displacement between stowed and deployed positions. The hood extender may be an expandable lattice structure. An actuation lock is included. | 03-03-2016 |
20160059809 | ENERGY ABSORBING DEVICE FOR BUMPER ASSEMBLY - An energy absorbing device for a bumper assembly of a vehicle includes a plunger. A deformable wall extends along an axis and defines a cavity for receiving the plunger during relative movement between the plunger and the deformable wall resulting from impact between the bumper assembly and another object. A ledge is fixed to the deformable wall and extends between the cavity and the plunger for collapsing the deformable wall into the cavity. The deformable wall collapses inwardly to eliminate material stack up to accommodate packaging restraints in the design of the bumper assembly. | 03-03-2016 |
20160059787 | MULTIPURPOSE CARGO NET AND HOOK SYSTEM - A cargo management system for a vehicle includes a first pair, a second pair, and a third pair of anchors. The first and second pairs of anchors are positioned adjacent each other and the third pair of anchors is positioned remote from the first pair. The system further includes a flexible substrate having a first pair of attachment features coupleable with the first pair of anchors and a second pair of attachment features selectively coupleable with the second pair or third pair of anchors. | 03-03-2016 |
20160059780 | TRAILER ANGLE DETECTION TARGET FADE WARNING - A method of detecting degradation of an optical target on a trailer. The method includes generating a first set of data corresponding to optical characteristics of an optical target on a trailer. The method also includes generating a second set of data corresponding to optical characteristics of an optical target on a trailer after generating the first set of data. The method further includes providing an alert if differences between the first and second sets of data exceed predefined criteria indicating that the target has degraded. The predefined criteria may comprise fading or other suitable optical characteristics of the target. | 03-03-2016 |
20160059765 | ADJUSTABLE CARGO TRACK SYSTEM ON SIDE PANEL - A cargo retention apparatus for a vehicle includes a vehicle panel defining an interior, an exterior, and an elongate slot open between the interior and exterior that extends in a first direction therealong. A track member is disposed on the interior of the panel and is aligned with the slot in the first direction. The apparatus further includes a hook having a base received through the slot and slidably coupled with the track member. | 03-03-2016 |
20160059758 | SEAT LEVELER FOR FRAGILE CARGO - A seat leveler for a vehicle seating assembly includes a body having a cavity filled with a shape-conforming medium. A support surface is disposed above the body and includes a non-slip surface material and a raised peripheral rim. A seat engaging surface is arranged at an angle below the support surface. The seat engaging surface includes a flexible material configured to flex with the shape-conforming medium. The seat engaging surface is operably coupled to a first portion of an underside of the support surface and a second portion of the underside of the support surface is exposed and in contact with a vehicle seat. A height-adjustable rear wall is disposed between the support surface and the seat engaging surface. | 03-03-2016 |
20160059750 | MASSAGE BLADDER MATRIX - A vehicle seat includes a frame, a seat support, a first arrangement of a first plurality of deformation elements between the frame and the seat support. The deformation elements are arranged directly adjacent to one another in a two-dimensional matrix arrangement and are changeable in respective shapes thereof independently of one another. | 03-03-2016 |
20160059667 | SWING ARC HVAC DUCT - A duct for a heating/ventilation/air conditioning system of a vehicle includes a first end and a second end spaced a distance from the first end. An orifice extends between the first end and the second end. A semi-circular surface is disposed at the second end. The semi-circular surface extends about a radius having the same length as the distance between the first and second ends. | 03-03-2016 |
20160055749 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE PARKING - A request to identify a parking spot is received. A response to the request, including an identification of at least one available parking spot, is provided. A parking spot selected from the response is identified. Data relating to the selected spot are collected. A user profile based on the collected data is updated. | 02-25-2016 |
20160052577 | AUTOMATICALLY DEPLOYED BICYCLE SUPPORT - A bicycle support mechanism includes a shaft that is connectable to a frame of a bicycle. The shaft is in the form of a hollow tube and includes a top end and a bottom end. A support arm is telescopically deployable downward from the bottom end of the shaft. A friction wheel is rotatably supported by the shaft. The friction wheel extends from the top end of the shaft such that the friction wheel and is arranged to be in frictional contact with a bicycle wheel. | 02-25-2016 |
20160052557 | TWELVE-CORNERED STRENGTHENING MEMBER - A strengthening member for an automotive vehicle comprises a twelve-cornered cross section including sides and corners creating eight internal angles and four external angles. Each internal angle and each external angle is greater than 90°. At least a portion of the strengthening member tapers along its length. | 02-25-2016 |
20160052543 | Method and Apparatus for Limiting Torque Demands of Steering-Assistance Device - A method and apparatus for limiting an assistance-torque demand on an actuator, for example a servomotor, of a power steering system. An assistance-torque demand is received and examined based on a predetermined limit criterion. If a violation of the limit criterion is ascertained, a transient assistance-torque limit is adopted and progressively reduced so long as the violation of the limit criterion is ascertained. The assistance-torque demand is limited based on the transient assistance-torque limit. The limited assistance-torque demand is sent to an interface of the actuator of the power steering system. | 02-25-2016 |
20160052487 | THREE PIECE HIDDEN D-RING SEAT BELT RESTRAINT - A seatbelt assembly includes an adjuster having a guide slidable in a first direction. The assembly also includes a cover defining upper and lower edges and coupled with the guide and first and second extension plates slidably disposed relative to the cover in the first direction so as to be extendable respectively from the upper and lower edges thereof and to be retractable behind the cover. | 02-25-2016 |
20160052476 | VEHICLE AIRBAG APPENDAGE - An airbag includes a primary portion and a secondary portion. The primary portion defines a first chamber and the secondary portion defines a second chamber fluidly connected to the first chamber. The primary portion further defines a center axis and the secondary portion is disposed at least partially along the center axis. In its unexpanded state, the airbag may be disposed under an instrument cluster. | 02-25-2016 |
20160052466 | ASSEMBLY OF VEHICLE STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS AT A COMMON JOINT - An assembly includes a base component secured to vehicle frame components and a first body component having an inside surface abutting the base component. The assembly further includes a first fastening member securing the first body component to the base component. The first fastening member has a first flange portion engaging the outside surface of the first body component and a first shaft portion engaging the base component. The assembly also includes a second body component abutting the first flange portion of the first fastening member opposite the first body component and a second fastening member securing the second body component to the first body and base components. The second fastening member has a second flange portion engaging the second body component and a second shaft portion engaging the first shaft portion of the first fastening member. | 02-25-2016 |
20160052456 | MOVING AXIS COMPARTMENT DOOR - An assembly for mounting a door with a vehicle compartment includes an arm coupled with the compartment and with the door, a track fixed with the compartment, and a carrier pivotably coupled with the door and slidable along the track. The assembly further includes a spring coupled between the door and the compartment such that a contraction of the spring alone causes the door to move with rotation of the arm and movement of the carrier along the track. | 02-25-2016 |
20160052447 | AMBIENT FUNCTIONAL LIGHTING OF A SEAT - A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat having a base including peripheral side ledges disposed on first and second sides of the seat. A seat cushion is disposed on the base and includes first and second independent thigh supports that extend forwardly over the base and define a forward ledge. A seatback is operably coupled to the seat and includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion includes a seatback cushion and a seatback support. A peripheral seatback cavity is located on first and second sides of the lower portion between the seatback cushion and the seatback support. At least one light source is disposed proximate the peripheral side ledges, the forward ledge, and the peripheral seatback cavity. | 02-25-2016 |
20160052434 | FOAM CORD FOR SEATING FOAM STABILITY AND RIGIDITY - A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback having a frame that provides structural integrity to the seatback and operably couples the seatback to a vehicle floor. A carrier is operably coupled to the frame. A foam cushion assembly is operably coupled to the carrier. The foam cushion assembly includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a first side bolster, and a second side bolster. A continuous semi-rigid foam cord is formed in the foam cushion assembly. The foam cord extends through a forward periphery of the upper portion, the lower portion, the first side bolster, and the second side bolster. The foam cord is configured to add structural rigidity to the seatback. | 02-25-2016 |
20160046300 | SHARED VEHICLE SYSTEM - A selection for a shared vehicle is received. Whether the shared vehicle is in view of a user device camera is determined. At least one of directions to the shared vehicle are provided to the user device. Data of the shared vehicle are identified. | 02-18-2016 |
20160046249 | ADAPTIVE ENERGY ABSORBER FOR A VEHICLE - An energy absorption system comprises a vehicle bumper, an energy absorption member attached to the vehicle bumper, and a plurality of ribs having respective first ends that are hingedly attached to the energy absorption member. The ribs extend between the energy absorption member and the bumper. The ribs may be actuated based on the speed information from the onboard vehicle communication network. | 02-18-2016 |
20160046219 | HEADREST FOR A VEHICLE SEAT - A headrest for a vehicle seat includes a center part and at least one side wing disposed on a side of the center part in a movable manner between a neutral position and a range of comfort positions. A retaining strut is coupled to the side wing at a living hinge disposed on a first end of the retaining strut. The retaining strut is further coupled to the center part in a longitudinally movable manner at a second end of the retaining strut. | 02-18-2016 |
20160046217 | FOLDABLE HEADREST WITH DOUBLE HINGE - A headrest for a vehicle seat includes a padded part, carrying bars for securing the padded part to a backrest of the vehicle seat, and a mechanism for turning down the padded part about two swivel axes and from an in-use position into an out-of-use position. The mechanism comprises a cross member connecting the carrying bars to one another and forming the swivel axis of the padded part. Furthermore, the carrying bars and also the cross member run outside the padded part and the padded part is suspended on the cross member from the outside in a swiveling movable manner via the retaining strut and the double clip. | 02-18-2016 |
20160046207 | ADJUSTABLE FIRMNESS VEHICLE SEAT - A vehicle seat is provided herein. The vehicle seat includes a cushion disposed within a seating member having at least one inflatable first bladder for selectively adjusting the firmness of the cushion. An inflatable second bladder is separated from a support surface of the seating member by the first bladder and fluidly connected to the first bladder. A vehicle seat hip pivot point is maintained when adjusting the firmness of the cushion by increasing the pressure in the second bladder when the pressure in the first bladder is selectively decreased, and by decreasing the pressure in the second bladder when the pressure in the first bladder is selectively increased. | 02-18-2016 |
20160046166 | RIDE PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION IN AN ACTIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM - An active vehicle suspension system includes an active damping mechanism operatively coupled to a vehicle wheel and configured for controlling a damping force applied to the wheel responsive to a control signal. A controller is operatively coupled to the damping mechanism and configured for generating a control signal to the damping mechanism responsive to velocity of the wheel in a downward vertical direction. At least one of a timer threshold and velocity threshold, used to determine whether a vehicle wheel has encountered a depression in a road surface, may be varied on a basis of a speed of the vehicle. A damping mechanism for a rear wheel of a vehicle may be controlled on a basis of how a damping mechanism for a front wheel is controlled. | 02-18-2016 |
20160040849 | VEHICLE LIGHT ASSEMBLY WITH PHOTON RECYCLING - A vehicle light assembly comprising a light chamber secured to a vehicle member. The chamber includes a partially transmissive lens and an interior. The interior includes a plurality of isotropically luminant surfaces and a substantially reflective surface. Further, the vehicle light assembly includes a light source arranged within the light chamber, and the light source is substantially oriented to emanate light that initially strikes the substantially reflective surface, propagates within the chamber along the isotropically luminant surfaces, and exits the chamber through the lens. | 02-11-2016 |
20160039474 | HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE LOAD COMPARTMENT FLOOR SYSTEM - A height adjustable floor system for a motor vehicle includes a load compartment floor having front and rear floor members that are pivotally connected together to permit relative rotation about a transverse axis. The load compartment cover can be positioned in upper and lower load carrying positions and be moved between these positions with the aid of a pair of first side supports each having a continuous groove defining a path to be followed by a pair of spaced apart guide members located on left and right sides of the front floor member near to a front end thereof. The rear floor member is used to facilitate the transitioning of the load compartment floor between the two load carrying positions and the first side supports are so configured that in the load carrying positions load is not transferred from the load compartment floor to the guide members. | 02-11-2016 |
20160039472 | HEADER BEAM OF A VEHICLE FRAME AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME - A header beam couples between A-pillars of a vehicle frame. The header beam is formed from a generally straight beam segment that is extruded to have a hollow body portion with supportive legs extending within the hollow interior along the length of the beam segment, defining uninterrupted forward and rearward box sections for supporting continuous load paths on the header beam. The end portions of the beam segment are clamped and the beam segment is stretch bent to form a curvature between the end portions that remain generally straight. A front flange extends forward along the body portion and is struck proximate the end portions to form an edge that is parallel to the curvature formed between the end portions. The end portions are attached to the A-pillars and the edge of the front flange is attached to a windshield. | 02-11-2016 |
20160039429 | VEHICLE DRIVER IDENTIFICATION - A user gesture is detected based on received data from one or more motion sensors. User gesture attributes are identified including at least one of hand vectoring, wrist articulation, and finger articulation from the gesture including respective movements of each of a plurality of a user's fingers. Based on the gesture attributes, a user and an action to be performed in a vehicle are identified. The action is performed in the vehicle to control at least one vehicle component based on the gesture. | 02-11-2016 |
20160039382 | STEEL REINFORCED PERSONAL AIRBAG SYSTEM - An airbag assembly includes a canister including a plurality of hooks disposed about a perimeter thereof and a chute having a plurality of spaced-apart windows extending therethrough to an interior, at least one hook being operably engaged with at least one window. The assembly further includes a reinforcing strip molded into the interior of the chute including a plurality of apertures aligned with respective ones of the plurality of windows and a steel door coupled with the reinforcing strip. | 02-11-2016 |
20160039324 | MODULAR CUP HOLDER ASSEMBLY - A cup holder assembly includes a first body defining an upper sidewall between a first open end and a second open end and a second body defining a lower sidewall between a third open end and a lower wall. The second body is affixable with the first body in a first position with the lower sidewall extending continuously with the upper sidewall and a second position with a gap defined between the upper sidewall and the lower sidewall. | 02-11-2016 |
20160033101 | DUAL BEAM PATTERN VEHICULAR LIGHTING ASSEMBLY - A vehicle lighting assembly that comprises: a single lens having a first and a second plurality of near-field lens elements, and an exit surface; and a first and a second LED source that directs light through the respective first and second plurality of lens elements. The first and the second plurality of lens elements are configured to transmit light in a respective spread pattern and a high-intensity pattern through the exit surface. The assemblies can be configured such that the spread pattern and the high-intensity pattern collectively meet the low beam headlight requirements set forth in any current global vehicular lighting regulation, e.g., the current U.S. NHTSA Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108. | 02-04-2016 |
20160031525 | ELECTRIC BICYCLE - An electric bicycle includes a crank, a driving gear and a driven gear spaced from each other, and a belt engaged with the driving gear and the driven gear. An electric motor is coupled to the driving gear. A freewheel is disposed between the crank and the driving gear. At least a portion of the motor is concentric about the freewheel. | 02-04-2016 |
20160031524 | ELECTRIC BICYCLE - An electric bicycle includes a motor and a controller. A heart rate monitor is programmed to communicate a heart rate signal representing a heart rate of an occupant to the controller. The controller is programmed to receive a destination distance of the electric bicycle relative to a predetermined destination. The controller is programmed to provide instruction to adjust power to the motor based at least on the heart rate signal and the destination distance. | 02-04-2016 |
20160031517 | ELECTRIC BICYCLE - A bicycle includes a frame including first and second segments pivotable relative to each other between a folded position and an unfolded position. The first segment has a first face and the second segment has a second face facing the first face in the unfolded position. A hinge is disposed between the first and second faces. A locking device extends through at least one of the first and second faces. | 02-04-2016 |
20160031516 | ELECTRIC BICYCLE - A bicycle includes a frame including first and second segments pivotable relative to each other between a folded position and an unfolded position. A magnet is fixed relative to the first segment. An electromagnet is fixed relative to the second segment and disposed in a magnetic field of the magnet when the frame is in the folded position. A controller is configured to power the electromagnet to repel the magnet to unfold the frame. | 02-04-2016 |
20160031514 | ELECTRIC BICYCLE - A bicycle includes a computing device including a processor and a memory. The processor is programmed to communicate with a user input device of a vehicle when the bicycle is docked to the vehicle. The processor is programmed to communicate with a mobile device when the bicycle is undocked from the vehicle. | 02-04-2016 |
20160031513 | ELECTRIC BICYCLE - A bicycle includes a handlebar and a vibration generator supported on the handlebar. A sensor is configured to detect an overcoming vehicle. A controller is configured to activate the vibration generator when the sensor detects an overcoming vehicle. | 02-04-2016 |
20160031507 | ELECTRIC BICYCLE - A bicycle includes a frame and a seat post removably engaged with the frame. A light source is supported by the seat post. A power source is supported by the seat post. A switch is disposed between the light source and the power source. | 02-04-2016 |
20160031506 | ELECTRIC BICYCLE - An apparatus includes a bicycle frame defining a bore, and a bicycle seat assembly including a post received in the bore. An indicating unit is configured to indicate a first position of the post along the bore for a first user and a second position of the post along the bore for a second user. An identification unit is configured to identify the first user and the second user. A computing device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instruction such that the processor is programmed to instruct the indicating unit to indicate the first position when the identification unit identifies the first user and to instruct the indicating unit to indicate the second position when the identification unit identifies the second user. | 02-04-2016 |
20160031367 | ILLUMINATED SEATBELT ASSEMBLY - An illuminated vehicle seatbelt assembly is provided herein. The vehicle seatbelt assembly includes a buckle having a housing and a latch mechanism. A light source is disposed within the housing. A light guide directs light from the light source to a top portion of the housing. A first photoluminescent structure is disposed within the buckle and is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source. | 02-04-2016 |
20160023611 | Rotating garment hook - A multi-purpose assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises a rotational assembly comprising a first surface rotationally interchangeable with a second surface. The assembly further comprises a housing configured to pivotally engage the rotational assembly. The first surface comprises a hanger and the second surface comprises a task light. | 01-28-2016 |
20160023594 | CUP HOLDER ILLUMINATION - A method of controlling an ambient light feature of a cup holder assembly having one or more cup holders includes providing a light source having a light output of varying luminous intensity, sensing an amount of light reflected from an object received in one of the cup holders using a light sensor, and controlling the luminous intensity of the light output based on the amount of light reflected and the distance between the object and a sidewall of the cup holder assembly. In this method, a change in the amount of light reflected from an object received in one of the cup holders correlates to a change in the luminous intensity provided by the light source, and a change in the distance between the object received the cup holder and the sidewall of the cup holders correlates to a change in the luminous intensity provided by the light source. | 01-28-2016 |
20160023585 | CUP HOLDER WITH AUTOMATIC HEATING/COOLING MECHANISM - A method of controlling the temperature of a cup holder in a vehicle interior includes the steps of receiving a beverage container in the cup holder detecting its presence and allowing the beverage container to stabilize. The method further includes the steps of measuring the temperature of the beverage container and the ambient temperature of the vehicle. It is then determined if the beverage container should be heated or cooled. A thermal sequence is then initiated to heat or cool the beverage container, and an ambient lighting feature is provided as a function of the thermal sequence initiated. | 01-28-2016 |
20160023544 | VEHICLE CANOPY - A vehicle canopy includes a vehicle body defining a roof opening. A roof is connected to the vehicle body across the roof opening. A headliner is supported by at least one of the vehicle body and the roof. A frame is supported by the vehicle body. A fabric partition is engaged with the frame and extends across the roof opening between the headliner and the roof. The fabric partition may assist in preventing occupant test dummies and/or other objects from moving through the roof opening. | 01-28-2016 |
20160023526 | HITCH ANGLE WARNING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A hitch angle warning system includes a camera-based hitch angle sensor that senses a hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer. The hitch angle warning system also includes a controller that estimates an amount of time for the hitch angle to reach a threshold angle based on a rate of change of the hitch angle. The threshold angle may be set to a maximum hitch angle controllable by the vehicle based on a length of the trailer. The controller thereby generates a warning signal when the amount of time is less than a threshold time, which is configured to be greater or equal to than a response time of a driver of the vehicle to make a corrective action. The warning signal may be deactivated when the amount of time is greater than a second time that is greater than the threshold time. | 01-28-2016 |
20160016625 | MODULAR BICYCLE - An e-bike center module includes a substantially straight first center module connecting surface that is releasably connectable to a substantially straight front module connecting surface. A substantially straight second center module connecting surface is releasably connectable to a substantially straight rear module connecting surface. the center module is part of a bicycle frame when the first center module connecting surface is connected to the front module connecting surface and the second center module connecting surface is connected to the rear module connecting surface. | 01-21-2016 |
20160016574 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A BRAKE SYSTEM - Systems and methods are described for monitoring the brake performance of a vehicle. A modeled deceleration of the vehicle may be calculated based on a master cylinder pressure of the vehicle brake system. The modeled deceleration may be compared to a measured deceleration of the vehicle. A notification may be initiated when a difference between the modeled deceleration and the measured deceleration exceeds a threshold. | 01-21-2016 |
20160016565 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR APPLYING REGENERATIVE BRAKING DURING HIGH FRICTION COEFFICIENT BRAKING - A system for applying regenerative braking during high friction coefficient braking of a vehicle includes at least one controller; at least one braking sensor interfacing with the at least one controller; a vehicle powertrain interfacing with the at least one controller; a brake pedal interfacing with the at least one controller; vehicle friction brakes interfacing with the at least one controller; and the at least one controller applies anti-lock braking torque to the vehicle brakes and simultaneously applies regenerative braking torque to the vehicle powertrain responsive to input from the at least one braking sensor. A method for applying regenerative braking during high friction coefficient braking of a vehicle is also disclosed. | 01-21-2016 |
20160001823 | VEHICULAR COMPOSITE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND COMPONENT - A vehicular instrument panel, including a substrate comprising a plurality of chopped carbon and chopped glass fibers within a nylon resin, the substrate defines an airbag canister. The plurality of chopped carbon and chopped glass fibers are segregated such that the chopped carbon fibers are substantially concentrated within a driver-side portion of the substrate and the airbag canister, and the chopped glass fibers are substantially concentrated within a passenger-side portion of the substrate. The substrate can also include a boundary region such that the plurality of chopped carbon and glass fibers in the substrate are substantially mixed in the boundary region. | 01-07-2016 |
20160001819 | FIBER COMPOSITE SUPPORT FOR VEHICULAR COMPONENTS - A vehicular instrument panel having a reinforcement that includes a plurality of chopped carbon fibers within a nylon resin, a substrate coupled to the reinforcement comprising a plurality of chopped carbon and chopped glass fibers within a nylon resin, and a steering column bracket defined from the substrate comprising a plurality of chopped carbon fibers within a nylon resin. The bracket engages a steering column such that the substrate and bracket support the steering column. The plurality of chopped carbon and glass fibers in the substrate can be segregated such that the carbon fibers and the glass fibers are each substantially concentrated within respective driver-side and passenger-side portions of the substrate. | 01-07-2016 |
20160001700 | VEHICLE HAVING INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING ON TAILGATE - A vehicle is provided that includes a cabin defining a cargo space, and a tailgate operable between a substantially open position and a substantially closed position. The tailgate defines a license plate area on an exterior surface thereof. An illumination system is positioned within the tailgate, such that the illumination system illuminates at least one of the cargo space and the license plate area when the tailgate is in the closed position and illuminates a ground area behind the vehicle when the tailgate is in the open position. | 01-07-2016 |
20160001345 | VALUE STREAM PROCESS FOR FORMING VEHICLE RAILS FROM EXTRUDED ALUMINUM TUBES - A value stream process or method for forming vehicle rails from extruded aluminum tubes includes the steps of extruding an aluminum tube and hydroforming the extruded aluminum tube into a vehicle rail. More specifically, the method includes extruding the aluminum tube, bending the aluminum tube, preforming the aluminum tube, hydroforming the aluminum tube into a vehicle rail, trimming the vehicle rail to length and then artificially aging the rail followed by batch chemical pretreatment. In an alternative embodiment the artificial aging and batch chemical pretreatment processes are performed in reverse order. In either of the embodiments, localized induction annealing to recover formability may be performed between bending and preforming, between preforming and hydroforming or both. | 01-07-2016 |
20150379437 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ON-DEMAND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES - Data relating to travel of a plurality of users, including destinations of the plurality of users and flight arrival delay data, are received. The plurality of users are assigned to a plurality of groups based on the data. An on-demand transport shareable by a selected group is identified based at least in part on the data, The on-demand transport is initiated for the selected group. | 12-31-2015 |
20150376759 | DEVICE FOR THERMALLY COATING A SURFACE - The invention relates to a device for thermally coating a surface, which has at least one housing, a cathode, which is designed as a consumable wire and at least one insulation element, wherein the housing has a non-detachable anti-adhesion layer. | 12-31-2015 |
20150375693 | COMPRESSION LIMITING CLIP FOR A BRACKET ASSEMBLY - A bracket assembly includes a polymer bracket that has a first side, a second side, and an opening that extends between the first and second sides. A compression limiting clip includes a plate portion coupled with the second side. A member borders at least a portion of the opening and extends orthogonally from the plate portion through the opening for receiving compression from a fastener engaging the polymer bracket. | 12-31-2015 |
20150375678 | ILLUMINATED STEERING ASSEMBLY - A lighting system for a vehicle steering assembly is provided herein. The lighting system includes a member extending from a steering column. A light source is disposed on a steering wheel. A first photoluminescent structure is disposed on the member and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source. In some embodiments, the light source may implement a thin design, thereby helping to fit the light source into small package spaces of the vehicle where traditional light sources may not be practicable. | 12-31-2015 |
20150375677 | ILLUMINATED STEERING ASSEMBLY - A lighting system for a vehicle steering assembly is provided herein. The lighting system includes a steering wheel having a central hub and a rim connected to the hub through a spoke. A light source is disposed on the rim. A first photoluminescent structure is disposed on the steering wheel and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by at least a portion of the light source. In some embodiments, the light source may implement a thin design, thereby helping to fit the light source into small package spaces of the vehicle where traditional light sources may not be practicable. | 12-31-2015 |
20150375650 | POWER ARTICULATING HEADREST ASSEMBLY - A vehicle headrest assembly includes a headrest member operably coupled to a seatback. The headrest member is moveable between upright and folded positions relative to the seatback. A support assembly includes first and second linkages which are pivotally coupled to the headrest member and the seatback at opposite ends thereof. First and second latch brackets are coupled to the first and second linkages respectively and operable between latched and unlatched positions for moving the headrest member to the folded position from the upright position when the latch brackets are in the unlatched position. | 12-31-2015 |
20150375638 | AUTOMATIC PRESENTABLE SWIVELING SEAT - An automobile seat includes a cushion, a back coupled with the cushion, and a mounting unit. The mounting unit includes a mounting track and an actuator slidably coupled with the mounting track and coupled with the cushion. The actuator is extendable along an axis to move the cushion toward and away from the mounting track and is rotatable about the axis to rotate the cushion relative to the mounting track. | 12-31-2015 |
20150367893 | EXPANDABLE ROOF PANEL PERIMETER REINFORCEMENT - A vehicle roof frame includes an adhering structure having an adhesive carrier and an expanding structural adhesive coupled to at least a portion of an outer surface of the adhesive carrier. The expanding structural adhesive includes an installation state and a structural state, and the structural state has a larger volume than the installation state. The vehicle roof frame also includes a plurality of vehicle frame members that cooperate to form a frame joint and a joint cavity defined within the frame joint. The adhering structure is disposed within the joint cavity and the adhesive carrier and the expanding structural adhesive in the structural state substantially occupies the joint cavity and fixably couples the plurality of framing members such that the frame joint is free of supplemental mechanical connections proximate the joint cavity. | 12-24-2015 |
20150367886 | CONTROL MODES FOR A TRAILER BACKUP ASSIST SYSTEM - A trailer backup assist system, according to one embodiment, provides a sensor that senses a hitch angle between a trailer and a vehicle. The trailer backup assist system also provides a selection device for selecting a longitudinal direction of the trailer or the vehicle in a static orientation. Further, the trailer backup assist system provides a controller that generates a steering command to the vehicle when reversing based on the hitch angle to guide the trailer in the selected longitudinal direction. The controller determines a kinematic relationship of the trailer and the vehicle based on a length of the trailer and a wheelbase of the vehicle, whereby the steering command is generated based on the kinematic relationship. | 12-24-2015 |
20150367776 | LIGHT ASSEMBLY OPERABLE AS A DOME LAMP - According to one aspect of the present invention, a light assembly of a vehicle is provided herein. The light assembly includes an array of light sources and a plurality of light-directing elements, each configured to direct light received from the light sources in an associated direction. A sensor arrangement is configured to sense a user-supplied action and a controller determines which light sources to activate in response to the sensed user-supplied action. | 12-24-2015 |
20150367772 | EXTERIOR LIGHT SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A vehicle lighting system is provided herein and includes light-producing assemblies, each coupled to a body portion of a vehicle. At least one light-sensing device is included for sensing ambient light levels. A controller is configured to selectively activate each of the light-producing assemblies at a variable intensity as a function of a sensed ambient light level and/or a determined direction of the ambient light. | 12-24-2015 |
20150363988 | PHONE SLEEVE VEHICLE FOB - A system and method for remotely communicating with a vehicle using a mobile communication device and a sleeve associated with the mobile communication device. The sleeve including a transceiver, the transceiver enabling communication between the mobile communication device and the vehicle. The mobile communication device provides commands to the vehicle through the sleeve. | 12-17-2015 |
20150360664 | Method for Operating an Electromechanical Vehicle Brake System - A method is provided for operating an electromechanical vehicle brake system having an ESP module and at least two brake circuits, each brake circuit comprising high and low pressure switching valves, a low pressure storage device, and two wheel brakes. The method comprises, in advance of a possible breaking procedure and based on a trigger factor, filling the low pressure storage device with an amount of brake fluid at a first pre-pressure. Subsequently, an ESP pump is used to fill the vehicle brake system, including the low pressure storage device, with an adjustable amount of final pre-pressure. All valves are closed when the final pre-pressure is achieved. The method further comprises, during a braking procedure, opening respective inlet valves of the wheel brakes and supplying at least a part of the final pre-pressure to at least one wheel brake of the vehicle brake system. | 12-17-2015 |
20150360663 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ELECTROMECHANICAL VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEM - A method for operating an electromechanical vehicle brake system is provided. The method includes determining that an activation condition has been met, selecting a pre-charge pressure based at least in part on the activation condition, building up at least an initial portion of the pre-charge pressure in the brake system, and applying at least the initial portion of the pre-charge pressure to at least one wheel brake. | 12-17-2015 |
20150360640 | SELF-ACTUATING FLOW RESTRICTOR FOR A VEHICLE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY - An inflatable airbag assembly includes first and second walls sealably connected to define an inflatable bladder having an interior volume that is operable between inflated and deflated states. At least one pleat is defined within at least one of the first and second walls, and defines an expanded portion of the interior volume. First and second slits are defined within the first wall that define a vent in communication with the expanded portion of the interior volume, wherein the vent defines an open position with the inflatable bladder in the deflated state, and wherein the vent moves to a closed position as the inflatable bladder operates to the inflated state. | 12-17-2015 |
20150360634 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR VEHICLE STRUCTURAL OR SEMI-STRUCTURAL COMPONENT ASSEMBLY ENABLING TUNABLE DECELERATION CHARACTERISTICS - A vehicle structural or semi-structural component assembly or crash sensor assembly includes a body, wherein a first portion of the body comprises a polymer composite material and a sensor mount portion of the body is connected to the first portion; and a sensor directly attached to the sensor mount portion. The sensor mount portion comprises a polymer composite material and a flexible reinforcement material over-molded within the polymer composite material. A method for enabling tunable deceleration characteristics in a vehicle structural or semi-structural component assembly includes forming a structural or semi-structural component for a vehicle from a polymer composite material; over-molding a flexible reinforcement material within the polymer composite material at one or more locations along the component; and attaching a sensor directly to at least one of the one or more locations. | 12-17-2015 |
20150360616 | AUTOMATIC CLOSING ARRANGEMENT FOR VEHICLE STOWAGE COMPARTMENTS - A vehicle stowage assembly including a storage compartment defining an opening to permit access to the compartment. A door is movably mounted proximate the opening. An actuator is operably connected to the door to move the door from an open position to a closed position. After the door has been opened, the actuator automatically closes the door after a predefined period of time has passed from the time at which the door was opened. The stowage assembly may include a mechanical timer or an electronic controller. The actuator may comprise a spring that biases the door towards the closed position, or the actuator may comprise an electric motor or other powered actuator. The assembly may include a sensor to prevent closure while in use and delay closing time. | 12-17-2015 |
20150360610 | System and Method for Improving Vehicle Wrong-Way Detection - Systems and methods for improving vehicle wrong-way detection including systems, sensors or features, such as those for system/network clocks, ambient light, driver impairment, automatic cruise control, blind spot warning or configurable vehicle security, either singly or in any combination therewith, may refine and/or modify the confidence level of detecting particular or potential wrong-way incidents. By modifying the confidence level, the system may change the system sensitivity by moving the cutoff point at which an alert activation takes place. The systems described above can modify the wrong-way detection sensitivity. Greater confidence, or system sensitivity, may also help enable the system to take further actions beyond a simple warning. At greater confidence levels, the system could intervene, by way of a non-limiting example, with throttle limiting, turning on the hazard lights or even bringing the vehicle to a stop. | 12-17-2015 |
20150357615 | BATTERY ASSEMBLY REINFORCEMENT MEMBER - A battery assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a tray, a battery array mounted to the tray, a cover positioned about the battery array and a reinforcement member disposed between the cover and the battery array. | 12-10-2015 |
20150355064 | Method Of Screening Or Selection Aluminum Sheets For A Manufacturing Process - A method is provided for selecting a heat treated aluminum sheet for use in a manufacturing process. The aluminum sheet is tested for an initial strength value before being stored for a period of time. A subsequent strength value of the aluminum sheet is calculated after the period of time has elapsed. The aluminum sheet is selected for use in the manufacturing process if the subsequent strength value is within a predetermined range. | 12-10-2015 |
20150354698 | CONTROLLING AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - A method of downshifting an automotive transmission. An on-coming transmission element is stroked while pressure for an off-going element is reduced. Pressure for the stroked on-coming element is increased to be sufficient to carry torque. Pressure for the off-going element is reduced below a torque transmitting amount once the stroked on-coming element has a sufficient torque carrying capacity. Torque capacities for the elements are determined from transmission output torque and acceleration and transmission input torque and acceleration. Feed forward or feedback terms for off-going and on-coming element torque capacities may be calculated using the transmission output torque, transmission input acceleration, and transmission input torque. | 12-10-2015 |
20150354648 | VENTILATED BRAKE ROTORS - A brake rotor for attachment to a wheel of a vehicle may include an outer friction member and an inner friction member. The brake rotor may further include a plurality of fin elements connecting the outer friction member to the inner friction member. Each fin element may include first and second pillars that are connected by a bridge portion to define an opening in the fin element. The opening is configured to allow air to pass through the fin element. | 12-10-2015 |
20150354253 | LOW EFFORT OUTSIDE RELEASE HANDLE - A vehicle door includes a handle having an angled or inclined ramp surface. A bellcrank is rotatably connected to the door structure for rotation about a generally horizontal axis. The bellcrank includes a follower that engages the inclined ramp surface such that movement of the exterior handle from the rest position to the opened position causes the bellcrank to rotate and shift linkage that unlatches a the latch mechanism. | 12-10-2015 |
20150353068 | TIMING TRANSMISSION GEARING SHIFTS FOR A HYBRID ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN - A transmission shift is timed for a hybrid electric powertrain as a function of a torque capacity of an electric machine relative to a shifting torque required to change gearings of a transmission. A vehicle is being propelled by the machine, with an engine stopped, when the shift is requested. If the machine has insufficient torque capacity to change transmission gearings, then the shift request is delayed until the engine has started. | 12-10-2015 |
20150353052 | DEFROSTER NOZZLE WITH NET OVER OUTLET - A defroster nozzle assembly includes a nozzle body defining a conduit and an outlet in communication with the conduit and having a length and a width. A net of a polymeric material extends over the length and width of the outlet and is bonded directly to a portion of the nozzle body adjacent the outlet. | 12-10-2015 |
20150353003 | DUAL DIRECTION LIGHT PRODUCING ASSEMBLY - A light-producing assembly is provided herein and includes a first portion of LEDs biased to direct light in a first direction, a second portion of LEDs biased to direct light in a second direction that is different than the first direction, and a controller for selectively activating the first and/or second portions of LEDs. | 12-10-2015 |
20150352926 | CIRCULATION FOR PRESSURE LOSS EVENT - An exemplary vehicle is disclosed having a compressible fluid system including at least one sensor configured to determine a fluid pressure present within the compressible fluid system, and a circulator configured to circulate air in the engine compartment. The vehicle is configured to activate the circulator in response to a decrease in the fluid pressure, and in some approaches may also open a grill shutter or other fluid passage into the engine compartment. Exemplary methods may include providing a circulator configured to selectively circulate airflow, e.g., into an engine compartment of a vehicle, and detecting a fluid pressure decrease within a compressible fluid system in the engine compartment. The circulator may be activated to circulate air in the engine compartment in response to at least the detected fluid pressure decrease. | 12-10-2015 |
20150352920 | SUSPENSION SYSTEM USING OPTICALLY RECORDED INFORMATION, VEHICLES INCLUDING SUSPENSION SYSTEMS, AND METHODS OF USING SUSPENSION SYSTEMS - A method for controlling a suspension system of a vehicle, as well as suspension systems, and a vehicle including a suspension system is provided. The suspension system may include at least one adjustable damping device that is controlled via a control signal, such as from a controller of the suspension system, in order to dynamically adjust the damping characteristic of the damping device. The control signal may be generated on the basis of at least one of current driving dynamics data and optically recorded information about an area of a ground surface. | 12-10-2015 |
20150349679 | HYBRID-VEHICLE VARIABLE-VOLTAGE TRACTION MOTOR DRIVE - A method is provided for controlling a traction motor for an electrified vehicle, wherein the motor is driven by a pulse-width modulated inverter. A drive command from a driver of the vehicle is converted into a demanded torque. A substantially fixed DC link voltage is maintained from a DC power source. An input voltage for supplying to the inverter is calculated that causes the motor to deliver the demanded torque at a transition point between a constant-torque region and a field-weakening region of torque production. The voltage from the DC link is converted to the determined input voltage at an input to the inverter. By lowering the voltage applied to the inverter, switching losses and harmonic losses are reduced. | 12-03-2015 |
20150349302 | BATTERY CELL SHRINK-WRAP METHOD AND ASSEMBLY - An example battery cell shrink-wrapping method includes covering a side of a battery cell with a section of a shrink-wrap material. The side interfaces with a cold plate when the battery cell is within a battery pack. | 12-03-2015 |
20150348417 | BOUNDARY DETECTION SYSTEM - Systems and methods provide for tracking objects around a vehicle, analyzing the potential threat of the tracked objects, and implementing a threat response based on the analysis in order to keep occupants of the vehicle safe. Embodiments include a boundary detection system comprising a memory configured to store threat identification information, and a sensor unit configured to sense the object outside the vehicle and obtain sensor information based on the sensed object. The boundary detection system further includes a processor in communication with the memory and sensor unit, the controller configured to receive the sensor information, and control a threat response based on the sensor information and the threat identification information. | 12-03-2015 |
20150348058 | Apparatus and System for Generating Vehicle Usage Model - A vehicle computer system configured to communicate with a mobile device, comprising a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with the mobile device. The vehicle computer system also includes a processor in communication with the wireless transceiver. The processor is configured to receive information from one or more vehicle sensors regarding vehicle usage, send the information to an off-board server via the wireless transceiver, wherein the information is utilized in a damages-model regarding the vehicle, and output the information concerning the damages-model to a user display. | 12-03-2015 |
20150347326 | Method and Apparatus for Dynamically Updating a Vehicle Module Configuration Record - A system includes a processor configured to detect that a vehicle module update has been performed. The processor is further configured to create an identifier associated with a module that indicates an updated status and for each module having an identifier indicating an updated status associated therewith, requesting subscription to a topic, corresponding to the updated module, and specific to an individual vehicle, from a remote server. | 12-03-2015 |
20150346257 | Continuous Leakage Detection Circuit with Integrated Robustness Check and Balanced Fault Detection - A leakage detection circuit with integrated robustness check provides leakage detection and continuous robustness check capability. A circuit can include a first voltage divider coupled to a chassis ground and a positive terminal of a traction energy storage device (ESD). A second voltage divider, connected in series to the first voltage divider, can be coupled to the chassis ground and a negative terminal of the ESD. A third voltage divider can be coupled to both the positive and negative ESD terminals. A checkproduct based on a voltage detected at the third voltage divider can be compared to a sum VS of voltages detected at first and second voltage dividers to check for a circuit fault. Voltages detected at the first and second voltage dividers, and SOC values, can be used to detect leakage faults, including balanced leakage faults, and a fault response can be performed. | 12-03-2015 |
20150346060 | MODULAR RIGID BARRIER - A rigid barrier system includes a base piece and a face piece. The face piece may be configured to be to be mounted to the base piece, such that the face piece is laterally movable while mounted to the base piece in an unfixed mode. Alternatively or additionally, the rigid barrier system may include a steel floor plate resting on a base layer. A mass of the base layer may be at least ten times a mass of the face piece and the base piece. | 12-03-2015 |
20150346041 | MULTI-DIRECTIONAL IN-DUCT COMBINING AIR-TEMPERATURE MONITOR - A combining air-temperature monitor includes a faceted central shaft, a plurality of air-foil rings positioned about the faceted central shaft and a mixing zone proximate the faceted central shaft. The air-foil rings and the faceted central shaft cooperate to direct a plurality of air streams into the mixing zone. A temperature sensor is disposed within the mixing zone. The temperature sensor selectively measures a combined temperature of the plurality of air streams within the mixing zone. The faceted central shaft is adapted for insertion into an air-handling duct, wherein the faceted central shaft is free of a predetermined rotational orientation within the air handling duct. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345939 | ILLUMINATED HITCH ANGLE DETECTION COMPONENT - A lighting system for a trailer assembly is provided herein. The lighting system includes a hitch angle detection component having a predefined pattern thereon. A light source is disposed within the hitch angle detection component. A photoluminescent structure is disposed on the light source. The photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by light output from at least a portion of the light source. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345938 | LUMINESCENT HITCH ANGLE DETECTION COMPONENT - A lighting system for a trailer is provided herein. The lighting system may include a hitch angle detection component disposed on the trailer. A light source is disposed on the vehicle. A photoluminescent structure is disposed on the hitch angle detection component and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source. The hitch angle detection component may further include a predetermined image pattern of a certain size and shape provided on the top surface thereof for capture by an imaging device and recognition by an image processing unit. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345635 | Friction Element Assembly for a Transmission and Method of Assembly - A friction element assembly for a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a set of plates and friction members. A piston assembly is configured to apply a force to the set of plates and friction members. The friction element assembly also includes a housing with a mounting groove; a pressure plate having first and second edges; and a snap ring positioned in the mounting groove. The snap ring is positioned such that first edge of the pressure plate contacts the snap ring and the second edge of the pressure plate extends across a portion of the snap ring. The snap ring is L-shaped and includes a leg portion that contacts the second edge of the pressure plate when the piston assembly applies a force to the set of plates and friction members. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345436 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MANAGING FUEL TANK TEMPERATURE - A system for an engine, comprising: a fuel tank; a thermal regulator comprising a phase-change material, the thermal regulator coupled to the fuel tank; and an engine coolant passage positioned to transfer thermal energy between engine coolant and the phase-change material. In this way, the temperature of the fuel tank may be managed passively by the phase-change material, and actively by engine coolant, thereby allowing heat energy to be shunted away from the fuel tank, cooling the fuel within the fuel tank, and reducing fuel vapor concentration, thus enabling a fuel vapor canister with a reduced size. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345435 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MANAGING FUEL VAPOR CANISTER TEMPERATURE - A system for an engine, comprising: a fuel vapor canister coupled to a fuel tank; a thermal jacket comprising a phase-change material, the thermal jacket spatially sheathing the fuel vapor canister; and an engine coolant passage positioned to transfer thermal energy between engine coolant and the phase-change material. In this way, the phase-change material may buffer the temperature of the fuel vapor canister by absorbing heat generated during hydrocarbon adsorption, and returning the heat to the vapor canister during hydrocarbon desorption. By coupling the phase-change material to engine coolant, the thermal capacity of the thermal jacket can be increased, as heated coolant can thus transfer thermal energy to the phase-change material to replace the thermal energy transferred to the canister during hydrocarbon desorption. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345419 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRE-IGNITION CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for enriching an engine cylinder in response to an indication of pre-ignition. The cylinder is enriched by initially increasing a proportion of fuel delivered to the cylinder via a port injector on an open intake valve event. The cylinder is then continued to be enriched by increasing a proportion of fuel delivered to the cylinder via a direct injector. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345407 | METHOD OF FUEL INJECTION FOR A VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE - Various systems and methods are described for controlling fuel injection in a variable displacement engine. One method for a deactivatable cylinder comprises, before deactivating the cylinder responsive to operating conditions, disabling a port injector and fueling the cylinder only via the direct injector. The method further comprises, when reactivating the cylinder from deactivation, enabling both the port injector and the direct injector, and injecting a higher amount of fuel via the direct injector while simultaneously injecting a lower amount of fuel via the port injector. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345371 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INCREASING AIRFLOW THROUGH A CHARGE AIR COOLER TO DECREASE CHARGE AIR COOLER CONDENSATE - Methods and systems are provided for increasing airflow through a charge air cooler (CAC) in order to purge condensate from the CAC. In one example, a method includes increasing airflow through the CAC while maintaining torque by one or more of selectively deactivating one or more engine cylinders and increasing boost or opening a compressor bypass valve and increasing boost. The amount of compressor bypass valve opening and number of deactivated cylinders may be based on an amount of condensate within the CAC. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345188 | VEHICLE DOOR HANDLE - A vehicle door includes a door structure having an interior space and a ramp disposed within the interior space. The vehicle door further includes a latch and a handle that is pivotably connected to the door structure. The handle includes a pair of inwardly and forwardly extending hooks. The vehicle door also includes a cable or other linkage connected to the latch. The cable has a fitting that is pushed along the ramp by the hooks upon pivoting of the handle to thereby shift the cable and unlatch the latch. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345185 | DEPLOYABLE HOOD RELEASE HANDLE - A motor vehicle hood latch mechanism comprises a latch assembly including a primary latch and a secondary latch. The secondary latch restrains the hood in a released position subsequent movement of the primary latch to an unlocked position. The secondary latch secures a striker to restrain the hood in a released position and allows the hood to move to an open position upon manipulation. A secondary latch release handle comprises a secondary latch release handle arm having a refracted position and a deployed position, the secondary latch release handle arm extending longitudinally forward relative the motor vehicle in each of the retracted and deployed positions, wherein the secondary latch release handle arm is extended forward to the deployed position by translational motion upon movement of the primary latch to the unlocked position. | 12-03-2015 |
20150344079 | VEHICLE FRONT END STRUCTURE - A vehicle front end structure includes a longitudinally extending upper tube, and a longitudinally extending lower tube. The upper and lower tubes are conjoined to each other along a substantial portion of the total length of the tubes. The front end structure also includes a coupling bracket that is secured to an outer wall of each of the upper and lower tubes near a rear edge of the tubes. The coupling bracket also includes an extension tab cantilevered from the rear edge of the tubes. Additionally, the front end structure includes a hinge pillar defining a first vertical mounting surface secured to an inner wall of the upper and lower tubes. The hinge pillar also defines a second vertical mounting surface secured to the extension tab of the coupling bracket. | 12-03-2015 |
20150344073 | VEHICLE FRAME COMPONENT - A body on frame vehicle includes a SORB impact load management system including front blocker structures for limiting transfer of the SORB impact loads from being transferred to the passenger compartment area. A SORB impact load transfer apparatus in the form of a cable extends between the front end horns of the side rails of the frame to transfer SORB impact loads from the impacted side across the vehicle frame. In a second embodiment of the impact load transfer apparatus, the ends of the cables are coupled to the front sides of the front blocker structures and the cable is routed through the front end horns of the side rails of the frame to transfer SORB impact loads from the impacted side across the vehicle frame. | 12-03-2015 |
20150344067 | TRAILER CURVATURE CONTROL WITH ADAPTIVE TRAILER LENGTH ESTIMATION - An apparatus for determining a jackknife condition of a vehicle and trailer is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a processor operable to set an operating range of a hitch angle to a minimum range. The processor monitors the hitch angle while the vehicle is operated in a forward direction and increases the operating range based on the hitch angle observed during the monitoring. The processor is further operable to utilize the increased operating range to prevent a jackknife condition during a guided reverse operation of the vehicle. | 12-03-2015 |
20150344006 | ADJUSTABLE BRAKE PEDAL SYSTEM - A brake pedal assembly for a vehicle having a brake pedal arm having an initial position and an adjustment subassembly configured to adjust the initial position. The brake pedal assembly is further provided with a preload spring configured to provide a preload force to the brake pedal arm and a preload adjustment cam in cooperation with the brake pedal arm. The adjustment subassembly and the preload spring are configured to change the preload force in response to a change in the initial position. | 12-03-2015 |
20150344005 | ADJUSTABLE BRAKE PEDAL SYSTEM - A brake pedal assembly for a brake-by-wire system or vehicle having a traction battery. The brake pedal assembly has both a pedal feel simulator and an adjustable brake pedal. The pedal feel simulator has a fixed cam surface and a moving cam follower that provides increased resistance that simulates that of an actual brake system as the brake pedal arm is depressed. The brake pedal assembly has a pivotal adjustment subassembly that the cam follower may extend from. The adjustment subassembly may also have a brake pedal arm adjustably connected to and extending therefrom. The adjustment subassembly provides a consistent path of rotation per brake pedal depress allowing for the cam follower to have substantially consistent movement across the fixed cam surface, providing substantially consistent pedal feel feedback, regardless of where the brake pedal has been adjusted to within a vehicle foot-well. | 12-03-2015 |
20150344004 | SHIFT-BY-WIRE VEHICLE AND METHOD TO VERIFY SECUREMENT - A vehicle includes both a transmission park mechanism and an electronic parking brake. As a failure management strategy, a controller monitors vehicle movement to verify that the park mechanism is successfully restraining the vehicle against movement. Specifically, when the driver releases the brake pedal with the transmission park mechanism commanded to restrain the vehicle, the controller waits for a predetermined amount of time. If the vehicle moves during this time, the controller commands application of the electronic parking brake. The controller may also command application of the electronic parking brake if the vehicle does not come to a stop after the transmission park mechanism is commanded to restrain the vehicle. | 12-03-2015 |
20150343989 | BUMPER ASSEMBLY INCLUDING AIRBAG - A bumper assembly for a vehicle includes a bumper beam and an energy absorbing member adjacent the bumper beam. An airbag module includes an inflator coupled to the bumper beam and an airbag coupled to the inflator. The airbag is disposed between the bumper beam and the energy absorbing member. The airbag is deployed during an impact between the vehicle and an object to modify the stiffness of the bumper assembly during the impact. | 12-03-2015 |
20150343983 | VEHICLE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR OBLIQUE IMPACT - An occupant restraint system for a vehicle includes an airbag module disposed in a column cover. The column cover covers a steering column of the vehicle. The airbag module includes an inflator within the column cover and an airbag coupled to the inflator. The airbag is moveable between a deflated position within the cover and a deployed position exiting the cover to the left and upwardly for deployment toward an A-pillar of the vehicle during an oblique impact. | 12-03-2015 |
20150343965 | TRUCK CAB LINER WITH NOISE ABSORBER - A body for a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, has a passenger cabin including an exterior body panel with an air extractor aperture and an interior trim panel. The trim panel is a liner mounted to the body panel thereby defining a generally-planar laterally extending chamber between them. The trim panel, which may be made of a sound absorbing material, has an air passage fluidically coupling the chamber with the passenger cabin. The air passage is laterally separated from a footprint region of the trim panel which is aligned with the air extractor aperture. The footprint region has an undulating surface facing the air extractor aperture to attenuate noise that enters the chamber through the air extractor aperture. The undulating surface may have an egg crate shape. | 12-03-2015 |
20150343945 | PRINTED LED RYLENE DYE WELCOME/FAREWELL LIGHTING - An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a lighting device disposed on the vehicle. At least one detection sensor is configured to detect a proximity of an occupant and a controller is configured to identify an approach and a departure of the occupant. The controller is configured to control the lighting device to output a first emission of light in response to the approach and a second emission in response to the departure. | 12-03-2015 |
20150343944 | PRINTED LED TRIM PANEL LAMP - An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises a circuit disposed on a trim panel. The illumination apparatus comprises at least one light source formed by plurality of LEDs in a semiconductor ink. The illumination apparatus further comprises at least one proximity sensor disposed proximate a surface of the trim panel and configured to selectively activate the at least one circuit. The trim panel is configured to receive at least one edge of a window of the vehicle. | 12-03-2015 |
20150341767 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LAUNCHING AN APPLICATION - A mobile device comprising at least one controller in communication with one or more transceivers. The one or more transceivers are capable of communication with a vehicle computing system (VCS) and a server. The at least one controller configured to establish a communication link with the server based on an accident notification received from the VCS. The controller further configured to receive a push notification from the server. The controller further configured to search for a mobile application based on the push notification and enable the mobile application that matches the push notification. The controller further configured to communicate a post-crash message to a predefined contact via the mobile application. | 11-26-2015 |
20150341766 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LAUNCHING AN APPLICATION - A computer-program product embodied in a non-transitory computer read-able medium that is programmed for communicating accident data to a vehicle computing system (VCS) and at least one server. The computer-program product may comprise instructions for receiving a broadcast notification via short-range wireless communication from the VCS. The computer-program product may comprise further instructions for searching for a mobile application based on the broadcast notification. The computer-program product may comprise further instructions for enabling the mobile application matches with the broadcast notification. The computer-program product may comprise further instructions for transmitting a communication link to the VCS based on the broadcast notification. The computer-program product may comprise further instructions for receiving an accident notification from the VCS and communicating the accident notification to the server. | 11-26-2015 |
20150340899 | AUTOMATIC BATTERY DISCHARGE TOOL - An assembly for discharging a battery using an adjustable variable resistor. A battery is connected to the assembly. An operating sequence for the connected battery is selected from a plurality of predetermined operating sequences for different batteries. The predetermined operating sequences are presented as a function of a battery characteristic. The selected operating sequence adjusts the resistor and the battery is discharged using the adjusted resistor. | 11-26-2015 |
20150340794 | ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE SERVICE INTERLOCK - An energy storage device and electrical component are secured under an access cover by a lock. A handle has a key portion that operates the lock. Removal of the handle from an electrical disconnect isolates the component electrically from the energy storage device. The lock is located such that the handle is removed from the disconnect to operate the lock. | 11-26-2015 |
20150340671 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR RETAINING BATTERY CELLS OF TRACTION BATTERIES - A vehicle traction battery cell retainer includes a sidewall defining a plurality of windows each surrounded by a window flange extending therefrom, a top channel extending from the sidewall and terminating in a top flange, and a bottom channel extending from the retainer sidewall, defining a plurality of air bypass windows, and terminating in a bottom flange, the top and bottom flanges arranged for interlocking with an adjacent retainer of the traction battery. A vehicle traction battery assembly includes first and second adjacent battery cell arrays each having associated first and second retainers having a sidewall defining air flow windows and integrated top and bottom channels formed of unitary construction with interlocking flanges to couple the first and second arrays. | 11-26-2015 |
20150339866 | VEHICLE ENERGY CONSUMPTION EFFICIENCY LEARNING IN THE ENERGY DOMAIN - A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling a vehicle based on a learned energy consumption efficiency. The energy consumption efficiency may be learned in an energy domain by periodically filtering a ratio of a distance traveled to an energy consumed. | 11-26-2015 |
20150339593 | VEHICLE GENERATED SOCIAL NETWORK UPDATES - A vehicle system includes a navigation system, a communication interface, and a processing device. The navigation system determines a first vehicle location. The communication interface receives social network information over a communication network. The social network information includes a second vehicle location. A processing device determines the proximity of the first vehicle location to the second vehicle location and generates a message based on the proximity. | 11-26-2015 |
20150339114 | MODULE INTERFACE FOR VEHICLE UPDATES - A vehicle may include a processor of a vehicle configured to communicate with an update server hosting software updates; and a software update management module connected to the processor and vehicle modules over a vehicle bus and configured to send an update command over the vehicle bus to invoke a software update mode for one of the vehicle modules identified by a software update, and apply the software update to the one of the vehicle modules. A computing system of a vehicle may be configured to request consent from a user to install a software update, when consent is received, install the software updates using a software update management module configured to invoke software update mode for a vehicle module identified by the software update, and apply the software update to the vehicle module, and when consent is not received, display an indication that software updates are available. | 11-26-2015 |
20150338043 | Headlamp Assembly with Multiple High Aspect Ratio Lenses - A headlight assembly including a plurality of low-beam modules and a plurality of high-beam modules are enclosed in a housing. The low-beam modules include a top reflector disposed above a low-beam LED light source that projects a height limited first beam of light through the low-beam lens. The high-beam modules include a bottom reflector disposed below a high-beam LED light source that projects a second beam of light through a high-beam lens above the first beam of light. Each module has an aspect ratio of 2:1 with the height of the lens being twice the width of the lens. | 11-26-2015 |
20150337955 | TRANSMISSION HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM INCLUDING THERMAL VALVE - A hydraulic control system provides lubrication fluid to a gearbox via two flow paths in parallel. One of the flow paths includes a passive thermal valve in series with a heat exchanger. When the fluid temperature is elevated, the thermal valve opens such that fluid flows through the heat exchanger for cooling. The thermal valve restricts flow to the heat exchanger when transmission fluid is in a normal operating temperature range, reducing flow demands. When the flow demands are reduced, a variable displacement pump requires less torque improving fuel economy. The thermal valve may also open when the fluid is below the normal operating temperature such that the heat exchanger heats the fluid. The parallel path may include a regulator valve. When the pressure of fluid in the lubrication circuit is elevated, the regulator valve reduces flow through the parallel path and may also divert flow to a sump. | 11-26-2015 |
20150337947 | BAFFLE FOR AUTOMOTIVE TRANSMISSION - A transmission in a vehicle includes a gearbox and a differential. Torque is transferred from an output of the gearbox to an input of the differential via a drive member. This transfers torque to enable the differential to distribute the torque amongst wheels of the vehicle. A transmission housing and a torque converter housing are mounted to one another to at least partially house the gearbox and the differential, respectively. A transmission fluid sump is provided between the housings where transmission fluid gathers. A fluid pump pressurizes the fluid and distributes it amongst working parts in the transmission. A baffle assembly partially contains the drive member and segregates the fluid sump from the drive member. One of the baffles in the assembly includes a lip engaging a portion of an outer flange of the pump to provide a seal between the fluid pump and components within the transmission. | 11-26-2015 |
20150337925 | FOUR PLANETARY-GEARSET STEP-RATIO AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - A four gearing-arrangement transmission having six shift-elements cooperatively engaging in combinations of three to provide nine forward speeds and one reverse speed. The transmission having a first gearing-arrangement with an end-gear fixedly coupled to a ground. A second gearing-arrangement with one end-gear fixedly coupled to an input and the other end-gear fixedly coupled to an interior-gear of the first gearing-arrangement. A third gearing-arrangement having an interior-gear fixedly coupled to an output. A fourth gearing-arrangement having a fourth interior-gear fixedly coupled to the input. | 11-26-2015 |
20150337869 | SELF-ORIENTING PISTON SPRING ACCUMULATOR - An accumulator for a vehicle may include a cylinder defining a bore having an inner surface, and a piston moveable within the bore. The piston may include a seal and a guide section defined by a truncated sphere. The guide section orients the piston within the bore such that the seal maintains contact with the inner surface of the bore. | 11-26-2015 |
20150337867 | BRAKE VACUUM ASPIRATOR - A brake vacuum aspirator has a generally known construction and function and includes an optimized bypass flow path including an optimized check valve making the brake vacuum aspirator capable of a performance level not previously obtainable in brake vacuum aspirators. In particular, the brake vacuum aspirator of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes an enlarged bypass flow path for providing a proximately 9.5 ft | 11-26-2015 |
20150337783 | DIRECT INJECTION PUMP CONTROL FOR LOW FUEL PUMPING VOLUMES - Methods are provided for controlling a solenoid spill valve of a direct injection fuel pump, wherein the solenoid spill valve is energized and de-energized according to certain conditions. A control strategy is needed to operate the direct injection fuel pump when small fractional trapping volumes are commanded, wherein a small amount of fuel is compressed and sent to the direct injection fuel rail. To maintain reliable and repeatable solenoid spill valve behavior for small fractional trapping volumes, methods are proposed that involve energizing the solenoid spill valve for a minimum angular duration below a trapping volume fraction threshold. | 11-26-2015 |
20150337775 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PURGING A FUEL VAPOR CANISTER BUFFER - A method for purging a fuel vapor canister buffer, comprising: opening a fuel tank isolation valve; opening a canister purge valve; and drawing a vacuum on a fuel tank sufficient to open a capless refueling assembly vacuum relief mechanism. In this way, the fuel vapor canister buffer may still be purged to intake even under conditions where the canister vent line is blocked. | 11-26-2015 |
20150337753 | PRESSURE DEVICE TO REDUCE TICKING NOISE DURING ENGINE IDLING - Systems and methods are provided for a high-pressure fuel pump to mitigate audible ticking noise associated with opening and closing of a digital inlet valve of the high-pressure pump. To reduce the ticking noise associated with the high-pressure pump when the engine is idling, a solution is needed that is simple and does not involve retrofitting the fuel system with noise, vibration, and harshness countermeasures to mask the noise. Pressure devices and associated operation methods are provided that involve adding a combination of several check valves, an accumulator, and a flow control valve with weep channels to allow the digital inlet valve to be deactivated during engine idling as defined by a threshold engine speed. | 11-26-2015 |
20150337750 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING CATALYST DIAGNOSTICS IN THE PRESENCE OF SENSOR DEGRADATION - Systems and methods for diagnosing operation of a catalyst are presented. In one example, threshold limits for catalyst variables are adjusted in response to attributes of a catalyst monitor sensor that may vary with sensor age. The catalyst variables may provide insight into whether or not the catalyst is degraded or operating as intended. | 11-26-2015 |
20150337745 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING AMBIENT HUMIDITY - Methods and systems are provided for estimating ambient humidity based on a wet bulb temperature and a dry bulb temperature during precipitation, and estimating ambient humidity based on the dry bulb temperature and not based on wet bulb temperature when precipitation is absent. | 11-26-2015 |