Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130205770 | METHODS OF PRIMING THERMALLY ACTIVATED ACTIVE MATERIAL ELEMENTS - A method of achieving a target activation parameter, such as a predetermined response time and/or consistency when thermally activating at least one active material element, such as a shape memory alloy actuator or shape memory polymer hinge, includes deciding whether to prime the element based on energy efficiency and/or overall system costs/performance. | 08-15-2013 |
20130207384 | SOLDERLESS HOSE CONNECTION FOR A LINE SECTION OF AN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - A method for manufacturing a connection between a hose and coaxial line section is provided. The method includes providing an outer pipe, inserting an inner pipe along with a hose situated at least partially on an outer periphery of the inner pipe inside the outer pipe, and deforming the outer pipe, the inner pipe or both so that the hose becomes clamped between the inner pipe and outer pipe. A coaxial line section for a refrigerant circuit of a motor vehicle also is provided. | 08-15-2013 |
20130209079 | CAMERA SYSTEM - A camera system includes a body defining a cavity therein, and a camera attached to the body within the cavity and including a lens. The camera system also includes a shape memory alloy transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a thermal activation signal, and a wiper configured for wiping debris from the lens. The wiper is attached to the camera and is actuatable by the shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy transitions between the first state and the second state to actuate the wiper so that the wiper contacts and translates across the lens and thereby wipes debris from the lens. | 08-15-2013 |
20130210569 | COMPOUND PLANETARY FRONT WHEEL DRIVE CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - The present invention provides an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle having a compact single mode transfer gear continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a compound planetary gear carrier for use in front wheel drive vehicles. The automatic transmission includes an input shaft, a variator or other, similar device which provides a continuously variable input to output speed ratio over a limited range, a compound planetary gear assembly having a sun gear, a planet gear carrier with compound gear sets and a ring gear, a friction brake, a friction clutch and a plurality of transfer gears and layshafts. | 08-15-2013 |
20130210570 | MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION - A transmission having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. | 08-15-2013 |
20130211677 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION REDUCTION IN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEMS - Methods and systems are provided for suppression of steering wheel vibrations generated by periodic disturbances in a vehicle steering system. An exemplary method reducing steering wheel vibrations caused by periodic disturbances involves determining a gross torque attributable to the periodic disturbances in the steering system, identifying a desired amount of suppression of the vibrations at the steering wheel, determining an offset torque based on the gross torque and the desired amount of suppression, and generating a motor command signal in a manner that is influenced by the offset torque. The motor drive command signal is provided to an electric motor coupled the steering wheel and/or the vehicle tires, and the motor drive command signal influences the torque applied by the motor to assist steering of the vehicle tires by the steering wheel in a manner that attenuates the vibrations communicated to the steering wheel by the desired amount. | 08-15-2013 |
20130216167 | KEYLESS/GROOVELESS FOIL BEARING WITH FOLD OVER TAB - An improved air foil bearing assembly is disclosed. The air foil bearing assembly includes a bearing housing having an axially extending bore therein and a shaft arranged within the bore for relative coaxial rotation with respect to the bearing housing. The shaft cooperates with the bearing housing to define an annular gap therebetween. A foil assembly is disposed in the annular gap, including at least one foil having at least one laterally extending tab. The tab is adapted to be received in and extend axially from the annular gap and is further adapted to be bent into frictional contact with an outer surface of the bearing housing to militate against axial movement of the foil. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218544 | PLASTIC FORMING METHOD - A method for plastically forming a plate is provided. The method includes simulating forming the plate based on a frictional parameter that locally varies. | 08-22-2013 |
20130219293 | Team-Oriented Human-Vehicle Interface For HVAC And Methods For Using Same - A team-oriented heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system, for use in support of operations of a vehicle. The system includes instructions that cause a processor to perform operations including communicating, to a human user, via a vehicle-user interface, a request to participate regularly, actively, and collaboratively as a member of a collaborative HVAC team, to include the system, in an ongoing team relationship of cooperation regarding operating the team-oriented HVAC system over time. The operations further include providing, to the user, a commitment communication advising the user that the system will be dedicated to participating regularly, actively, and collaboratively as a team member. The operations also include receiving, from the user, an agreement communication to participate as a member of the collaborative HVAC team. And the operations include forming, responsive to receiving the agreement communication, the collaborative HVAC team including the user and team-oriented HVAC system. | 08-22-2013 |
20130219294 | Team-Oriented Human-Vehicle Interface For Adaptive Cruise Control System And Methods For Using Same - A team-oriented adaptive cruise control system, for use in support of operations of a vehicle. The system includes instructions that cause a processor to perform operations including communicating, to a human user, via a vehicle-user interface, a request to participate regularly, actively, and collaboratively as a member of a collaborative adaptive-cruise-control (ACC) team, to include the system, in an ongoing team relationship of cooperation regarding operating the team-oriented ACC system over time. The operations further include providing, to the user, a commitment communication advising the user that the system will be dedicated to participating regularly, actively, and collaboratively as a team member. The operations also include receiving, from the user, an agreement communication to participate as a member of the collaborative ACC team. And the operations include forming, responsive to receiving the agreement communication, the collaborative ACC team including the user and team-oriented ACC system. | 08-22-2013 |
20130221709 | SIDE MEMBER FOR A REAR FRAME OF A VEHICLE BODY - The present invention relates to a side member in shell design for a rear frame of a self-supporting body of a motor vehicle, having a lower shell and an upper shell which are connected to each other in a fixed manner and at least in portions for a closed hollow member, wherein the lower shell is assembled from three shell parts, which in extension direction of the side member are arranged one after the other, wherein a middle shell part arranged between the two other shell parts at least in portions is formed as metal cast component, in particular steel cast component. | 08-29-2013 |
20130221763 | Activation Of Safety Mechanisms Using Smart Materials - In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates to systems, for selectively actuating a safety mechanism, using a transformable material, to protect against an unwanted condition. The system in one implementation includes first and second pulley devices configured to accommodate multiple strands of the transformable material. In another implementation, the system includes two connection points for holding the transformable material and an overload-protection sub-system for protecting the transformable material from overload. In still another implementation, the system includes a first biasing element and a manual-release sub-system including a second biasing element. | 08-29-2013 |
20130221810 | TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY WITH INTEGRATED MOTOR POSITION SENSOR - A transmission-mounted electric machine includes an integrated rotational position sensor. The rotational position sensor includes a rotor element and a stator element. The stator element is attached to a stator element of the transmission at a plurality of mounting points and includes an alignment adjustment mechanism. The rotor element of the sensor is slip-fit against a shoulder of a rotor hub and held in place using a wave spring. | 08-29-2013 |
20130221974 | TIME DOMAIN REFLECTOMETRY SYSTEM AND METHOD - Methods and systems are provided for determining conductor abnormalities using time reflectometry. The system includes a database configured to store data regarding an impedance of at least one element of an electric circuit. The system also includes a pulse generator for generating a signal pulse. A transmitter is in communication with the pulse generator for transmitting the signal pulse into the electric circuit. The system further includes a receiver for receiving a reflection of the signal pulse from the electric circuit. A processor in communication with the receiver and the database is configured to determine an abnormal condition based on the received reflection of the signal pulse and the data stored in the database. | 08-29-2013 |
20130221982 | MODULAR WIRING HARNESS TESTING SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS - Modular wiring harness testing systems and apparatus are provided for testing wiring harnesses such as those used in the automotive industry. The testing apparatus is configurable (or re-configurable) to test a plurality of different types of wiring harnesses that have different configurations in terms of the number of wires, number of circuits and/or the number, size or type of connectors. | 08-29-2013 |
20130222792 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING A RADIATION CHARACTERISTIC FOR AN ILLUMINATION DEVICE OF A VEHICLE - A method for determining a radiation characteristic for a vehicle illumination device to be produced from possible radiation characteristics based on a parameter is provided. The parameter is selected from an illumination geometry that can be generated by the device in a surroundings of the device, a device position, and a person-related type of perception. The method includes determining a first value of a light intensity that can be generated for a first point located within an illuminatable area based on the parameter. A second value of the light intensity that can be generated by the illumination device is determined for second points based on the first value. The second points are arranged in the surroundings of the illumination device. A light distribution that can be generated by the illumination device is determined based on the first and second values and the light distribution is outputted to an interface. | 08-29-2013 |
20130223918 | JOINING OR FASTENING COMPONENTS CONTAINING A SHAPE MEMORY POLYMER - A releasable connection connects a first component to a second component. The second component includes and is manufactured from a Shape Memory Polymer (SMP), and defines a pocket. The first component includes a portion disposed within the pocket. The pocket is deformed from an initial shape permitting insertion of the portion into the pocket to assembly the releasable connection into a connected shape wherein the pocket is deformed to secure the first component relative to the second component. The pocket is transformed from the initial shape into the connected shape by heating the SMP material of the second component to a switching temperature. Re-heating the SMP second component to the switching temperature returns the pocket back to the initial shape from the connected shape to disassembly the releasable connection. | 08-29-2013 |
20130226393 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DIAGNOSING A VEHICLE - Methods and apparatus are provided for generating a vehicle specific configuration file. The method includes: determining a vehicle identification number; retrieving, based on the vehicle identification number, from at least one data storage device a bus topology, module information, at least one message identification number, and at least one message length; and generating a configuration file based on the vehicle identification number, the bus topology, the module information, the at least one message identification number, and the at least one message length. | 08-29-2013 |
20130226398 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING ABNORMAL CONDITIONS IN VEHICULAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - Methods and apparatus are provided for determining an abnormal condition in an electrical system of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a memory for storing data relating to normal voltage transients. The apparatus also includes a computer electrically connectable to the electrical system and in communication with the memory. The computer is configured to sense voltage transients that occur in the electrical system of the vehicle, compare the sensed voltage transients to the stored normal voltage transients, and determine if the sensed voltage transient indicates an abnormal condition in the electrical system of the vehicle. | 08-29-2013 |
20130226905 | INTEGRATED TRAVEL SERVICES - Integrated travel services are provided via a computer processing device and logic executable by the computer processing device. The integrated travel services map activities to information databases, define conditions for generating alerts, and monitor user behaviors. Upon determining one of the user behaviors matches one of the activities, the integrated travel services access a corresponding database and, using the conditions in conjunction with data from the user behavior, search the corresponding database. The integrated travel services also generate an alert, in response to the search, upon determining that the search results indicate one of the conditions has been met. | 08-29-2013 |
20130240274 | EXPANDABLE VEHICLE SYSTEMS - An expandable vehicle system includes a base unit having a frame, a first wheel rotatably mounted with respect to the frame, and a battery-electric propulsion system mounted with respect to the frame. The expandable vehicle system also includes a first extension module having a first vehicle body portion and an auxiliary power unit mounted with respect to the first vehicle body portion. The base unit has a first attachment interface mounted with respect to the frame and the first extension module has a second attachment interface mounted with respect to the first vehicle body portion. The first and second attachment interfaces are configured to selectively and releasably engage one another such that the first extension module and the base unit form a single drivable unit when the first and second attachment interfaces are engaged with one another. | 09-19-2013 |
20130269317 | TECHNIQUE FOR PRODUCTION OF AMMONIA ON DEMAND IN A THREE WAY CATALYST FOR A PASSIVE SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION SYSTEM - A powertrain includes an internal combustion engine with multiple cylinders and an aftertreatment system having a selective catalytic reduction device utilizing ammonia as a reductant. An ammonia generation cycle includes operating some portion of the cylinders at an air/fuel ratio conducive to producing molecular hydrogen and some portion of the cylinders at an air/fuel ratio conducive to producing NOx. An ammonia generation catalyst is utilized between the engine and the selective catalytic reduction device to produce ammonia. | 10-17-2013 |
20130291837 | SQUEEZE CLIP GROUND STRAP - Vehicles and engines are provided. The engine, for example, may include a first engine component configured to be ohmically coupled to a common ground, a second engine component configured to be coupled to the first engine component, the second engine component comprising an insulative materially ohmically isolating the second engine component from the first engine component, the second engine component including an inclusion having a predetermined depth along a surface of the second engine component configured to be coupled to the first engine component, a third engine component configured to be coupled to the second engine component, and a spring clip configured to be ohmically coupled to the third engine component, wherein the spring clip is further configured to be disposed within the inclusion of the second engine component and to have a deflectable surface having an undeflected depth greater than the predetermined depth of the inclusion. | 11-07-2013 |
20130294990 | SILVER PROMOTED CLOSE-COUPLED NOx ABSORBER | 11-07-2013 |
20130306631 | ADAPTER FOR AN OIL FILLER NECK AND ASSEMBLY METHOD FOR THE ADAPTER - An adapter for an oil filler neck and an assembly method for the adapter are provided. In an embodiment, the adapter includes an extension piece with a lower partial region and an upper partial region. The lower partial region has an outer bayonet cap guide that is adjusted to an inner bayonet cap guide of an oil fill port. The upper partial region has the inner bayonet cap guide that is adjusted to the outer bayonet cap guide of an oil filler inlet cover. An outer retaining ferule with an anti-twist device apron engages an outer edge region of the oil fill port in a positive and torsionally rigid manner. | 11-21-2013 |
20140061407 | INTEGRATED HOOD LATCH KEEPER FOR A GRILL OPENING REINFORCEMENT STRUCTURE - A position-controlled front hood latch bracket for a vehicle includes a bracket base having a hood latch opening configured to receive a hood latch assembly having a latch base, the latch base having a perimeter and a plurality of locating apertures. The front hood latch bracket also includes a plurality of spaced-apart hood latch keeper features, the hood latch keeper features configured to receive and keep the perimeter of the latch base in slidable engagement with the bracket base while enabling a predetermined amount of movement of the latch base relative to the bracket base in a pre-assembly position. The bracket further includes a plurality of fastener apertures each configured to receive a fastener for detachably attaching the latch base to the bracket base, the locating apertures having a size and a location that exposes the fastener apertures in the preinstallation position regardless of the predetermined amount of movement. | 03-06-2014 |
20140062136 | LASER WELDED STRUCTURAL FENDER INNER BLANK FOR MASS OPTIMIZATION - An inner fender panel for a structural fender of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The panel includes an outer surface configured for attachment to the inner surface of an outer panel of the fender and an inner surface; the inner panel comprising a plurality of abutting inner fender panel sections that are joined to one another, each inner fender panel section having a thickness, at least two abutting inner fender panel sections having thicknesses that are different. A structural fender for an automotive vehicle is also disclosed. The fender includes a formed outer panel having a viewable outer surface and an inner surface. The fender also includes a formed inner fender panel as described comprising a plurality of abutting inner fender panel sections that are joined to one another, each inner fender panel section having a thickness, at least two abutting inner fender panel sections having thicknesses that are different. | 03-06-2014 |
20140084654 | VEHICLE SEAT, VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING A VEHICLE SEAT - A method for adjusting a vehicle seat for a vehicle is provided. The method includes folding the vehicle seat and displacing the vehicle seat. Folding and displacing are coupled so that on a folding and/or a pushing, the vehicle seat is displaced into a folding position. A vehicle seat and a vehicle are also provided. | 03-27-2014 |
20140104424 | IMAGING SURFACE MODELING FOR CAMERA MODELING AND VIRTUAL VIEW SYNTHESIS - A method for displaying a captured image on a display device. A real image is captured by a vision-based imaging device. A virtual image is generated from the captured real image based on a mapping by a processor. The mapping utilizes a virtual camera model with a non-planar imaging surface. Projecting the virtual image formed on the non-planar image surface of the virtual camera model to the display device. | 04-17-2014 |
20140111048 | TRANSMISSION FOR A VEHICLE AND A METHOD OF ASSEMBLING A MODULAR MOTOR ASSEMBLY IN THE TRANSMISSION - A transmission for a vehicle and a method of assembling a modular motor assembly in the transmission are disclosed. The transmission includes a housing defining a cavity along a longitudinal axis. The transmission further includes a first motor/generator and a second motor/generator each disposed in the cavity. The transmission also includes a first support supporting the first motor/generator such that the first motor/generator is mounted to the first support to define a first modular unit. The first modular unit is attached to the housing within the cavity. The transmission further includes a second support supporting the second motor/generator such that the second motor/generator is mounted to the second support to define a second modular unit. The second modular unit is attached to the first modular unit such that the first and second modular units align with each other along the longitudinal axis within the cavity of the housing. | 04-24-2014 |
20140120458 | Direct Coated Membrane Electrode Assembly On External Reinforcement For Fuel Cells - Disclosed are methods for fabricating a reinforced membrane electrode assembly having one or more freestanding external reinforcement layers. The method comprises providing a freestanding external reinforcement layer, and depositing a catalyst solution and membrane solution onto at least a portion of the freestanding external reinforcement layer. | 05-01-2014 |
20140145841 | VEHICLE RANGE PROJECTION FOR MULTIPLE DRIVERS OF A SHARED VEHICLE - Vehicle range projection includes detecting, via a vehicle antenna, a key fob within range of the vehicle. The key fob is associated with an individual. The vehicle range projection also includes searching, via a computer processor embedded in the vehicle, a database for a record having an identifier that matches an identifier of the key fob. The record stores historical drive cycle data associated with the key fob and the individual. The vehicle range projection further includes retrieving the historical drive cycle data and calculating a projected electric range value indicative of a distance in which the vehicle is capable of traveling on electric-only power. The projected electric range value is calculated as a function of a distance calculated based on available battery charge that is adjusted based on a driving style of the individual. The driving style of the individual is determined from the historical drive cycle data. | 05-29-2014 |
20140148981 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING A PROPORTIONAL INTEGRATOR - Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a boost converter. In one embodiment, the method processes a command signal in a slew rate limiting circuit. The output of the slew rate limiting circuit is then processed using one or more feedback parameters from the proportional integrator to provide a processed command signal. The processed command signal is processed with a controlled signal to provide an error signal which is provided to the proportional integrator to provide a current command signal. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an error generating circuit configured to provide a processed command signal using one or more feedback parameters from the proportional integrator, and to provide the error signal by subtracting a signal to be controlled from the processed command signal. A slew rate limiting circuit is used to receive a command signal and provide an output to the error generating circuit. | 05-29-2014 |
20140188336 | VIBRATION DAMPING FOR A CONVERTIBLE VEHICLE - Methods and apparatus are provided for attenuating vibrations in the header of a convertible vehicle. The apparatus includes a fluid damper configured to be coupled to a header of a convertible vehicle and an accelerometer for sensing vibrations in the header and providing a signal to adjust the fluid damper thereby attenuating the vibrations. A method is provided which includes receiving a signal indicating a vibration in a header of a convertible vehicle and adjusting a fluid damper coupled to the header in response to the signal thereby attenuating the vibration. | 07-03-2014 |
20140190241 | Deflection Sensitive Coolant Activated Drain Plug Detection System For High Voltage Battery Packs - A battery pack with a drain plug and a circuit to detect when a liquid coolant has entered the battery pack. The drain plug includes a carrier defining a cavity internal to the carrier, an inlet disposed on a first surface of the carrier and an outlet disposed on a second surface of the carrier where the first surface and the second surface fluidly displaced from one another and coupled to the cavity. A soluble plug may be disposed within the cavity of the carrier; the soluble plug is configured to at least partially dissolve when fluidly coupled with a coolant allowing a portion of the coolant to flow between the inlet and the outlet and out of the battery pack. A strain gauge cooperative with the carrier such that a measured resistance change in the strain gauge corresponds to the soluble plug in contact with the liquid coolant. An associated circuit with the drain plug provides notification of the activation of the drain plug to the on-board computer systems. | 07-10-2014 |
20140251291 | POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION SYSTEM FOR A TWO-CYLINDER ENGINE - An engine assembly includes a two-cylinder engine, an intake assembly, and an air-oil separator. The two-cylinder engine defines a first cylinder bore, a first combustion chamber, a second cylinder bore, a second combustion chamber, and a crankcase volume. The engine further includes a first piston disposed within the first cylinder bore, and a second piston disposed within the second cylinder bore. The intake assembly includes an intake manifold in fluid communication with each of the first and second combustion chambers, and the air-oil separator defines a separator volume and in fluid communication with each of the crankcase volume and the intake manifold. A reciprocal, synchronous motion of the first and second pistons is operative to exhale gas from the crankcase volume through the separator volume and into the intake manifold. | 09-11-2014 |
20140261981 | CATHODE COMPOSITE STRUCTURE AND METHODS THEREOF FOR IMPROVED FUEL CELL PERFORMANCE UNDER HIGH HUMIDITY - Disclosed are methods for fabricating a cathode composite structure to improve fuel cell performance. The methods comprise preparing a cathode composition for a cathode layer, the cathode composition having an average particle size distribution of from about 0.1 to about 30 microns, and simultaneously depositing the cathode composition and at least one other composition onto a substrate such that a cathode layer is formed on the substrate and at least one other layer is formed on the cathode layer to form a cathode composite structure. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265206 | VEHICLE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT SYSTEM - A number of variations of the invention may include a method including providing a front lower control arm attachment system including a sleeve locator stamping and at least one threaded sleeve extending there through, and attaching the front lower control arm attachment system to a vehicle engine cradle. A number of variations of the invention may include a front lower control arm attachment system including a sleeve locator stamping and at least one threaded sleeve extending through the sleeve locator stamping and secured thereto. | 09-18-2014 |
20140272662 | CELL RETENTION DESIGN AND PROCESS - A system and method for reducing the relative movement between adjacent fuel cells within a fuel cell stack includes an improved strategy for distributing an acceleration load over a fuel cell stack while maintaining stack performance after exposure to high acceleration loads. The system comprises a fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of fuel cells enclosed by a housing. A curable material occupies at least a portion of a lateral space located between the edges of each fuel cell in the stack and an interior wall of the housing. Upon occurrence of high acceleration loads within the housing, the curable material transmits the acceleration load from the housing to more evenly distribute the load to the edges of the fuel cells. A plurality of dams may be secured between the housing and the fuel cell stack forming channels for receiving the curable material. | 09-18-2014 |
20140298799 | EXHAUST MANIFOLD - An exhaust manifold for at least a portion of an internal combustion engine having a defined number of combustion chambers includes a plurality of inlet ports and four outlet ports. A first pair of the four outlet ports are disposed in gas flow communication with a first subset of the plurality of inlet ports, and a second pair of the four outlet ports different from the first pair are disposed in gas flow communication with a second subset of the plurality of inlet ports different from the first subset. | 10-09-2014 |
20140300124 | ADAPTABLE BIN WITH FOLDING SECONDARY BIN - An adaptable bin includes a bin floor, at least two bin side walls, and one or more bin end walls. The bin floor, bin side walls, and bin end wall define a primary storage volume and define a bin opening allowing access to the primary storage volume. The adaptable bin also includes a secondary shelf moveable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The secondary shelf defines a secondary storage volume in the expanded position. The secondary shelf includes a first shelf segment and a first hinge, which rotatably connects the first shelf segment to the bin end wall, and a second shelf segment and a second hinge, which rotatably connects the first and second shelf segments. The first and second shelf segments are substantially parallel to the bin end wall in the collapsed position and are substantially perpendicular to the bin end wall in the expanded position. | 10-09-2014 |
20140300125 | CENTER CONSOLE HAVING A ROTATING HOLDING UNIT - A trim assembly, such as a center console for a vehicle, includes a base portion, a cover portion and a holding unit. The cover portion defines a cover opening, and is attached to the base portion. The holding unit is disposed between the cover portion and the base portion, and is rotatably supported by the base portion for rotation about a rotation axis between a bin storage position and a cup-holder storage position. A bin storage position presents a bin aperture defined by a first side of the holding unit adjacent the cover opening to provide access to an open interior region of the holding unit through the cover opening for storage. A cup-holder storage position presents a cup aperture defined by a second side of the holding unit adjacent the cover opening to secure a cup within the interior region of the holding unit. | 10-09-2014 |
20140300167 | REMOVABLE AND STOWABLE HEAD RESTRAINT - A seat assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The seat assembly includes a seat back portion and a removable and stowable head restraint. The seat back portion has a first surface and is configured to occupy one of an upright seating position and a folded cargo position. The head restraint is configured to be coupled to the first surface of the seat back portion. The head restraint is configured to occupy one of a deployed position and a stowed position. The head restraint remains secured to the seat back portion in each of the deployed position and the stowed position. Specifically, the head restraint occupies the stowed position when the seat back portion occupies the folded cargo position. | 10-09-2014 |
20140306470 | ENERGY ABSORBER SYSTEM AND ENERGY ABSORBER THEREOF - An energy absorber system for a vehicle includes a brace assembly having a front end. The system includes an energy absorber attachable to the assembly and having an inner wedge and an outer wedge. The inner wedge is attachable to the front end, defines a cavity, and has a primary side, a secondary side, a proximal side, and a distal side. The outer wedge is attachable to the inner wedge to cover the cavity, and has a first side configured for contacting and covering the primary side, a second side configured for contacting and covering the secondary side, a third side configured for contacting and covering the proximal side, a fourth side extending from the third side at an angle of less than or equal to 90 degrees and having a deflection surface and an interior surface, and a plurality of bulkheads projecting from the inner surface. | 10-16-2014 |
20140306491 | INCREASED STIFFNESS UNDERBODY PANEL - A vehicle structure includes a frame having a first frame rail and a second frame rail. The first and second frame rails are spaced apart by a distance and are substantially parallel to one another. The vehicle structure also includes a vehicle body attached to the frame. The vehicle structure also includes a cradle mounted under the vehicle body to each of the first and second frame rails and configured to support a vehicle drivetrain subassembly. The vehicle structure additionally includes a panel attached to each of the first and second frame rails and the cradle, and configured to stiffen the vehicle structure. | 10-16-2014 |