Abstract:
An alignment device includes a first body and a second body, at least one retention member flexibly coupled to the first body, and a locking member coupled to the first body. The second body has an outer surface and an inner surface defining a cylindrical wall, the cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical opening, a first retention opening extending through the cylindrical wall and a second retention opening extending through the cylindrical wall. The first body translates within the cylindrical opening of the second body and the locking member engages with the first retention opening to position the alignment device in a first position and the locking member engages with the second retention opening to position the alignment device in a second position.
Abstract:
Methods and systems are provided for unlatching a power latch system of a door. In one embodiment, a method includes determining a power mode to be at least one of a primary power mode, a backup power mode, and a series power mode; and selectively controlling power to the power latch system based on the power mode.
Abstract:
An extendable windshield wiper system includes a wiper blade assembly having: a resilient material wiper blade; and a wiper extension rod connected to the wiper blade. A wiper sleeve is configured to move about an arc of rotation with respect to an axis of rotation of the wiper sleeve. A bore of the wiper sleeve has the wiper extension rod slidably disposed within the bore. An actuation portion directs a pressurized fluid to outwardly extend the wiper extension rod from the wiper sleeve and thereby to outwardly extend the wiper blade in an extension direction during a first portion of the arc of rotation. The wiper blade is induced to traverse an extended arc of travel during rotation of the wiper extension rod and the wiper sleeve along the arc of rotation.
Abstract:
An extendable windshield wiper system includes a wiper blade assembly having: a resilient material wiper blade; and a wiper extension rod connected to the wiper blade. A wiper sleeve is configured to move about an arc of rotation with respect to an axis of rotation of the wiper sleeve. A bore of the wiper sleeve has the wiper extension rod slidably disposed within the bore. An actuation portion directs a pressurized fluid to outwardly extend the wiper extension rod from the wiper sleeve and thereby to outwardly extend the wiper blade in an extension direction during a first portion of the arc of rotation. The wiper blade is induced to traverse an extended arc of travel during rotation of the wiper extension rod and the wiper sleeve along the arc of rotation.
Abstract:
A beltline reinforcement member for a door of a vehicle includes a body that extends along a longitudinal axis, between a first end and a second end. The body includes, an inner belt wall extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, an outer belt wall extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and spaced apart from the inner belt wall for receiving a window between the inner belt wall and the outer belt wall, a first end wall interconnecting the inner belt wall and the outer belt wall at the first end of the body, and a second end wall interconnecting the inner belt wall and the outer belt wall at the second end of the body. The inner belt wall, the outer belt wall, the first end wall, and the second end wall are integrally formed together as a single, unitary structure, such as by a casting process.
Abstract:
A vehicle and a door assembly each include an inner panel and an outer panel coupled to each other to define a door. A first handle is attached to the outer panel. A mirror apparatus is supported by the door and spaced apart from the first handle. A lock apparatus is supported by at least one of the door and the mirror apparatus. The lock apparatus is disposed closer to the mirror apparatus than the first handle.
Abstract:
A beltline reinforcement member for a door of a vehicle includes a body that extends along a longitudinal axis, between a first end and a second end. The body includes, an inner belt wall extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, an outer belt wall extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and spaced apart from the inner belt wall for receiving a window between the inner belt wall and the outer belt wall, a first end wall interconnecting the inner belt wall and the outer belt wall at the first end of the body, and a second end wall interconnecting the inner belt wall and the outer belt wall at the second end of the body. The inner belt wall, the outer belt wall, the first end wall, and the second end wall are integrally formed together as a single, unitary structure, such as by a casting process.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a composite panel includes arranging a continuous reinforcing fiber on a surface in a predetermined pattern to form a structural insert; encapsulating the structural insert in a first resin to form a composite panel; and at least one of painting an exterior surface of the composite panel; applying a film to the exterior surface of the composite panel; and using a transparent resin for the first resin to allow light to transmit through at least a portion of the composite panel.
Abstract:
Presented are flutter countermeasure devices and control logic for active aerodynamic systems, methods for making/using such active aero systems, and vehicles equipped with spoiler flutter countermeasure devices for increasing downforce and decreasing drag. A method of operating an active aerodynamic system of a motor vehicle includes detecting, via a system controller based on sensor data received from one or more sensing devices, a flutter excitation experienced by a spoiler of the active aero system during operation of the motor vehicle. The controller determines a harmonic oscillation amplitude of the flutter excitation experienced by the spoiler, and then determines if this harmonic oscillation amplitude exceeds a vehicle-calibrated threshold amplitude. If so, the system controller determines a damping force sufficient to mitigate or eliminate the harmonic oscillation amplitude. The controller then commands a flutter countermeasure device operatively attached to the spoiler to generate the damping force and thereby mitigate the flutter excitation.
Abstract:
An automotive vehicle includes a closure arranged relative a closure frame to selectively cover an opening to the vehicle. The vehicle also includes an actuator configured to move the closure among a plurality of positions including open and closed positions, and a first sensor configured to detect motion of the closure among the plurality of positions. The vehicle additionally includes a latch assembly with an engaged state to retain the closure in the closed position and a disengaged state to permit the closure to move among the plurality of positions. A second sensor is configured to detect the engaged or disengaged state of the latch assembly. The vehicle further includes a controller which is configured to, in response to the first sensor detecting motion of the closure among the plurality of positions and the second sensor detecting the latch assembly in the engaged state, provide a diagnostic signal.