Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells encased in an outer shell. The outer shell has disposed on an inner surface a flame retardant layer that comprises expandable graphite. The expandable graphite is operative to expand during an thermal event that results in an increase in battery module temperature. Disclosed herein too is a method comprising disposing in a battery module a flame retardant layer; where the battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells encased in an outer shell. The outer shell has disposed on an inner surface a flame retardant layer that comprises expandable graphite. The expandable graphite is operative to expand during an thermal event that results in an increase in battery module temperature.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for heating a vehicle window to remove ice and condensation using a carbon nanotube heating pad. The apparatus includes a user interface operative to receive a user request, a vehicle windshield, a heating pad wherein the heating pad includes a carbon nanotube heating element and a reflective surface and is oriented such that the carbon nanotube heating element is directed towards the windshield, a power supply operative to supply power to the carbon nanotube heating element in response to a control signal, and a processor operative to generate the control signal in response to the user request.
Abstract:
A seat system includes a seat bottom and a seat back at a rear of the seat bottom. A thermally controlled seat belt includes a lap portion and a shoulder portion. The thermally controlled seat belt can include a porous sleeve that is connected to a seat ventilation system or a vehicle ventilation system. The seat belt can alternatively or additionally include a heating fabric or thermoelectric elements.
Abstract:
A strake may direct air around a structure that moves in a forward direction and that has a first side and a second side. The strake may include a first section that may curve inward and rearward around the structure and that may be shaped to direct oncoming air toward the second side. The strake may include a second section that may be positioned further in the forward direction than a portion of the structure and may be shaped to direct oncoming air toward the first or second side.
Abstract:
A strake may direct air around a structure that moves in a forward direction and that has a first side and a second side. The strake may include a first section that may curve inward and rearward around the structure and that may be shaped to direct oncoming air toward the second side. The strake may include a second section that may be positioned further in the forward direction than a portion of the structure and may be shaped to direct oncoming air toward the first or second side.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to apparatuses for conducting battery heat comprising an active material positioned between a first cover portion and second cover portion, each portion comprising a thermal conductive material and protection material connected to the thermal conductive material. Also included are systems for conducting heat includes a plurality of pouch cells each comprising an active material positioned between a first cover portion and second cover portion and a plurality of frames, at least one frame positioned between each of the plurality of pouch cells. Finally included are methods, for assembling a pouch cell structure for use in conducting battery heat, comprising constructing a pouch cell assembly by alternating a sequence of pouch cells and frames; positioning a first contact edge of each of pouch cell proximal to a first heat sink and a second contact edge of each pouch cells proximal to a second heat sink opposite the first contact edge; and connecting the first heat sink to the first contact edge of each of the plurality of pouch cells and connecting the second heat sink to the second contact edge of each of the plurality of pouch cells.
Abstract:
Cab extender systems and methods are provided for reducing the aerodynamic drag on a pickup truck. A cab extender system includes a cab with a roof panel and a rear wall. The cab extends upward on the vehicle to the roof panel and the rear wall extends downward from the roof panel. A tailgate is disposed at a rear of the vehicle and a utility box extends between the rear wall and the tailgate. An extender extends in a rearward direction from the roof panel a length of between ten and twenty centimeters from the rear wall.
Abstract:
A cooling assembly according to various aspects of the present disclosure includes a housing, an electronic component, a dielectric coolant, and a cover. The housing includes an interior compartment having a basin region in which the electronic component and the coolant are disposed. The coolant undergoes phase change between a liquid state and a gas state. The coolant is in direct contact with the electronic component in the liquid state. The cover component extends transversely through the interior compartment and is coupled to the body. The cover component is disposed in a direction with respect to the basin region. The cover component at least partially defines a port in fluid communication with the basin region. The cover component is configured to permit flow therethrough of the dielectric coolant in the gas state in at least the direction.
Abstract:
A control system of a vehicle comprising: i) a plurality of adjustable aerodynamic control devices associated with the vehicle; ii) a fuel economy sensor configured to determine a first fuel economy measurement; and iii) an aerodynamic device controller module configured to adjust a first one of the plurality of adjustable aerodynamic control devices and to receive from the fuel economy sensor a second fuel economy measurement. The aerodynamic device controller module stores in an onboard database state information corresponding to settings of the plurality of adjustable aerodynamic control devices if the second fuel economy measurement is an improvement over the first fuel economy measurement.
Abstract:
Cab extender systems and methods are provided for reducing the aerodynamic drag on a pickup truck. A cab extender system includes a cab with a roof panel and a rear wall. The cab extends upward on the vehicle to the roof panel and the rear wall extends downward from the roof panel. A tailgate is disposed at a rear of the vehicle and a utility box extends between the rear wall and the tailgate. An extender extends in a rearward direction from the roof panel a length of between ten and twenty centimeters from the rear wall.