Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Kiekert Ag

David R Fischer

Paul W Alexander

Mary Ellen DeCaluwe

Louise E Stauffer

Teru Tseng

Jim K Rainbolt

Edward M Sanocki, Jr

Joseph Neighbors

Spencer W Chamberlain

Sandra N Thomson

Joseph Bilderbeck

Ann K Duffy

Joseph F Szczerba

Dorel M Sala

Roy J Mathieu

James N Nelsen

James A Rochon

Jim Zhuang

Eric A Watterworth

Janet S Goings

Mandya Rajagopal

William J Ochalek

Joseph Michael Phares

Jim Thuang

A service latch assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The latch assembly includes a striker member and a latch mechanism configured to selectively engage and release the strike member. The latch mechanism includes a frame plate defining a guideway configured to receive the striker member, a striker guard inserted into the guideway, a latch member pivotally connected to the frame plate, a stop tab extending from a closed end of the guideway, a stop bumper inserted onto the stop tab, and an over-mold fitted over the latch member. The over-mold includes a pivot limiter bumper configured to cooperate with the stop bumper to limit the pivot of the latch member in an open position and a striker retention feature nested onto an edge retention surface of a first lever arm of the latch member.

Latch mechanism

Methods and systems are provided for automatically maintaining cleanliness of an vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a processor, at least one sensor signal from a sensor that monitors for particulates within an interior of a vehicle; determining, by the processor, a level of uncleanliness of the vehicle based on the sensor signal; and selectively generating, by the processor, at least one of a control signal to a cleaning element of the vehicle and a notification message based on the determining to achieve the level of cleanliness.

Systems and methods for promoting cleanliness of a vehicle

Methods and systems are provided for cleaning systems of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a system includes: a floor mat; a vacuum system integrated with the floor mat, the vacuum system comprising a port, one or more ducts, and one or more openings integrated with the floor mat; and a control module that selectively activates suction of the vacuum system based on a detection of a level of uncleanliness of the vehicle.

A drive unit for automotive applications, specifically for application with or in combination with a motor vehicle door lock, a housing (), a motor () as well as an associated motor shaft (), and with at least one spring element () generating an axial force at one end of the motor shaft (), with the spring element () being located in at least one receptacle () in the housing (). In a top view, the spring element () has essentially a T-shaped design with an end plate () and cantilevers () on both sides, with the end plate () acting upon the motor shaft (), and at least the cantilevers () being arranged in the receptacle ().

Drive unit

An overlay component (such as a seal) is provided for mounting to an elongated vehicle structure (such as a door check link) without passing the overlay over the end of the structure. The overlay component has a first body section and a second body section comprised of resilient material. The first body section has a first structure receiving portion and a first interlocking portion. The second body section has a second interlocking portion complementary with the first interlocking portion. The first and second interlocking portions resiliently deform as they are interlocked while the elongated vehicle structure is being received by the first structure receiving portion, thereby retaining the overlay component on the elongated vehicle structure without adhesives or fasteners.

Tapered interlock retention system for foam overlays

A door bracket is mounted to a vehicle sliding door. A primary track is mounted along a side and extends to a remote end. A roller bracket having rollers received by the primary track is movable between a first position proximate the opening and a second position at the remote end. A link is pivotally joined to the roller bracket by a first pivot and pivotally joined to the door bracket by a second pivot. The link is rotatable around the first pivot between a first orientation and a second orientation. The link comprises an extension arm extending from the link toward the primary track. A shift mechanism contacts the extension arm when the roller bracket is at an intermediate trip point so that the link shifts from its first orientation to its second orientation when the sliding door is being opened.

Vehicle sliding door travel extension system

A motor vehicle has a sliding door supported by front and rear roller brackets that move through corresponding roller tracks. By extending the length of the rear roller track supporting the sliding door to beyond the rear end of the vehicle when the sliding door itself is opened beyond a particular location, a larger door and door opening are possible for any particular vehicle size. This provides better occupant access to rear seats and increases the maximum cargo size that can be loaded through the door opening.

Sliding door roller bracket track extension with interlock

Growing community of inventors

Bloomfield Hills, MI, United States of America

David R Fischer