Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.

Eric John Zielinski

Eric M Ehlert

Allan A Pett

Christopher Lee Rovik

Kristen Andrea Tabar

Erik Benavides

Two or more vehicle components can be operatively connected with one or more fasteners configured to provide selectively variable dampening characteristics. The fastener can include a dampening unit configured to provide different dampening characteristics based on a torque applied to the fastener. In one or more arrangements, the dampening unit can provide different dampening characteristics based on an amount of compression the dampening unit is under. Target dampening characteristics between two or more components can be determined. A torque can be determined and applied to the fastener based on the target dampening characteristics. The torque can cause the dampening unit of the fastener to compress and provide the target dampening characteristics between the components.

Connections with selectively variable dampening characteristics

A fastener with an dampener is provided. The dampener is integrated with the fastener thus eliminating the need for an additional dampener installation. The fastener includes a shaft, a head connected to the shaft, and a dampener connected to the head. The dampener includes a piston and a compression chamber that is adapted to reduce vibration and noise when installed between two panels. The dampener is mounted to the underside of the head of a bolt, or to a trim piece. In other embodiments, the dampener is connected to the head of a clip. The dampener is adapted to rest between the head of a bolt and an adjacent panel thereby slightly spacing out the bolt head from the panel, such as sheet metal.

Trim dampening fastener

Systems and methods for audio difference detection include a memory component that stores logic that, when executed by a processor, causes a vehicle amplifier to receive a test input signal for a generic test sequence to determine a standard input signal for producing a desired output response signal, store the standard input signal with standard amplifier settings associated with the standard input signal, and receive an audio signal from a head unit of the vehicle, where the head unit is part of the vehicle audio system for the vehicle in which the vehicle amplifier is utilized. In some embodiments, the logic causes the vehicle amplifier to determine whether there is a difference between the audio signal and the standard input signal and in response to determining there is a difference, and adjust vehicle amplifier settings of the vehicle amplifier, such that vehicle speakers output the desired output response signal.

Systems and methods for audio difference detection

Systems and methods for altering display output based on seat position include a method includes receiving desired frequency response data for a plurality of different audio outputs and a nominal seat position, determining a current seat position of a seat in the vehicle, and implementing a test sequence based on the seat position. Some embodiments include determining from the test sequence received frequency response data for the amplifier to utilize for the seat position, comparing the received frequency response data and the desired frequency response data, and in response to determining that the desired frequency response data does not substantially match the received frequency response data, altering settings on the amplifier such that the received frequency response data substantially matches the desired frequency response data.

Systems and methods for altering display output based on seat position

An audio amplifier assembly connected to an automotive vehicle media system by a wiring harness is provided. The audio amplifier assembly includes an amplifier having a chassis, an electronic module attached to the chassis, and a cover attached to the chassis to cover the electronic module. A bracket having a base portion composed of a non-conductive material and a grounding portion composed of a conductive material. The base portion being attached to the amplifier at a first end and attached to the automotive vehicle at a second end to mount the amplifier to the automotive vehicle. The grounding portion extends between the first end and the second end to provide an electrically conductive grounding path between the amplifier and the automotive vehicle.

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Plymouth, MI, United States of America

Eric John Zielinski