Ford Global Technologies, LLC

Terry Lobsinger

Stuart C Salter

Paul Kenneth Dellock

John Robert Van Wiemeersch

David Brian Glickman

Pietro Buttolo

James J Surman

Vivekanandh Elangovan

Ryan Edwin Hanson

Aaron Bradley Johnson

Mark Beilman

This disclosure describes systems and methods for a ground-penetrating tailgate sensor system. An example method may also include transmitting, using a radar transceiver, a first radar signal towards a location above the tailgate. The example method may also include receiving, based on the tailgate being in a closed or open position and using the radar transceiver, a first return signal from an object located above the vehicle.

Systems and methods for a ground-penetrating tailgate sensor system

This disclosure describes systems and methods for a ground-penetrating tailgate sensor system. An example method may include transmitting, using an ultra-wideband transceiver disposed of in a tailgate of a vehicle, a signal towards an underground location below the tailgate. The example method may also include receiving, based on the tailgate being in a closed position and using the ultra-wideband transceiver, a return signal from an object located above the vehicle.

Systems and methods for a tailgate sensor system

Tire wear detection apparatus and related methods are disclosed. An example vehicle includes a tire including a wear bar coupled thereto. The example vehicle also includes a light source to emit a light and means for directing the light to the tire. At least a portion of the wear bar is to glow when exposed to the light.

Tire wear detection apparatus and related methods

A light system is provided herein. The light system includes a bumper assembly disposed on a vehicle. A light source is disposed on the bumper assembly. An airflow control device is disposed below the bumper assembly. A first luminescent structure is disposed on the airflow control device. The first luminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to receiving excitation light.

Vehicle illuminated airflow control device

An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises a wear component comprising a plurality of layers disposed in an engine compartment. The layers comprise a photoluminescent portion and a cover layer disposed over the photoluminescent portion. The apparatus further comprises a light source located in the engine compartment. The light source is configured to emit an excitation emission configured to illuminate the photoluminescent portion to emit an output emission having a color different than the excitation emission.

Indicator system for vehicle wear components

An exemplary vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a sensor device that detects a location of a structure outside a vehicle, a running board moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The deployed position is adjusted relative to the vehicle based on the location of the structure detected by the sensor. An exemplary running board deploying method includes, among other things, detecting a location of a structure outside a vehicle, and transitioning a running board from a stowed position to a deployed position. The deployed position is adjusted relative to the vehicle based on the location of the structure.

Deployable running board

A privacy window system of a vehicle is provided herein. A light-producing assembly is operable to illuminate a window such that visibility there through becomes obscured. A proximity sensor is configured for object detection. A controller is in communication with the light-producing assembly and the proximity sensor. When the proximity sensor detects an object proximate the window, the controller activates the light-producing assembly.

Privacy window system

A vehicle rear door control system and method of controlling a vehicle rear door, such as a hatch or trunk is provided. The method detects the opening of a side door of a vehicle and senses with a plurality of proximity sensors movement of an object such as a driver or passenger of the vehicle exiting the vehicle and moving from a side to a rear of the vehicle. The method controls an actuator to open the rear door of the vehicle in response to the detected opening of the side door followed by the sensed movement of the driver or passenger from the side to the rear of the vehicle.

Growing community of inventors

Farmington Hills, MI, United States of America

Terry Lobsinger