A method for controlling a sunshade of an autonomous vehicle is presented. The method includes determining that current conditions satisfy an activation condition. The method also includes predicting whether a driver will enable a manual mode during the current conditions. The method further includes activating a first sunshade in response to the satisfied activation condition regardless of whether the driver will enable the manual mode. The method still further includes activating a second sunshade in response to the satisfied activation condition when the driver will not enable the manual mode.

The invention relates to an arrangement for operating an electric motor, for example an electric motor for actuating a roof component, in a vehicle. Therein, the electric motor is electrically connected via at least two control lines with a motor control unit. The motor control unit is configured to control the electric motor by means of pulse width modulation. The motor control unit is configured to operate a first one of the two drive lines as an inactive line, and to operate a second one of the two drive lines as an active line during control of the electric motor. A switching module associated with the electric motor is configured to connect a terminal of the pole housing of the electric motor with the drive line which is operated as the inactive line during operation of the electric motor. The invention further relates to an electric motor as well as to a method of operating an electric motor, for example an electric motor for actuating a roof component, in a vehicle.

Methods and systems are provided for heat sanitizing a vehicle. In one example, a method may include, responsive to receiving a request for cleaning an interior of a vehicle, adjusting a position of a sun shade based on at least one of an ambient temperature outside of the vehicle and a sun load of the vehicle, and operating a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system to heat the interior above an upper threshold temperature for a first threshold duration. In this way, the HVAC system may be advantageously used to expose the vehicle interior to temperatures that kill or inactive microbes.

A processor-implemented vehicle controlling method includes: determining whether an object in a vehicle is a living object based on radio detection and ranging (radar) information received from a radar sensor; in response to a determination that the object is a living object, determining bioinformation of the object based on the radar information; and adjusting a temperature in the vehicle based on the bioinformation and temperature information received from a temperature sensor.

An electric window shade apparatus for a vehicle is proposed, the electric window shade apparatus being configured to receive power directly from a motor. An electric window shade apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a shade module configured to be unwound or wound automatically by a driving force so as to move with respect to a window glass; and a driving module providing the driving force to the shade module by an operation of a cable wound on at least one drum driven by a motor.

A radiant heating and blocking shade system for a sunroof of a vehicle includes a first roller configured to be mounted adjacent to one end of a sunroof of a vehicle. A second roller is mounted adjacent to the first roller between the first roller and the sunroof. A radiant heating shade is at least partially wound around the first roller. The radiant heating shade has a deployed position and a retracted position. A blocking shade is at least partially wound around the second roller. The blocking shade has a deployed position and a retracted position. The blocking shade is arranged parallel to and spaced from the radiant heating shade between the radiant heating shade and the sunroof when the blocking shade and the radiant heating shade are in the deployed position.

Disclosed are an electric spiraling piston and systems, devices, apparatuses, and methods utilizing same. An electric spiraling piston includes a drum around which the piston spirals as it is being retracted. A spinning axis of the drum is functionally connected to the drive shaft of a motor, such that motor torque is relayed to the axis. The axis, when spinning with the drum in a first direction, causes the piston to un-spiral and extend out of a housing —while rounding its cross section — to assume a straight, rigid position/orientation. The Axis, when spinning with the drum in a second direction, causes the piston to be retracted back into the housing — while flattening its cross section — to assume a spiral orientation within the housing.

Methods and systems for controlling a sunshade of a vehicle. The methods and systems receive a route plan from a first location to a second location, predict a sun parameter indicative of sun glare on the window for the route plan based on solar direction and vehicle heading at distributed locations throughout the route plan, and activate the sunshade based on the sun parameter so as to shade the window.

Vehicle automatic window sunscreens are provided, which may comprise a plurality of roller shades for the windows of a vehicle. Sunscreens are installed for the side windows of the vehicle in addition to the windshield and rear window. The sunscreens block or filter radiant energy to reduce the effects of sunlight and heat on occupants and interior components of, and personal property in, the vehicle. The sunscreens protect infants and children if they are forgotten and left in the vehicle during sunny, hot days.

An electric window shade apparatus for a vehicle is proposed, the electric window shade apparatus being configured to receive power directly from a motor. An electric window shade apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a shade module configured to be unwound or wound automatically by a driving force so as to move with respect to a window glass; and a driving module providing the driving force to the shade module by an operation of a cable wound on at least one drum driven by a motor.