Abstract: A tunable knee blocker energy absorption system for a vehicle having an instrument panel, a structural cross-car member, and an occupant protection device includes a left energy absorption (EA) bracket configured to couple to the structural cross-car member and including a left lower EA bracket, a left upper EA bracket, and a left EA bridge. A right EA bracket is configured to couple to the structural cross-car member and includes a right lower EA bracket and a right upper EA bracket. The left EA bracket and the right EA bracket are distinct from each other to manage a non-uniform load path of occupant femurs into the instrument panel and alter the kinematic response of the occupant back to a uniform presentation to the occupant protection device.

Abstract: A structural small overlap rigid barrier (SORB) joining bracket for a vehicle having an underbody hold-down assembly, a cowl side assembly, and a body mount assembly configured to connect a vehicle body to a vehicle frame includes a cowl side coupling first portion configured to couple to the cowl side assembly, and an underbody coupling second portion configured to couple to the underbody hold-down assembly and the body mount assembly. The SORB joining bracket couples and maintains structural integrity between the underbody hold-down assembly and the cowl side assembly, and couples with the body mount assembly to increase vehicle load capacity by providing a direct load path into the frame of the vehicle. A frame extension tube assembly creates additional strength and stiffness via stack-up with the SORB joining bracket.

Abstract: A structural small overlap rigid barrier (SORB) joining bracket for a vehicle having an underbody hold-down assembly, a cowl side assembly, and a body mount assembly configured to connect a vehicle body to a vehicle frame includes a cowl side coupling first portion configured to couple to the cowl side assembly, and an underbody coupling second portion configured to couple to the underbody hold-down assembly and the body mount assembly. The SORB joining bracket couples and maintains structural integrity between the underbody hold-down assembly and the cowl side assembly, and couples with the body mount assembly to increase vehicle load capacity by providing a direct load path into the frame of the vehicle. A frame extension tube assembly creates additional strength and stiffness via stack-up with the SORB joining bracket.

Abstract: A tunable knee blocker energy absorption system for a vehicle having an instrument panel, a structural cross-car member, and an occupant protection device includes a left energy absorption (EA) bracket configured to couple to the structural cross-car member and including a left lower EA bracket, a left upper EA bracket, and a left EA bridge. A right EA bracket is configured to couple to the structural cross-car member and includes a right lower EA bracket and a right upper EA bracket. The left EA bracket and the right EA bracket are distinct from each other to manage a non-uniform load path of occupant femurs into the instrument panel and alter the kinematic response of the occupant back to a uniform presentation to the occupant protection device.