Abstract: A motor vehicle bumper that has enhanced energy absorption characteristics and that includes one or more unique geometry configurations that extend “softer” energy absorbing surfaces forward in the system while nesting more “rigid” energy absorbing surfaces more rearward only to come into effect when higher energy impacts are observed. The dual energy absorption may be achieved using a number of configurations and/or methods or a combination of several. In one or more embodiments, the wall thickness of the material used in the component or components may be varied, materials having different stiffness properties may be used, and/or geometries of different depth and section stiffness may be alternated across the bumper system.

Abstract: A motor vehicle bumper that has enhanced energy absorption characteristics and that includes one or more unique geometry configurations that extend “softer” energy absorbing surfaces forward in the system while nesting more “rigid” energy absorbing surfaces more rearward only to come into effect when higher energy impacts are observed. The dual energy absorption may be achieved using a number of configurations and/or methods or a combination of several. In one or more embodiments, the wall thickness of the material used in the component or components may be varied, materials having different stiffness properties may be used, and/or geometries of different depth and section stiffness may be alternated across the bumper system.

Abstract: A composite steering wheel for an automotive vehicle having a steering column is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the composite steering wheel includes a rim, a center hub, and a plurality of spokes connecting the rim to the center hub. The rim, the center hub, and the plurality of spokes are formed from a deformable thermoplastic material. The rim, the center hub, and the plurality of spokes may be formed from a single thermoplastic piece or may be formed from two thermoplastic pieces joined to one another. The composite steering wheel also includes an attachment member embedded in the center hub. The attachment member is sized to couple to the steering column.

Abstract: A bumper system for an automobile vehicle includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a beam and an energy absorber coupled to the beam. The beam has a top surface and a bottom surface, and is configured to attach to the vehicle. The energy absorber includes a body having a first side and an opposing second side, a plurality of crush lobes extending from the first side, and a plurality of vertical translational crush lobes extending from the second side. The second side faces the beam, and each vertical translational crush lobe engages the top surface or the bottom surface of the beam.

Abstract: An article comprises a plurality of auxetic structures wherein the auxetic structures are of size greater than about 1 mm. The article also comprises at least one cell boundary that is structurally coupled to the auxetic structures. The cell boundary is configured to resist a deformation of the auxetic structures. An automotive energy absorber comprises a plurality of auxetic structures wherein the auxetic structures are of size greater than about 1 mm.

Abstract: A method for predicting headlamp reflector temperature comprising receiving a headlamp type and transmitting a request for an input parameter value responsive to the headlamp type. The input parameter value is received in response to transmitting the request. A transfer function is executed in response to the input parameter and the headlamp type and the execution results in a predicted maximum reflector temperature. The predicted maximum reflector temperature is then output.

Abstract: A method for predicting headlamp reflector temperature comprising receiving a headlamp type and transmitting a request for an input parameter value responsive to the headlamp type. The input parameter value is received in response to transmitting the request. A transfer function is executed in response to the input parameter and the headlamp type and the execution results in a predicted maximum reflector temperature. The predicted maximum reflector temperature is then output.