Abstract: A method of predicting severity of a potential collision of first and second vehicles. The method includes determining that a probability of a potential collision of the vehicles is greater than a threshold value. Vehicle condition-defining signals are exchanged between the vehicles when the probability of the potential collision is greater than the threshold value including a first vehicle condition-defining signal developed on board the first vehicle and a second vehicle condition-defining signal developed onboard the second vehicle. The method further includes predicting onboard the first vehicle a severity of the potential collision for the first vehicle based upon input that includes the first vehicle condition-defining signal and the second vehicle condition-defining signal. A severity of the potential collision for the second vehicle is predicted onboard the second vehicle based upon the second vehicle condition-defining signal and the first vehicle condition-defining signal.

Abstract: A method of predicting severity of a potential collision of first and second vehicles. The method includes determining that a probability of a potential collision of the vehicles is greater than a threshold value. Vehicle condition-defining signals are exchanged between the vehicles when the probability of the potential collision is greater than the threshold value including a first vehicle condition-defining signal developed on board the first vehicle and a second vehicle condition-defining signal developed onboard the second vehicle. The method further includes predicting onboard the first vehicle a severity of the potential collision for the first vehicle based upon input that includes the first vehicle condition-defining signal and the second vehicle condition-defining signal. A severity of the potential collision for the second vehicle is predicted onboard the second vehicle based upon the second vehicle condition-defining signal and the first vehicle condition-defining signal.

Abstract: A method of operating a volume-filling structure, comprising sensing an impact event and expanding the volume-filling structure from a non-expanded state to an expanded state upon the sensed impact event. The volume-filling structure comprises an open celled material, a first end cap connected to one end of the open celled material and a second end cap connected to a second end of the open celled material. The volume-filling structure further includes an activation mechanism regulating expansion of the open celled material from the non-expanded state to expanded state in response to an activation signal, and the activation mechanism includes an actuator interfaced with the end caps. Embodiments may include triggering a pneumatic device to force the second end cap from the first end cap. Additionally, embodiments may include triggering a mechanical event to force the second end cap from the first end cap.

Abstract: A method of operating a volume-filling structure, comprising sensing an impact event and expanding the volume-filling structure from a non-expanded state to an expanded state upon the sensed impact event. The volume-filling structure comprises an open celled material, a first end cap connected to one end of the open celled material and a second end cap connected to a second end of the open celled material. The volume-filling structure further includes an activation mechanism regulating expansion of the open celled material from the non-expanded state to expanded state in response to an activation signal, and the activation mechanism includes an actuator interfaced with the end caps. Embodiments may include triggering a pneumatic device to force the second end cap from the first end cap. Additionally, embodiments may include triggering a mechanical event to force the second end cap from the first end cap.

Abstract: A volume-filling mechanical structure for modifying a crash or impact comprising a honeycomb celled material expandable from a compact state to a expanded state and methods for operating the same.

Abstract: A method of predicting severity of a potential collision of first and second vehicles. The method includes determining that a probability of a potential collision of the vehicles is greater than a threshold value. Vehicle condition-defining signals are exchanged between the vehicles when the probability of the potential collision is greater than the threshold value including a first vehicle condition-defining signal developed on board the first vehicle and a second vehicle condition-defining signal developed onboard the second vehicle. The method further includes predicting onboard the first vehicle a severity of the potential collision for the first vehicle based upon input that includes the first vehicle condition-defining signal and the second vehicle condition-defining signal. A severity of the potential collision for the second vehicle is predicted onboard the second vehicle based upon the second vehicle condition-defining signal and the first vehicle condition-defining signal.

Abstract: Identifying an object includes the steps of using a sensor onboard a subject vehicle to identify an imminent impact between the subject vehicle and an object, directing and transmitting an elicitation signal to the object from the subject vehicle, receiving onboard the subject vehicle a response signal from the object providing information that positively identifies the object, using the positive identification information to predict a severity level of the imminent collision, and selectively deploying at least one responsive device onboard the subject vehicle according to the predicted severity level. Also, a system for implementing the method is provided.

Abstract: A knee bolster system is capable of automatic extension and retraction during specified scenarios that are determined based on sensor input. A microprocessor electrically controls an actuator capable of extending at least one telescoping mechanism which is rigidly engaged to a knee bolster pad located in the lower portion of an instrument panel at knee height to an occupant. Each telescoping mechanism houses a plowing mechanism. This plowing mechanism generates reaction forces during actuation.

Abstract: A method of pre-crash prediction of the severity of an imminent crash of road vehicles is disclosed using a pre-crash sensor, a computer system coupled with pre-crash vehicle condition signal sources and a vehicle communication system onboard each of two vehicles involved in a crash. The method includes the steps of determining that a collision of the vehicles is imminent, exchanging vehicle crash-related information between the vehicles when an imminent collision is determined, computing crash-defining information onboard each vehicle and predicting onboard each vehicle the severity of the imminent collision whereby occupant protection devices of the vehicles may be deployed in accordance with the predicted severity.

Abstract: A method of pre-crash prediction of the severity of an imminent crash of road vehicles is disclosed using a pre-crash sensor, a computer system coupled with pre-crash vehicle condition signal sources and a vehicle communication system onboard each of two vehicles involved in a crash. The method includes the steps of determining that a collision of the vehicles is imminent, exchanging vehicle crash-related information between the vehicles when an imminent collision is determined, computing crash-defining information onboard each vehicle and predicting onboard each vehicle the severity of the imminent collision whereby occupant protection devices of the vehicles may be deployed in accordance with the predicted severity.

Abstract: A knee bolster system is capable of automatic extension and retraction during specified scenarios that are determined based on sensor input. A microprocessor electrically controls an actuator capable of extending at least one telescoping mechanism which is rigidly engaged to a knee bolster pad located in the lower portion of an instrument panel at knee height to an occupant. Each telescoping mechanism houses a plowing mechanism. This plowing mechanism generates reaction forces during actuation.

Abstract: Identifying an object includes the steps of using a sensor onboard a subject vehicle to identify an imminent impact between the subject vehicle and an object, directing and transmitting an elicitation signal to the object from the subject vehicle, receiving onboard the subject vehicle a response signal from the object providing information that positively identifies the object, using the positive identification information to predict a severity level of the imminent collision, and selectively deploying at least one responsive device onboard the subject vehicle according to the predicted severity level. Also, a system for implementing the method is provided.

Abstract: A method of pre-crash prediction of the severity of an imminent crash of road vehicles is disclosed using a pre-crash sensor, a computer system coupled with pre-crash vehicle condition signal sources and a vehicle communication system onboard each of two vehicles involved in a crash. The method includes the steps of determining that a collision of the vehicles is imminent, exchanging vehicle crash-related information between the vehicles when an imminent collision is determined, computing crash-defining information onboard each vehicle and predicting onboard each vehicle the severity of the imminent collision whereby occupant protection devices of the vehicles may be deployed in accordance with the predicted severity.