Abstract: A vehicle airbag assembly, method of deployment and manufacture. The airbag assembly includes at least one inflatable portion and at least one non-inflatable portion. At least one mass is operably attached to the non-inflatable portion. Upon inflation of the inflatable portion, the mass provides a substantial taughtness to the non-inflatable portion. The deployment method includes providing at least one inflatable portion and at least one non-inflatable portion. The airbag assembly is operably attached to the vehicle. A mass operably attached to the non-inflatable portion is provided. The inflatable portion is inflated. The non-inflatable portion of the airbag is extended substantially taught upon inflation of the inflatable portion with the mass. The manufacturing method includes forming at least one inflatable portion and at least one non-inflatable portion. At least one mass is operably attached to the non-inflatable portion.

Abstract: A door assembly includes an inner panel, an outer panel fixedly attached to the inner panel, and a load transfer element disposed within an interstitial space formed between the inner and outer panels. The load transfer element includes a main body defining a longitudinal axis extending from the inner panel to the outer panel and first and second reaction surfaces disposed on the main body. The first reaction surface is formed proximate the inner panel while the second reaction surface is formed generally opposite the first reaction surface and proximate the outer panel. The second reaction surface is operable to receive a load from the outer panel and to transmit the load through the main body to the first reaction surface and the door inner panel. The load transfer element is further configured to activate an air bag sensor when the load exceeds a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for absorbing energy during a frontal collision of a vehicle, through the use of a front frame structure having main frame rails that include several deformable and non-deformable sections which are connected by selectively crushable junctures that are configured to predispose one or more of the junctures and sections to pivot selectively outward, rearward and upward, in a predetermined manner, during the collision. The front frame structure also includes an engine cradle, attached below the main frame rails, and having a pair of side rails that include forward and rear crushable junctures joined by non-deformable intermediate sections, with the crushable junctures of the main frame rails and engine cradle side rails being configured to predispose the intermediate sections of the engine cradle side rails to move downward and rearward during the collision.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for absorbing energy during a frontal collision of a vehicle, through the use of a front frame structure having main frame rails that include several deformable and non-deformable sections which are connected by selectively crushable junctures that are configured to predispose one or more of the junctures and sections to pivot selectively outward, rearward and upward, in a predetermined manner, during the collision. The front frame structure also includes an engine cradle, attached below the main frame rails, and having a pair of side rails that include forward and rear crushable junctures joined by non-deformable intermediate sections, with the crushable junctures of the main frame rails and engine cradle side rails being configured to predispose the intermediate sections of the engine cradle side rails to move downward and rearward during the collision.

Abstract: A dual-sectioned automotive propeller shaft features a weakened area in a first section. Under an axial load, the first section buckles transversely to a longitudinal axis of the shaft to absorb substantially all of the energy exerted against the shaft. A second section of the shaft is thereby isolated from consequences of the axial load enabling its placement and proximity to other components mounted to the undercarriage of the vehicle.

Abstract: A door assembly includes an inner panel, an outer panel fixedly attached to the inner panel, and a load transfer element disposed within an interstitial space formed between the inner and outer panels. The load transfer element includes a main body defining a longitudinal axis extending from the inner panel to the outer panel and first and second reaction surfaces disposed on the main body. The first reaction surface is formed proximate the inner panel while the second reaction surface is formed generally opposite the first reaction surface and proximate the outer panel. The second reaction surface is operable to receive a load from the outer panel and to transmit the load through the main body to the first reaction surface and the door inner panel. The load transfer element is further configured to activate an air bag sensor when the load exceeds a predetermined magnitude.