Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method to enhance HYGE impact simulator sled testing, enabling more accurate measurements of lower leg injury criteria and providing a more accurate restraint system evaluation during a HYGE impact simulator test. The system provides the generation of both rotational and translational footwell intrusion, replicating an actual barrier crash impact test. The rotational and translational footwell intrusion includes foot motion; lower leg motion, including various forces and moments; and knee motion, including interaction with the instrument panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method to enhance HYGE impact simulator sled testing, enabling more accurate measurements of lower leg injury criteria and providing a more accurate restraint system evaluation during a HYGE impact simulator test. The system provides the generation of both rotational and translational footwell intrusion, replicating an actual barrier crash impact test. The rotational and translational footwell intrusion includes foot motion; lower leg motion, including various forces and moments; and knee motion, including interaction with the instrument panel.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes an armrest attached to a seat, and an amrest coupling assembly for coupling the armrest to the seat comprising a linear adjustment mechanism coupled to the armrest, and a rotational adjustment mechanism coupled to the armrest. The linear adjustment mechanism is arranged to enable the armrest to translate along an initial linear axis between a plurality of generally vertical positions. The rotational adjustment mechanism is arranged to enable the armrest to pivot about the rotational axis between a plurality of angular positions.

Abstract: An armrest assembly for a motor vehicle seat having a first support member pivotably mounted to a seat structure, a second support member rotatably mounted to the first support member, and a biasing arrangement positioned relative to the first and second support members. The biasing arrangement exerts a predetermined biasing force on the second support member to prevent the second support member from rotating relative to the first member until a sufficient load force is applied to the armrest to overcome the biasing threshold.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing plate for absorbing energy from the force of a knee of the driver of a motor vehicle when the driver is thrown forward in response to a frontal impact. The plate has a knee impact zone and is mounted on rigid vehicle support structure in a position placing the impact zone directly in front of the right knee of the driver. The impact zone is connected to an upper wall portion of the plate by a generally horizontal shelf placing the impact zone closer to the right knee and providing additional stiffness for better crashworthiness. The plate has a bead adjacent one side of the impact zone capable of deforming into a shallower channel shape upon impact. The impact zone has a relatively large radius side edge portion capable of rolling with the deformation of the impact zone to improve energy absorption.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for materially reducing steering column motion resulting from passenger compartment intrusion in an automotive vehicle when the powertrain impacts rearward vehicle portions in a frontal collision. The energy absorbing device comprises a bracket in the form of a generally box-shaped frame having side panels and a top panel. The side panels and top panel have openings defining upper and lower struts. The struts are made of a relatively stiff, bendable, flexible material capable of controlled deformation when the powertrain impacts-the rearward vehicle portions in a frontal collision.