Abstract: Anchor brackets/tethers may be used to reinforce a vehicle's resin rear door without substantially increasing the mass of the resin rear door. Such anchor brackets hold an interior trim panel(s) in place, and keep the interior trim panel(s) connected to the door structure or portion(s) thereof. The interior trim panel(s) can act as a protective interior shield that eliminates any exposure of the interior cabin/passenger compartment from any outer (and/or interior) door panel cracks/gaps that may be created during an adverse event. Moreover, conventional interior trim panels may, during a collision, break apart, the broken pieces becoming potentially dangerous projectiles. By being attached to the door structure and/or door componentry, the chance that the interior trim panel (or portions thereof) becoming a projectile is negated or at least lessened.

Abstract: A spacer for vehicle panels can be shaped such that it absorbs a substantial portion of a first load, the first load applied in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the exterior panel; controllably deforms along a second direction when a second load is applied substantially along the second direction; wherein the second direction is other than the first direction. The spacer need not deform along the second direction when the first load is applied. The spacer can have a shaped member having a channel extending through the spacer perpendicular from the exterior panel, such that the spacer can controllably deform along a width of the channel.

Abstract: Anchor brackets/tethers may be used to reinforce a vehicle's resin rear door without substantially increasing the mass of the resin rear door. Such anchor brackets hold an interior trim panel(s) in place, and keep the interior trim panel(s) connected to the door structure or portion(s) thereof. The interior trim panel(s) can act as a protective interior shield that eliminates any exposure of the interior cabin/passenger compartment from any outer (and/or interior) door panel cracks/gaps that may be created during an adverse event. Moreover, conventional interior trim panels may, during a collision, break apart, the broken pieces becoming potentially dangerous projectiles. By being attached to the door structure and/or door componentry, the chance that the interior trim panel (or portions thereof) becoming a projectile is negated or at least lessened.

Abstract: A spacer for vehicle panels can be shaped such that it absorbs a substantial portion of a first load, the first load applied in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the exterior panel; controllably deforms along a second direction when a second load is applied substantially along the second direction; wherein the second direction is other than the first direction. The spacer need not deform along the second direction when the first load is applied. The spacer can have a shaped member having a channel extending through the spacer perpendicular from the exterior panel, such that the spacer can controllably deform along a width of the channel.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for an automotive radiator, a vehicle including such a mounting and a method of mitigating an impact between a vehicle and a pedestrian. The assembly includes a radiator support and one or more brackets. Each bracket is made up of a first end portion that is secured to the radiator support and a second end portion extending forward of the radiator support such that it can be attached to a load-bearing structure within a vehicle. The brackets each include at least one enhanced collapsible zone in order to promote energy absorption relative to energy transmission in situations where a vehicle experiences a front-end impact with a pedestrian or other object. In this way, the added energy absorption by the brackets reduces the amount of impact energy being transmitted to more rigid vehicular structures such as the radiator and its support; this increase in impact energy absorption in turn results in less energy being delivered to the pedestrian.

Abstract: Vehicle structures for dissipating energy associated with a collision are described herein. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a first side support extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, a second side support extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and spaced apart from the first side support in a vehicle lateral direction that is transverse to the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a cross-vehicle stabilizing structure extending between the first side support and the second side support, the cross-vehicle stabilizing structure including a first joint portion coupled to the first side support, the first joint portion including a stiffness-reducing portion positioned within a perimeter of the first joint portion, a second joint portion coupled to the second side support, and a cross-vehicle stabilizer portion coupled to the first joint portion and the second joint portion.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a bumper beam and a bumper fascia that covers the bumper beam. An energy absorption member includes a first laterally positioned leg including a mounting flange connected to the bumper beam and a second laterally positioned leg including a mounting flange connected to the bumper beam. The first and second laterally positioned legs are located at opposite sides of a forward facing surface and are spaced-apart from each other.

Abstract: A support structure assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a side member extending in a generally longitudinal direction and having a forward end; a link member having a generally fixed shape and having outer and inner mounting portions with the inner portion being mounted to the side member via an inner hinged connection; and a bumper having a main bumper member and a bumper extension member forming an end portion of the bumper. The bumper extends generally transverse and lateral to the longitudinal direction of the side member, and the bumper extension member extends laterally across and beyond the forward end of the side member. The bumper extension member includes forward and rearward wall portions. The rearward wall portion is sandwiched between the main bumper member and the forward end of the side member.

Abstract: Vehicle structures for dissipating energy associated with a collision are described herein. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a first side support extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, a second side support extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and spaced apart from the first side support in a vehicle lateral direction that is transverse to the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a cross-vehicle stabilizing structure extending between the first side support and the second side support, the cross-vehicle stabilizing structure including a first joint portion coupled to the first side support, the first joint portion including a stiffness-reducing portion positioned within a perimeter of the first joint portion, a second joint portion coupled to the second side support, and a cross-vehicle stabilizer portion coupled to the first joint portion and the second joint portion.

Abstract: Vehicle structures for dissipating energy associated with a collision are described herein. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a first side support extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, a second side support extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and spaced apart from the first side support in a vehicle lateral direction that is transverse to the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a cross-vehicle stabilizing structure extending between the first side support and the second side support, the cross-vehicle stabilizing structure including a first joint portion coupled to the first side support, the first joint portion including a stiffness-reducing portion positioned within a perimeter of the first joint portion, a second joint portion coupled to the second side support, and a cross-vehicle stabilizer portion coupled to the first joint portion and the second joint portion.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a bumper beam and a bumper fascia that covers the bumper beam. An energy absorption member includes a first laterally positioned leg including a mounting flange connected to the bumper beam and a second laterally positioned leg including a mounting flange connected to the bumper beam. The first and second laterally positioned legs are located at opposite sides of a forward facing surface and are spaced-apart from each other.

Abstract: Vehicle structures for dissipating energy associated with a collision are described herein. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a first side support extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, a second side support extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and spaced apart from the first side support in a vehicle lateral direction that is transverse to the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a cross-vehicle stabilizing structure extending between the first side support and the second side support, the cross-vehicle stabilizing structure including a first joint portion coupled to the first side support, the first joint portion including a stiffness-reducing portion positioned within a perimeter of the first joint portion, a second joint portion coupled to the second side support, and a cross-vehicle stabilizer portion coupled to the first joint portion and the second joint portion.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a front wheel. A steering column assembly is coupled to the front wheel. The steering column assembly includes a steering wheel and a steering column coupled to the steering wheel. A steering rack assembly includes a rack coupled to the front wheel. The rack extends in a vehicle lateral direction and is translatable with respect to a body of the vehicle in the vehicle lateral direction. A steering knuckle assembly is coupled to the steering rack assembly by a tie rod. A tie rod disconnect feature decouples the steering knuckle assembly and the steering rack assembly upon movement of the tie rod beyond a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Vehicle structures for dissipating energy associated with a collision are described herein. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a side support extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, a bumper assembly coupled to the side support and extending in a vehicle lateral direction that is transverse to the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a repositionable joint assembly extending between and pivotally coupled to the side support and the bumper assembly, the repositionable joint assembly including an outboard linking member pivotally coupled to the bumper assembly at a bumper securement location, an inboard linking member pivotally coupled to the side support at a side support securement location, and a fulcrum portion, where the outboard linking member is pivotally coupled to the inboard linking member at the fulcrum portion.

Abstract: Vehicle structures for dissipating and distributing energy associated with an impact are described herein. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a dash panel, a wheel well portion that is positioned proximate to an outboard portion of the dash panel, and a side support coupled to the dash panel. The vehicle also includes a front suspension mount that is coupled to the side support and a rocker support positioned outboard of the side support. The vehicle further includes a wheel that is coupled to the front suspension mount and is positioned at least partially within the wheel well portion and forward of the rocker support, an A-pillar portion that is coupled to the rocker support and to the dash panel, and an inboard gusset that is coupled to the side support and the dash panel at a position proximate to the side support and is spaced apart from the A-pillar portion.

Abstract: Vehicle structures for dissipating energy associated with a collision are described herein. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a first side support extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, a second side support extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and spaced apart from the first side support in a vehicle lateral direction that is transverse to the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a cross-vehicle stabilizing structure including a cross-vehicle stabilizer portion extending between the first side support and the second side support, the cross-vehicle stabilizer portion including a first stabilizer portion coupled to the first side support at a first securement location, and a second stabilizer portion coupled to the second side support at a second securement location, where the second stabilizer portion is pivotally coupled to the first stabilizer portion.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a bumper beam and a bumper fascia that covers the bumper beam. An energy absorption member includes a first laterally positioned leg including a mounting flange connected to the bumper beam and a second laterally positioned leg including a mounting flange connected to the bumper beam. The first and second laterally positioned legs are located at opposite sides of a forward facing surface and are spaced-apart from each other.

Abstract: A support structure assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a side member extending in a generally longitudinal direction and having a forward end; a link member having a generally fixed shape and having outer and inner mounting portions with the inner portion being mounted to the side member via an inner hinged connection; and a bumper having a main bumper member and a bumper extension member forming an end portion of the bumper. The bumper extends generally transverse and lateral to the longitudinal direction of the side member, and the bumper extension member extends laterally across and beyond the forward end of the side member. The bumper extension member includes forward and rearward wall portions. The rearward wall portion is sandwiched between the main bumper member and the forward end of the side member.

Abstract: A support structure assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a side member extending in a generally longitudinal direction and having a forward end; a link member having a generally fixed shape and having outer and inner mounting portions with the inner portion being mounted to the side member via an inner hinged connection; and a bumper having a main bumper member and a bumper extension member forming an end portion of the bumper. The bumper extends generally transverse and lateral to the longitudinal direction of the side member, and the bumper extension member extends laterally across and beyond the forward end of the side member. The bumper extension member includes forward and rearward wall portions. The rearward wall portion is sandwiched between the main bumper member and the forward end of the side member.

Abstract: A structural body part and a method of assembling a structural body part are provided. The structural body part includes an inner wall surface defining an enclosed space. A nut is disposed within the enclosed space. The structural body part includes an aperture for receiving a fastener so as to accommodate the addition of additional structure. The body structure includes a spacer. The nut is attached to the spacer. The spacer is configured to suspend the nut above the inner wall surface of the structural body part. Thus, the inner wall surface of the structural body part is exposed and covered with a solution when submersed therein.