Abstract: A vehicle chassis includes a structural frame having a frame portion that partially defines an open space and that has a predetermined configuration such that the open space maintains a predetermined amount of spatial integrity in the event of a horizontal impact to the vehicle chassis. The frame also includes a frame component operatively connected to the frame portion that further defines the structural frame. The open space provides a protected packaging space wherein certain critical chassis components are placed. The frame portion configuration provides a pre-engineered protected area that may be used in a variety of structural frame configurations. Accordingly, a method for using pre-engineered frame portions is provided.

Abstract: A seat belt system includes webbing having a solid material that is configured to effect a shape or dimensional change in response to an activation signal. In a preferred embodiment, the webbing includes a first part and a second part, each having a wide end and a narrow end. The webbing is mounted with respect to a vehicle seatback so that the webbing is positionable across an occupant between the occupant's neck and the occupant's pelvis, and is characterized by the absence of an over-the-shoulder portion.

Abstract: An integrally designed roof rack and roof panel attached to a vehicle may be formed using quick plastic forming (QPF) and superplastic forming processing (SPF). A number of vehicle accessories such as luggage containers, fuel tanks, consoles, door attachments, truck beds and table trays may be formed using QPF processes. The items may be installed and movable onto and off the vehicle. A variety of QPF processes may be employed, enabling the vehicle accessory to meet required strength, dimensional, and shape considerations. Additionally, component integration is enabled by using QPF processes.

Abstract: A two-piece side frame comprising a one-piece inner panel and a one-piece outer panel that are operatively connected to one another and extending substantially longitudinally at least the entire length of the vehicle passenger compartment. Consolidations of upper body structures such as front cowl beam, front structure, front tie bar assembly, roof and rear package shelf, and the rear structure of a vehicle using fluid forming processes are provided. A method of producing the two-piece side frame as well as a B pillar and cowl beam by utilizing fluid forming techniques is provided.

Abstract: A lower body component of a vehicle having a one-piece floor pan extending substantially longitudinally at least the entire length of the vehicle passenger compartment. The one piece floor pan may be reinforced with a one piece reinforcement structural member, formed to at least partially define a seat mounting beam and a tunnel portion of the vehicle. A method of producing a one-piece floor pan and a one-piece reinforcement structural member by utilizing fluid forming techniques such as quick plastic forming, superplastic forming and sheet hydroforming and adjunct techniques is provided.

Abstract: A vehicle body includes a floorpan and a front seat having a lower seat portion and a substantially upright seatback portion. The lower seat portion is rigidly fixed with respect to the floorpan such that it is not movable fore or aft by an occupant of the seat. The vehicle body preferably includes a drive-by-wire control input device movable with respect to the front seat. The vehicle body is also preferably characterized by the absence of an engine compartment forward of a passenger compartment.

Abstract: An elastic article forming a stretchable closed loop with at least a portion used as or attached to a label, such as a writing surface that is receptive to written text. The label portion may be personalized and used to identify items being held together, such as rolled prints, bulk-foods, items in inventory, mail, pre-packaged goods, etc.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a communication component, an integral display operatively connected to the communication component, an operator input component operatively connected to the display and a processing component operatively connected to the communication component, to the display and to the operator input component. The communication component communicates with external electronic devices via a common software interface to send data to and receive data from the devices and to send control signals to the devices to control the operation of the devices. The processing component processes an operator's input to the operator input component and data received by the communication component to formulate the control signals. A method of controlling external electrical components is also provided.

Abstract: Front structure for a vehicle includes a unitary panel formed to define a vehicle cowl and a vehicle bulkhead. The vehicle cowl may form an air intake plenum. The unitary panel is configured to at least partially define a front compartment of the vehicle. An alternative unitary panel is formed to define a hood having inner and outer panel portions and, optionally, fenders. Another alternative unitary panel is formed to define a cowl, a bulkhead and a hood. The preferable method for forming the panels is quick plastic forming, superplastic forming or sheet hydroforming.

Abstract: A vehicle floor includes a unitary, one-piece panel. The panel is formed with an integral channel for routing a vehicle distribution system conduit therewithin. The panel may include an inner panel portion, an outer panel portion, integral rocker panel portions, front, rear and trunk floor portions. A method is provided for manufacturing a vehicle floor, the method including forming such a panel.

Abstract: A vehicle body compartment lid includes a unitary, one-piece panel. The panel has both an inner panel portion and an outer panel portion, and is bent or folded such that the inner panel portion and the outer panel portion are in juxtaposition with one another. A method of manufacturing a vehicle body compartment lid employing the panel is also provided. The panel is preferably formed using fluid pressure.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a lower seat portion and a back portion. The lower seat portion and the back portion are formed from at least one panel by a method selected from the group consisting of quick plastic forming, superplastic forming and sheet hydroforming. The lower seat portion and the back portion are cooperatively configured to form a seat frame. Preferably, the lower seat portion includes a lower seat bottom panel portion and a matable lower seat top panel portion and the back portion includes a back bottom panel portion and a matable back top panel portion. The lower seat bottom panel portion, lower seat top panel portion, back bottom panel portion, and back top panel portion are preferably formed from a unitary, one-piece panel. A method of manufacturing a vehicle seat is provided.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a steering column supporting a brake-by-wire input device. The input device includes a member manipulable by a driver to indicate driver intent to apply brakes. A transducer converts driver manipulation of the member to electronic control signals and transmits the electronic control signals to the brake-by-wire system. The member is adjacent to a driver's hands on a steering wheel, enabling a driver to apply the brakes with minimal movement of the driver's hands.

Abstract: A method is provided for providing vehicle reconfigurability. The method includes maintaining an inventory containing vehicle body pods each having a substantially identical interface at which each of the body pods is connectable to a chassis such that the body pods are interchangeable on the chassis. The body pods include at least one body pod characterized by a first body pod style and at least one body pod characterized by a second body pod style. The method also includes granting possession to a customer of a vehicle body pod from the inventory independent of a chassis.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper is formed using fluid pressure such that the bumper is characterized by a curvature. The bumper preferably includes an upper bumper bar portion and a lower bumper bar portion that are interconnected. The bumper is also preferably connectable to a pair of upper rails and a pair of lower rails so that an impact load is distributable between the upper rails and the lower rails. The bumper preferably includes an inner panel and an outer panel. A method of forming a bumper is also provided. The method includes subjecting a metal blank to fluid pressure to form a bumper having a shape characterized by a curvature.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes an inner panel having strengthening corrugations to function as an impact beam, thereby negating the need for a separate impact beam. The inner panel is preferably characterized by a generally concave shape to increase vehicle interior space compared to prior art doors. A forming technique employing fluid pressure is preferably employed to form the inner panel.

Abstract: A motorized cover system includes a cover movably connected with respect-to a compartment such as a vehicle component, at least one motor vehicle, and at least one linkage operatively connecting the cover to the motor, wherein the motor is operable for moving the cover between a closed position and at least one open position. The motorized cover system may include an automatically engageable and disengageable latch assembly for securing the cover to the vehicle. A method of opening and closing a vehicle compartment cover includes relaying an operator control signal to a motor, powering the motor, and moving the cover between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A body panel includes a hood portion configured to extend over and across a vehicle front compartment, and two fender portions. A unitary, one-piece inner panel and a unitary, one-piece outer panel cooperate to define the hood portion and the two fender portions. The inner panel and the outer panel comprise a substantial portion of a vehicle body front end, replacing the multitude of inner panels, outer panels, and reinforcements in a prior art vehicle body. The body panel preferably functions as a load-bearing vehicle frame portion, reducing or eliminating prior art vehicle frame components. A method of manufacturing the body panel includes forming an inner panel and an outer panel using superplastic forming, quick plastic forming, or sheet hydroforming, and connecting the inner panel and the outer panel.

Abstract: A rear and side panel assembly for a vehicle body may include a one-piece inner body panel member mated with a one-piece outer body panel member, the body panels cooperating to at least partially define wheel well openings at opposing sides of the vehicle. The inner body panel member may include an inner rear panel portion with opposite ends, a first inner side panel portion at one end and a second inner side panel portion at the opposed end, with the inner side panel portions extending generally frontward from the inner rear panel portion. The outer body panel member may include an outer rear panel portion with opposite ends, a first outer side panel portion at one end and a second outer side panel portion at the opposed end, with the outer side panel portions extending generally frontward from the outer rear panel portion.

Abstract: A body and frame assembly for a vehicle includes a one-piece inner member mated with a one-piece outer member, the inner member and the outer member defining door openings at opposing sides of the vehicle. The inner member and the outer member may each include a roof panel portion and two side frame portions. A method of assembling a vehicle that includes the body and frame assembly includes forming each of the inner and outer members by quick plastic forming, super plastic forming or hydroforming. Preferably, the inner member and the outer member are each formed from a separate single sheet of aluminum.