Abstract: An assembly of joined injection molded parts and a method for joining injection molded parts is disclosed herein. The assembly includes, but is not limited to, a first injection molded part having a first bonding area. The first bonding area has a plurality of first fingers extending from a surface of the first bonding area. The assembly further includes a second injection molded part having a second bonding area. The second bonding area corresponds in shape to the first bonding area and has a plurality of second fingers that extend from a surface of the second bonding area. The assembly includes an adhesive tape arranged between the plurality of first fingers and the plurality of second fingers. The adhesive tape is configured to bond the first injection molded part to the second injection molded part.

Abstract: A door module is equipped with an inflatable bladder configured to move an interior trim panel away from the door and toward a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision. The result is reduced occupant movement, additional absorption of kinetic energy, and distribution of remaining energy over an increased surface area. The bladder can have an accordion-like configuration that unfolds when changing from a deflated state to an inflated state, and more than one bladder can be used to control which portions of the trim panel move relative to each other.

Abstract: A cupholder assembly for storing waste in a vehicle. The cupholder assembly includes a cup compartment having a cup supporting surface configured to support a cup stored in the cup compartment. The cup supporting surface includes an opening area which provides access to a storage compartment for waste. The storage compartment is slidably stowable beneath the cup compartment. The storage compartment can include a waste bag attachment mechanism for convenient storage and removal of waste. The cupholder assembly may be integrated with a vehicle center console.

Abstract: A door module is equipped with an inflatable bladder configured to move an interior trim panel away from the door and toward a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision. The result is reduced occupant movement, additional absorption of kinetic energy, and distribution of remaining energy over an increased surface area. The bladder can have an accordion-like configuration that unfolds when changing from a deflated state to an inflated state, and more than one bladder can be used to control which portions of the trim panel move relative to each other.

Abstract: A cupholder assembly for storing waste in a vehicle. The cupholder assembly includes a cup compartment having a cup supporting surface configured to support a cup stored in the cup compartment. The cup supporting surface includes an opening area which provides access to a storage compartment for waste. The storage compartment is slidably stowable beneath the cup compartment. The storage compartment can include a waste bag attachment mechanism for convenient storage and removal of waste. The cupholder assembly may be integrated with a vehicle center console.

Abstract: A vehicle floor mat for a passenger foot well or a cargo area of an automotive vehicle comprising a mat body, first and second cavities formed in the mat body, and first and second barriers respectively configured for receipt within the first and second cavities when the first and second barriers are horizontally oriented in a stored position. The first and second barriers can be moved from the stored position to an extended position, wherein the first and second barriers are vertically oriented and extend at least partially above a top surface of the mat body. In the extended position, opposing surfaces of the first and second barriers together define a confined region therebetween in which a package can be contained during transportation thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle floor mat for a passenger foot well or a cargo area of an automotive vehicle comprising a mat body and first and second barriers mounted to the mat body. The first and second barriers are moveable between a stowed position, in which the first and second barriers are at least partially received within the mat body, and a deployed position, in which the first and second barriers extend away from the mat body. Each of the first and second barriers comprises a support arm housed within a boot. When the first and second barriers are in the deployed position, opposing surfaces of the first and second barriers together define a confined region therebetween in which a package can be contained during transportation thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle floor mat for a passenger foot well or a cargo area of an automotive vehicle comprising a mat body and first and second barriers mounted to the mat body. The first and second barriers are moveable between a stowed position, in which the first and second barriers are at least partially received within the mat body, and a deployed position, in which the first and second barriers extend away from the mat body. Each of the first and second barriers comprises a support arm housed within a boot. When the first and second barriers are in the deployed position, opposing surfaces of the first and second barriers together define a confined region therebetween in which a package can be contained during transportation thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle floor mat for a passenger foot well or a cargo area of an automotive vehicle comprising a mat body, first and second cavities formed in the mat body, and first and second barriers respectively configured for receipt within the first and second cavities when the first and second barriers are horizontally oriented in a stored position. The first and second barriers can be moved from the stored position to an extended position, wherein the first and second barriers are vertically oriented and extend at least partially above a top surface of the mat body. In the extended position, opposing surfaces of the first and second barriers together define a confined region therebetween in which a package can be contained during transportation thereof.

Abstract: Interior panels for motor vehicles and methods for making such interior panels are provided. In one example, an interior panel includes a substrate and a cover skin that overlies the substrate. The cover skin has a tear seam configured as a double wave pattern including a first score line wave pattern and a second score line wave pattern that are substantially in phase. The first and second score line wave patterns each have an amplitude of from about 1.3 to about 1.7 mm and a period of from about 8 to about 10 mm.

Abstract: Interior panels for motor vehicles and methods for making such interior panels are provided. In one example, an interior panel includes a substrate and a cover skin that overlies the substrate. The cover skin has a tear seam configured as a double wave pattern including a first score line wave pattern and a second score line wave pattern that are substantially in phase. The first and second score line wave patterns each have an amplitude of from about 1.3 to about 1.7 mm and a period of from about 8 to about 10 mm.

Abstract: Vehicle system information is communicated to a vehicle occupant by thermal haptics. A heat transfer device, such as a Peltier device, is used to locally control the temperature of an interaction area along an outer surface of a vehicle interior panel. A temperature differential between the interaction area and an adjacent area indicates the current status and/or the location of a control for the system. Multiple heat transfer devices can be used to provide a temperature gradient along the outer surface of the panel to provide the occupant with a thermally perceptible indicator of an available range of temperatures and/or a temperature setpoint for the vehicle system.

Abstract: Vehicle system information is communicated to a vehicle occupant by thermal haptics. A heat transfer device, such as a Peltier device, is used to locally control the temperature of an interaction area along an outer surface of a vehicle interior panel. A temperature differential between the interaction area and an adjacent area indicates the current status and/or the location of a control for the system. Multiple heat transfer devices can be used to provide a temperature gradient along the outer surface of the panel to provide the occupant with a thermally perceptible indicator of an available range of temperatures and/or a temperature setpoint for the vehicle system.

Abstract: An assembly of joined injection molded parts and a method for joining injection molded parts is disclosed herein. The assembly includes, but is not limited to, a first injection molded part having a first bonding area. The first bonding area has a plurality of first fingers extending from a surface of the first bonding area. The assembly further includes a second injection molded part having a second bonding area. The second bonding area corresponds in shape to the first bonding area and has a plurality of second fingers that extend from a surface of the second bonding area. The assembly includes an adhesive tape arranged between the plurality of first fingers and the plurality of second fingers. The adhesive tape is configured to bond the first injection molded part to the second injection molded part.