Abstract: A multistage energy absorber device is provided that includes at least two generally tubular members. Each of the generally tubular members has a first end and a second end. The second generally tubular member is independent of the first generally tubular member and fits within the first generally tubular member. The first ends of the generally tubular members are substantially flush with each other, but the second end of the second generally tubular member protrudes sufficiently beyond the second end of the first generally tubular member to form a first deformation stage. The first and second generally tubular members extend coextensively sufficiently from the first ends of the first and second generally tubular members to the second end of the first generally tubular member to form a second deformation stage.

Abstract: A multistage energy absorber device is provided that includes at least two generally tubular members. Each of the generally tubular members has a first end and a second end. The second generally tubular member is independent of the first generally tubular member and fits within the first generally tubular member. The first ends of the generally tubular members are substantially flush with each other, but the second end of the second generally tubular member protrudes sufficiently beyond the second end of the first generally tubular member to form a first deformation stage. The first and second generally tubular members extend coextensively sufficiently from the first ends of the first and second generally tubular members to the second end of the first generally tubular member to form a second deformation stage.

Abstract: A shutter system for controlling airflow through a grille opening in a vehicle includes a shutter housing. The shutter system also includes a louver supported by and configured to rotate relative to the shutter housing about a pivot axis. The shutter system also includes a first positive stop configured to prevent the louver from rotating past a fully-opened position and a second positive stop configured to prevent the louver from rotating past a fully-closed position. The shutter system additionally includes a shield arranged relative to the shutter housing and configured to screen the first and second positive stops from the airflow and protect the positive stops from airborne dirt and debris. A vehicle having the above shutter system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shutter system for controlling an airstream through a grille opening in a vehicle includes a plurality of louvers. Each louver has a pivot axis, and a louver face offset from the pivot axis. The shutter system also includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the shutter system by rotating each of the plurality of louvers about its respective pivot axis. Each of the plurality of louvers rotates in tandem with every other of the plurality of louvers during the selection of the position for the shutter system. The louver face of each of the plurality of louvers is rotated to a position parallel to the airstream when the shutter system is fully opened, is positioned to restrict the airstream through the grille opening when the shutter system is partially closed, and is positioned immediately adjacent to the grille opening when the shutter system is fully closed.

Abstract: A variable-bias shutter system for controlling an airstream through an entryway includes a plurality of louvers. Each louver has a pivot axis and a louver face that includes a first portion arranged to one side and a second portion arranged to the other side of the respective pivot axis. The shutter system also includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the shutter system by rotating in tandem each of the plurality of louvers about the respective pivot axis. An area of the first portion that is exposed to the airstream is smaller than an area of the second portion when the shutter system is substantially closed. Additionally, the area of the first portion that is exposed to the airstream is larger than the area of the second portion when the shutter system is not closed. A vehicle employing the variable-bias shutter system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A variable-bias shutter system for controlling an airstream through an entryway includes a plurality of louvers. Each louver has a pivot axis and a louver face that includes a first portion arranged to one side and a second portion arranged to the other side of the respective pivot axis. The shutter system also includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the shutter system by rotating in tandem each of the plurality of louvers about the respective pivot axis. An area of the first portion that is exposed to the airstream is smaller than an area of the second portion when the shutter system is substantially closed. Additionally, the area of the first portion that is exposed to the airstream is larger than the area of the second portion when the shutter system is not closed. A vehicle employing the variable-bias shutter system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An energy absorber device is provided that includes a generally cylindrical member defining an axis and having an outer surface. One or more axially-spaced, substantially annular members are operatively connected to the generally cylindrical member at the outer surface to create areas of stress concentration in the generally cylindrical member, such that deformation of the generally cylindrical member due to a sufficient force applied to the generally cylindrical member is initiated at the areas of stress concentration, with the areas of stress concentration being reinforced by the substantially annular members. The areas of stress concentration act as crush initiation features and are formed by the connection of the substantially annular members to the generally cylindrical member. Thus, expensive tooling, such as preformed dies, to form the initiation features in the generally cylindrical member is not required.

Abstract: An energy absorber device is provided that includes a generally cylindrical member defining an axis and having an outer surface. One or more axially-spaced, substantially annular members are operatively connected to the generally cylindrical member at the outer surface to create areas of stress concentration in the generally cylindrical member, such that deformation of the generally cylindrical member due to a sufficient force applied to the generally cylindrical member is initiated at the areas of stress concentration, with the areas of stress concentration being reinforced by the substantially annular members. The areas of stress concentration act as crush initiation features and are formed by the connection of the substantially annular members to the generally cylindrical member. Thus, expensive tooling, such as preformed dies, to form the initiation features in the generally cylindrical member is not required.

Abstract: A shutter system for controlling an airstream through a grille opening in a vehicle includes a plurality of louvers. Each louver has a pivot axis, and a louver face offset from the pivot axis. The shutter system also includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the shutter system by rotating each of the plurality of louvers about its respective pivot axis. Each of the plurality of louvers rotates in tandem with every other of the plurality of louvers during the selection of the position for the shutter system. The louver face of each of the plurality of louvers is rotated to a position parallel to the airstream when the shutter system is fully opened, is positioned to restrict the airstream through the grille opening when the shutter system is partially closed, and is positioned immediately adjacent to the grille opening when the shutter system is fully closed.

Abstract: An assembly adapted to be releasably attached to a mounting surface on a body panel of an automotive vehicle for mounting at least one component thereto includes at least one elongated rail member having a base portion that includes a first side adapted to be located adjacent to the mounting surface and an opposed second side. The rail member includes a pair of spaced apart flanges extending outwardly from the second side of the base portion. The base portion includes at least one aperture extending therethrough. The assembly also includes at least one fastening member that is adapted to be retained in the body panel by a retaining feature. The fastening member includes a backing plate portion having at least one flange extending therefrom and an aperture extending therethrough for receiving a fastener for releasably attaching the assembly to the mounting surface.