Abstract: A webbing device for a vehicle underbody can comprise a plurality of rows of ribs and members that extend between the ribs to provide rigidity and force load distribution. The webbing device can comprise channels to receive a variety of structural components of the underbody and can accommodate underbodies of various sizes without altering its rigidity and force load distribution.

Abstract: A joint for a vehicle can direct forces away from an interior of the vehicle and along a frame rail. The joint can pivot when subjected to a high force, and the pivoting action can redirect and redistribute the force away from a passenger compartment. The joint can comprise multiple pivot points.

Abstract: Crush cans for motor vehicles are provided herein. An example crush can includes a first open end, a second open end, and a longitudinal axis running from the first open end to the second open end. The crush can further includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The top wall and the bottom wall taper from the second open end towards the first open end. The crush can uniformly collapses when under compressive forces along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of sounding a horn of a vehicle is provided where the user operator need not release his or her hand from steering wheel handle to actuate a horn. In one example, a steering wheel with force-sensing device is provided for a driver of a car for quick access to sound the horn by simply squeezing or pressing the steer wheel in a particular way without releasing his or her hand from the steering wheel. The vehicle can have a control algorithm to monitor external force applied to the steering wheel through a sensor array which activates the horn when the pressure level reaches a threshold value. Drivers can optionally use a user interface to selectively set one or more threshold values so they can activate the horn or activate different volume or tones of horn by setting and achieving various threshold conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle including a system for intuitive control of a vehicle component is disclosed. The vehicle may include the vehicle component, a sensor unit associated with the vehicle component that is configured to detect a touch command applied to the sensor unit by a user, a controller, and a drive. The controller may be operatively coupled to the sensor unit and the drive may be coupled to the vehicle component. The controller may generate a control signal based on the touch command applied to the sensor unit and may cause the drive to alter a condition of the vehicle component in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A webbing device for a vehicle underbody can comprise a plurality of rows of ribs and members that extend between the ribs to provide rigidity and force load distribution. The webbing device can comprise channels to receive a variety of structural components of the underbody and can accommodate underbodies of various sizes without altering its rigidity and force load distribution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of sounding a horn of a vehicle is provided where the user operator need not release his or her hand from steering wheel handle to actuate a horn. In one example, a steering wheel with force-sensing device is provided for a driver of a car for quick access to sound the horn by simply squeezing or pressing the steer wheel in a particular way without releasing his or her hand from the steering wheel. The vehicle can have a control algorithm to monitor external force applied to the steering wheel through a sensor array which activates the horn when the pressure level reaches a threshold value. Drivers can optionally use a user interface to selectively set one or more threshold values so they can activate the horn or activate different volume or tones of horn by setting and achieving various threshold conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle including a system for intuitive control of a vehicle component is disclosed. The vehicle may include the vehicle component, a sensor unit associated with the vehicle component that is configured to detect a touch command applied to the sensor unit by a user, a controller, and a drive. The controller may be operatively coupled to the sensor unit and the drive may be coupled to the vehicle component. The controller may generate a control signal based on the touch command applied to the sensor unit and may cause the drive to alter a condition of the vehicle component in response to the control signal.

Abstract: Underbodies for motor vehicles are provided herein. An example underbody is configured to form a hybrid uni-body with an upper body of an electric motor vehicle and the like. The underbody provides a configurable platform for use in multiple motor vehicle product lines, accommodating vehicles of various sizes having various upper bodies.

Abstract: A joint for a vehicle can direct forces away from an interior of the vehicle and along a frame rail. The joint can pivot when subjected to a high force, and the pivoting action can redirect and redistribute the force away from a passenger compartment. The joint can comprise multiple pivot points.

Abstract: Crush cans for motor vehicles are provided herein. An example crush can includes a first open end, a second open end, and a longitudinal axis running from the first open end to the second open end. The crush can further includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The top wall and the bottom wall taper from the second open end towards the first open end. The crush can uniformly collapses when under compressive forces along the longitudinal axis.