Abstract: An integrated energy absorbing system of a vehicle with a front integrated energy absorbing casting and a back integrated energy absorbing casting. Each front and back casting is a single unified casting that makes up the integrated energy absorbing system. Ribbed sections such as “I” sections and “C” sections make up the castings and are formed from a variety of different techniques and/or formings such as cutout, waveform profile, tapering, flaring and/or rib spacing. Additional sections such as closed section castings may also be integrated in the integrated energy absorbing system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a bleed valve assembly for an engine. In one example, a method (or system) may include a fastener comprising a threaded shank received within a bore of the engine, a bleed bore within the fastener, and a bleed plug including a threaded portion received within the bleed bore of the fastener. The bleed plug may include an internal passage extending from one end of the bleed plug and a side port in fluidic communication with the passage so that when the bleed plug is in an open position fluid from an engine fluid chamber may flow through the passage of the bleed plug and out of the port.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a bleed valve assembly for an engine. In one example, a method (or system) may include a fastener comprising a threaded shank received within a bore of the engine, a bleed bore within the fastener, and a bleed plug including a threaded portion received within the bleed bore of the fastener. The bleed plug may include an internal passage extending from one end of the bleed plug and a side port in fluidic communication with the passage so that when the bleed plug is in an open position fluid from an engine fluid chamber may flow through the passage of the bleed plug and out of the port.

Abstract: An outer pillar panel is fixed to an inner pillar panel defining a vehicle pillar with a closed box cross section. A vertically extending cavity is defined between the inner and outer pillar panels. The outer pillar panel includes a first contact portion within the cavity. The roof side rail is rigidly fixed to the upper ends of the inner pillar panel and the outer pillar panel. The brace is fixed to the inner pillar panel within the cavity. The brace includes a second contact portion facing the first contact portion but is spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined gap with the inner and outer pillar panels in an undeformed state. The first contact portion contacts the second contact portion when an external force above a prescribed amount is applied to the vehicle body structure.

Abstract: An outer pillar panel is fixed to an inner pillar panel defining a vehicle pillar with a closed box cross section. A vertically extending cavity is defined between the inner and outer pillar panels. The outer pillar panel includes a first contact portion within the cavity. The roof side rail is rigidly fixed to the upper ends of the inner pillar panel and the outer pillar panel. The brace is fixed to the inner pillar panel within the cavity. The brace includes a second contact portion facing the first contact portion but is spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined gap with the inner and outer pillar panels in an undeformed state. The first contact portion contacts the second contact portion when an external force above a prescribed amount is applied to the vehicle body structure.

Abstract: A vehicle frame structure includes an outer pillar panel, an inner pillar panel and a bulkhead. The outer pillar panel includes an outer upper end, an outer lower end and an outer bulkhead attachment section located between the outer lower end and the outer upper end and at or above a mid-point of the outer pillar panel. The inner pillar panel includes an inner upper end, an inner lower end and an inner bulkhead attachment section located between the inner lower end and inner upper end and at or above a mid-point of the inner pillar panel. The bulkhead is fixedly coupled to the outer and inner bulkhead attachment sections.

Abstract: A vehicle frame structure includes an outer pillar panel, an inner pillar panel and a bulkhead. The outer pillar panel includes an outer upper end, an outer lower end and an outer bulkhead attachment section located between the outer lower end and the outer upper end and at or above a mid-point of the outer pillar panel. The inner pillar panel includes an inner upper end, an inner lower end and an inner bulkhead attachment section located between the inner lower end and inner upper end and at or above a mid-point of the inner pillar panel. The bulkhead is fixedly coupled to the outer and inner bulkhead attachment sections.

Abstract: A gusset includes a floor attachment end, a side wall attachment end and an intermediate section. The floor attachment end is fixed to a reinforced floor portion of a vehicle. The side wall attachment end is fixed to a vehicle side wall structure at a point spaced apart from a side wall structure of the vehicle. The intermediate section has a generally U-shaped transverse cross section formed from generally upwardly oriented first and second gusset portions interconnected at upper ends by a top gusset portion. The reinforcement member is disposed within the gusset at a location between the floor and side wall attachment ends of the gusset. The reinforcement member interconnects the first and second gusset portions.

Abstract: Basically, a vehicle body structure is configured to reduce the rotation of a side roof rail that may occur during a side collision that deforms the center pillar inwardly of the vehicle body. The vehicle body structure basically includes a side rail reinforcement member located in the area where the center pillar is attached to the roof side rail. The reinforcement member can basically be divided into a first side rail reinforcement section that extends in a forward to aft direction along the roof side rail and a second side rail reinforcement section that extends in an inward direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the roof side rail. The second section of the roof side rail overlies a portion of the sliding door pocket structure that is located just rearwardly of the center pillar.