Abstract: One variation may include using a plurality of node structures to assemble a uniframe.

Abstract: One variation includes a sheer member and method of manufacture thereof wherein the sheer member may be fabricated from a core, a shell, and a bonding agent, wherein at least one of the shell or the core comprises a pultruded material comprising carbon and at least one of the shell or the core comprises a woven composite filament.

Abstract: One variation may include a vehicle center tunnel which may include an enclosed exhaust system.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product including an energy absorbing component for a vehicle comprising at least one of a crush can, an insert for a cross car beam or a front impact extension.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bus bar comprising a bar manufactured from a material that has a density of less than or equal to 2.70 grams per cubic centimeter; where the bar comprises a plurality of holes for facilitating contact between the bus bar and a grounding attachment. Disclosed herein too is a method comprising affixing one or more grounding attachments to a bus bar, where the bus bar comprises a bar manufactured from a material that has a density of less than or equal to 2.70 grams per cubic centimeter; where the bar comprises a plurality of holes for facilitating contact between the bus bar and a grounding attachment; and affixing the bus bar to the frame of an automobile.

Abstract: On variation may include using a plurality of node structures to assemble a uniframe.

Abstract: A number of variations include a wheel stabilizer.

Abstract: A number of variations includes a rail and method of manufacture thereof wherein a rail may be fabricated from a first segment, a first node, and a second segment, wherein the first segment is attached to the first node, wherein the second segment is attached to the first node, and wherein the first node comprises a pre-machined hollow aluminum casting comprising at least one chassis component mounting point for attachment.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product including an energy absorbing component for a vehicle comprising at least one of a crush can, an insert for a cross car beam or a front impact extension.

Abstract: One variation may include a vehicle center tunnel which may include an enclosed exhaust system.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product including an energy absorbing component for a vehicle comprising at least one of a crush can, an insert for a cross car beam or a front impact extension.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical fastener includes a fastener body having a connection portion materially integrally formed with at least one mounting member. The at least one mounting member has a thickness that is no more than three-times greater than a thickness of a substrate to which the electro-mechanical fastener is joined. The at least one mounting member is configured and disposed to be joined to the substrate through a welded connection.

Abstract: A reversibly deployable spoiler for a vehicle comprises a body and an active material in operative communication with the body. The active material, such as shape memory material, is operative to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material can change its shape, dimensions and/or stiffness producing a change in at least one feature of the active spoiler airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness to control vehicle airflow and downforce to better suit changes in driving conditions such as speed, while reducing maintenance and the level of failure modes. An activation device, controller and sensors may be employed to further control the change in at least one feature of the active spoiler airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness.

Abstract: A reversibly deployable spoiler for a vehicle comprises a body and an active material in operative communication with the body. The active material, such as shape memory material, is operative to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material can change its shape, dimensions and/or stiffness producing a change in at least one feature of the active spoiler airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness to control vehicle airflow and downforce to better suit changes in driving conditions such as speed, while reducing maintenance and the level of failure modes. An activation device, controller and sensors may be employed to further control the change in at least one feature of the active spoiler airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness.

Abstract: A reversibly deployable spoiler for a vehicle comprises a body and an active material in operative communication with the body. The active material, such as shape memory material, is operative to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material can change its shape, dimensions and/or stiffness producing a change in at least one feature of the active spoiler airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness to control vehicle airflow and downforce to better suit changes in driving conditions such as speed, while reducing maintenance and the level of failure modes. An activation device, controller and sensors may be employed to further control the change in at least one feature of the active spoiler airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness.

Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow about a vehicle. The system comprises a fluid flow control device, an obstacle sensor for detecting obstacles, and a controller. The fluid flow control device has a body with at least one surface and an actuation means in operative communication with the surface. The actuation means is operative to alter at least one attribute of the fluid flow control device in response to a control signal. The controller has control logic for generating the control signal in response to the obstacle sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a perimeter frame including laterally spaced right and left side rails of tubular construction and front and rear bumper rails of tubular construction extending between the side rails. A structural tunnel extends longitudinally of the vehicle midway between the side rails and has front and rear ends. The structural tunnel includes an inverted U-shaped channel having vertically depending the first and second legs, and a close-out plate which extends horizontally between the legs. First and second front shear walls extend forwardly and diagonally from the first and second legs at the front of the tunnel to the respective right and left side rails of the perimeter frame. Similarly, first and second rear shear walls extend generally rearward and diagonally from the first and second legs at the rear end of the tunnel to the respective left and right side rails of the perimeter frame.