Abstract: An energy management system for a vehicle includes a load-bearing component operatively positioned in a wheel cavity rearward of a tire and wheel assembly in the wheel cavity. The load-bearing component is configured to limit movement of the tire and wheel assembly in the wheel cavity under a load applied to the vehicle forward of the tire and wheel assembly and offset from a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.

Abstract: An energy management system for a vehicle includes a load-bearing component operatively positioned in a wheel cavity rearward of a tire and wheel assembly in the wheel cavity. The load-bearing component is configured to limit movement of the tire and wheel assembly in the wheel cavity under a load applied to the vehicle forward of the tire and wheel assembly and offset from a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.

Abstract: An active material-enabled overhead protection system (24) for protecting the occupants of vehicles (20) with overhead glass (22), such as sunroofs or panoramic windshields, during rollover events. The system (24) includes a protective structure (26) and a deployment device (28). The protective structure (26) has a stowed condition in which it does not obstruct the overhead glass (22), and a deployed condition in which it is interposed between the overhead glass (22) and the heads of the occupants of the vehicle (20). The deployment device (28) moves the protective structure (26) from the stowed condition to the deployed condition. The deployment device (28) includes a trigger (30) operable to initiate movement of the protective structure (26), and the trigger (30) includes an active material which can change shape in response to an actuation signal, and the change in shape initiates deployment of the protective structure (26).

Abstract: An active material-enabled overhead protection system (24) for protecting the occupants of vehicles (20) with overhead glass (22), such as sunroofs or panoramic windshields, during rollover events. The system (24) includes a protective structure (26) and a deployment device (28). The protective structure (26) has a stowed condition in which it does not obstruct the overhead glass (22), and a deployed condition in which it is interposed between the overhead glass (22) and the heads of the occupants of the vehicle (20). The deployment device (28) moves the protective structure (26) from the stowed condition to the deployed condition. The deployment device (28) includes a trigger (30) operable to initiate movement of the protective structure (26), and the trigger (30) includes an active material which can change shape in response to an actuation signal, and the change in shape initiates deployment of the protective structure (26).

Abstract: A system for managing the temperature of a battery, the battery having a first outer surface, is provided. The system comprises a first reservoir coupled to the first outer surface of the battery, and a first phase change material thermally coupled with the first outer surface of the battery, and retained by the first reservoir.

Abstract: The window assembly for a vehicle includes a first portion supported by the vehicle and a second portion located proximate to the first portion. The second portion includes a phase change material (PCM) barrier.

Abstract: A shade assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes a shade member that is “integrated” or “hidden” within vehicle body structure when not in use and yet is easily movable to a use position in which it covers a portion of an adjacent window. Specifically, a shade assembly is provided that includes vehicle body structure at least partially defining a body cavity. A shade member is operatively connected to the vehicle body structure and is configured to selectively move between a stowed position and a use position. The shade member at least partially covers a surface of the window in the use position. The window is substantially uncovered by the shade member in the stowed position because the shade member is nested in the cavity within the body structure.