Abstract: A reinforcement beam for a vehicle has an outer beam and an inner beam. The outer beam spans laterally between crush cans of the vehicle. The outer beam forms an elongated hollow body that has a front wall and a rear wall extending along the length of the reinforcement beam. The inner beam is disposed along an intermediate section of the outer beam. The inner beam further includes an upper wall and a lower wall that each extend between the front wall and the rear wall of the outer beam. The front wall and the rear wall may include at least one rib that extends along the length of the outer beam.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to devices and methods for preparing an existing, implanted prosthetic aortic valve for subsequent prosthetic aortic valve implantation. To prepare the existing valve, a valve preparation device is delivered to the valve and valve leaflets are severed either via mechanical cutting or electrodes so that the leaflets cannot obstruct a blood flow path once a prosthetic valve is subsequently implanted within the valve. Similarly, in alternate embodiments, devices and methods of the disclosure can be used for preparing a native aortic valve for delivery and implantation of a prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A front rail configured to be supported by a vehicle frame includes a tubular body formed by a roll-formed high-strength metal and configured to undergo axial loading during a front vehicle impact. The high-strength metal sheet defines a cross-sectional shape along a length of the tubular body. The tubular body includes a central wall extending from a first side wall to a second side wall defining at least a first longitudinal channel and a second longitudinal channel. A groove is disposed in first side wall of the tubular body and extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the length of the tubular body to stiffen the tubular body. A hole extends through the first side wall of the tubular body proximate the groove and is configured as a bend initiator.

Abstract: A reinforcement beam for an automotive component is continuously formed with a metal sheet that is roll formed to have at least one tubular portion that extends along a length of the reinforcement beam. A solid state forge weld is formed between an edge of the metal sheet and an intermediate portion of the metal sheet to close a seam that extends along the tubular portion of the reinforcement beam. Prior to forming the solid state forge weld, select portions of the metal sheet are heated to a desirable welding temperature with a high frequency current delivered by electrical contacts to opposing sides of the weld seam. The desired welding temperature may burn off a galvanized coating on the metal sheet at the select portions prior to forming the solid state forge weld that is generally void of zinc inclusions.

Abstract: A vehicle beam assembly includes a hollow tubular member configured to be formed with steel tube air forming. The tubular member includes a varied cross section along a length of the tubular member. For example, the hollow tubular member includes a center portion having a first cross-sectional shape, a pair of end portions that extend past corresponding crush cans in a direction away from the center portion, where the pair of end portions extend at an angle of 40-70 degrees, and at least one transition portion disposed between the center portion and one of the pair of end portions. A cross-sectional shape of the center portion, a cross sectional shape of one of the end portions, and a cross-sectional shape of the transition portion are all different cross-sectional shapes.

Abstract: A battery tray for an electric vehicle includes a battery support structure that has a floor and a perimeter wall extending around a peripheral portion of the floor to border a battery containment area. A plurality of cross members are coupled with the perimeter wall at opposing sides of the battery support structure, where the cross members extend laterally across the battery containment area. A cover is engaged with an upper portion of the perimeter wall of the battery support structure. The cover, the floor, and/or the cross members may include a retention element that is integrally formed therewith and that is configured to engage a component that is disposed in the battery containment area.

Abstract: A pultruded profile is provided that has fiber reinforcements longitudinally extending parallel relative to each other along the length of the pultruded profile. A tracer element is disposed longitudinally along one of fiber reinforcements. A resin is disposed over the fiber reinforcements and the tracer element to form a consistent cross-sectional shape continuously along a length of the pultruded profile. The tracer element is identifiable at a cut end of the pultruded profile to provide an indication of a location of the corresponding fiber reinforcement of the plurality of fiber reinforcements in the pultruded profile.

Abstract: A battery tray for an electric vehicle includes a battery support structure that has a floor and a perimeter wall extending around a peripheral portion of the floor to border a battery containment area. A plurality of cross members are coupled with the perimeter wall at opposing sides of the battery support structure, where the cross members extend laterally across the battery containment area. A cover is engaged with an upper portion of the perimeter wall of the battery support structure. The cover, the floor, and/or the cross members may include a retention element that is integrally formed therewith and that is configured to engage a component that is disposed in the battery containment area.