Abstract: A hollow interconnecting member for connecting vehicular frame members is provided. The hollow interconnecting member is formed of a metal material and defines a centerline. The hollow interconnecting member comprises a first end and a second end. The centerline extends through the first end and the second end. A plurality of walls cooperate to define a continuous passageway that extends between the first end and the second end and defines a first opening and a second opening at the first end and the second end, respectively. The hollow interconnecting member is formed as an as-cast one-piece construction.

Abstract: An impact energy management system for a vehicle includes an impact energy absorbing structure to absorb energy from an impact with an external object, and an energy management structure to manage energy from an impact with an internal displaceable object (e.g., a motor or steering rack) with one or more protected objects (e.g., a passenger compartment or battery). The energy management structure may include one or more swingarms or other members configured to protect the protected object from impact by directing the displaceable object down and/or away from the protected object during a collision.

Abstract: An impact energy absorbing system for a vehicle includes a first impact energy absorbing structure to absorb energy from an impact with an external object, and a second energy absorbing structure to absorb energy from an impact with an internal displaceable object internal. The second energy absorbing structure may be disposed between the displaceable object and a protected object internal to the vehicle. The second impact energy absorbing structure may be disposed within the vehicle and configured to protect the protected object from impact by the displaceable object being displaced toward the protected object during a collision. Additionally, the second impact energy absorbing structure may cause the displaceable object to avoid impacting and/or damaging the protected object.

Abstract: An impact structure includes a beam configured to deform in a particular manner. The beam may include a first deformable portion extending from a front end of the beam toward a rear end of the beam. The first deformable portion may be configured to axially crush in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the beam. The beam may also include a second deformable portion extending between the first deformable portion and the rear end. The beam may also include a reinforced section configured to cause the second deformable portion to bend. The first and second deformable portions may be configured such that an axial force acting on the front end in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction causes the first deformable portion to axially crush prior to causing the second deformable portion to bend.

Abstract: A system for detachably coupling subassemblies of vehicles or other components is discussed herein. The system can include one or more driveshafts and worm drives to drive fasteners to couple the subassembly to the vehicle. The system can enable module repair or replacement in conventional locations without any additional infrastructure by driving fasteners horizontally into the body or other subassembly. In this manner, fasteners can be hidden and to utilize blind holes in the body of the vehicle. The system can be partially disassembled in situ to enable parts replacement and fastener access in the event of a failure. The system can be used in conjunction with a robotic cart to enable subassemblies to be removed from the vehicle for service and repair. A portion of the system can also act as a portion of, or to reinforce, the crash structure of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for detachably coupling subassemblies to vehicles or other components is discussed herein. The system can include one or more driveshafts and worm drives to drive fasteners to couple the subassembly to the vehicle. The system can enable drive interfaces located in a substantially conventional location (e.g., located vertically on the bottom of the vehicle) to drive fasteners horizontally into the body or other subassembly. In this manner, fasteners can be hidden and to utilize blind holes in the body of the vehicle. The system can be partially disassembled in situ to enable parts replacement and fastener access in the event of a failure. The system can be used in conjunction with a robotic cart to enable subassemblies to be removed from the vehicle for service and repair. A portion of the system can also act as a portion of, or to reinforce, the crash structure of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hollow interconnecting member for connecting vehicular frame members is provided. The hollow interconnecting member is formed of a metal material and defines a centerline. The hollow interconnecting member comprises a first end and a second end. The centerline extends through the first end and the second end. A plurality of walls cooperate to define a continuous passageway that extends between the first end and the second end and defines a first opening and a second opening at the first end and the second end, respectively. The hollow interconnecting member is formed as an as-cast one-piece construction.

Abstract: A hollow interconnecting member for connecting vehicular frame members is provided. The hollow interconnecting member is formed of a metal material and defines a centerline. The hollow interconnecting member comprises a first end and a second end. The centerline extends through the first end and the second end. A plurality of walls cooperate to define a continuous passageway that extends between the first end and the second end and defines a first opening and a second opening at the first end and the second end, respectively. The hollow interconnecting member is formed as an as-cast one-piece construction.

Abstract: A hollow interconnecting member for connecting vehicular frame members is provided. The hollow interconnecting member is formed of a metal material and defines a centerline. The hollow interconnecting member comprises a first end and a second end. The centerline extends through the first end and the second end. A plurality of walls cooperate to define a continuous passageway that extends between the first end and the second end and defines a first opening and a second opening at the first end and the second end, respectively. The hollow interconnecting member is formed as an as-cast one-piece construction.

Abstract: A hollow interconnecting member for connecting vehicular frame members is provided. The hollow interconnecting member is formed of a metal material and defines a centerline. The hollow interconnecting member comprises a first end and a second end. The centerline extends through the first end and the second end. A plurality of walls cooperate to define a continuous passageway that extends between the first end and the second end and defines a first opening and a second opening at the first end and the second end, respectively. The hollow interconnecting member is formed as an as-cast one-piece construction.

Abstract: A hollow interconnecting member for connecting vehicular frame members is provided. The hollow interconnecting member is formed of a metal material and defines a centerline. The hollow interconnecting member comprises a first end and a second end. The centerline extends through the first end and the second end. A plurality of walls cooperate to define a continuous passageway that extends between the first end and the second end and defines a first opening and a second opening at the first end and the second end, respectively. The hollow interconnecting member is formed as an as-cast one-piece construction.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a vehicular energy management apparatus that includes a lower frame that defines a raised portion disposed longitudinally between a vehicular power source and fuel system components. The raised portion can include an inclined portion defining an acute angle relative to the longitudinal direction, and disposed to guide movement of the power source upwardly in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and away from the components of the fuel system upon movement of the power source in the longitudinal direction. A mount assembly that mounts the power source to the lower frame is configured to fail and thereby detach the power source from the lower frame upon application of a predetermined threshold impact energy being transmitted to the power source, thereby enabling the power source to move in the longitudinal direction and resulting in dissipation of at least a portion of the impact energy.