Abstract: An energy absorber for interposition between a cover and a covered object includes a generally planar matrix of cells. Each of the cells includes a plurality of generally elongate micro-elements interconnected to form a cell micro-structure, with each cell having a respective energy absorption capacity such that an energy absorption capacity of the energy absorber varies across at least one direction. The cells are configured such that impulse of an object with the cover with the energy absorber sandwiched between the cover and the covered object causes a deceleration vs. time response in the object, beginning with a generally linear rise in the deceleration to a peak deceleration within 5 ms after the beginning of the impulse event, followed by a generally nonlinear decrease in the deceleration over a period of not greater than 15 ms to a final target deceleration of not greater than 10% of the peak deceleration.

Abstract: An energy absorber for interposition between a cover and a covered object includes a generally planar matrix of cells. Each of the cells includes a plurality of generally elongate micro-elements interconnected to form a cell micro-structure, with each cell having a respective energy absorption capacity such that an energy absorption capacity of the energy absorber varies across at least one direction. The cells are configured such that impulse of an object with the cover with the energy absorber sandwiched between the cover and the covered object causes a deceleration vs. time response in the object, beginning with a generally linear rise in the deceleration to a peak deceleration within 5 ms after the beginning of the impulse event, followed by a generally nonlinear decrease in the deceleration over a period of not greater than 15 ms to a final target deceleration of not greater than 10% of the peak deceleration.

Abstract: A vehicle, a door assembly for the vehicle and a method of assembling the door assembly are disclosed. A first component includes a first alignment member and a second component is attached to the first component. The second component includes first and second ends spaced along a first axis, and includes first and second side edges spaced along a second axis transverse to the first axis. A trim strip extending to a distal edge, with the second component coupled to the trim strip. A second alignment member attached to the trim strip, with the alignment members engaging each other to attach the trim strip to the first component and orientate the distal edge of the trim strip relative to the first axis such that the distal edge of the trim strip and one of the side edges of the second component substantially align with each other along the first axis.

Abstract: A vehicle, a door assembly for the vehicle and a method of assembling the door assembly are disclosed. A first component includes a first alignment member and a second component is attached to the first component. The second component includes first and second ends spaced along a first axis, and includes first and second side edges spaced along a second axis transverse to the first axis. A trim strip extending to a distal edge, with the second component coupled to the trim strip. A second alignment member attached to the trim strip, with the alignment members engaging each other to attach the trim strip to the first component and orientate the distal edge of the trim strip relative to the first axis such that the distal edge of the trim strip and one of the side edges of the second component substantially align with each other along the first axis.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a civil-certified aircraft engine rotating part subject to fatigue failure during service use, the method comprising the steps of providing an assembly including the rotating part and at least one other component mounted to the rotating part; determining a maximum safe operating life for the assembly; and specifying a life limit for the assembly based on the maximum safe operating life, the life limit being the maximum number of cycles the assembly may be used before replacement.

Abstract: An electrically driven signal unit is adapted for one-step assembly or injection molding with a device housing to vibrate, flex, beep or emit audio signals, or to sense and provide tactile feedback or control. The signal unit is a package with one or more active areas each containing a layer of ferroelectric or piezoelectric material, connected by inactive areas which may position, align and conduct electricity to the active areas. The active areas may be coupled over a region to transmit compressional, shear or flexural wave energy into the housing, or may contact at discrete regions while bending or displacing elsewhere to create inertial disturbances or impulses which are coupled to create a tactile vibration of the housing. The unit may be assembled such that the housing, the sheet or discrete areas thereof form a bender to provide tactile or sub-auditory signals to the user, or may be dimensioned, attached and actuated to produce audio vibration in the combined structure and constitute a speaker.

Abstract: An electrically driven signal unit is adapted for one-step assembly or injection molding with a device housing to vibrate, flex, beep or emit audio signals, or to sense and provide tactile feedback or control. The signal unit is a package with one or more active areas each containing a layer of ferroelectric or piezoelectric material, connected by inactive areas which may position, align and conduct electricity to the active areas. The active areas may be coupled over a region to transmit compressional, shear or flexural wave energy into the housing, or may contact at discrete regions while bending or displacing elsewhere to create inertial disturbances or impulses which are coupled to create a tactile vibration of the housing. The unit may be assembled such that the housing, the sheet or discrete areas thereof form a bender to provide tactile or sub-auditory signals to the user, or may be dimensioned, attached and actuated to produce audio vibration in the combined structure and constitute a speaker.

Abstract: An electrically driven signal unit is adapted for one-step assembly or injection molding with a device housing to vibrate, flex, beep or emit audio signals, or to sense and provide tactile feedback or control. The signal unit is a package with one or more active areas each containing a layer of ferroelectric or piezoelectric material, connected by inactive areas which may position, align and conduct electricity to the active areas. The active areas may be coupled over a region to transmit compressional, shear or flxural wave energy into the housing, or may contact at discrete regions while bending or displacing elsewhere to create inertial disturbances or impulses which are coupled to create a tactile vibration of the housing. The unit may be assembled such that the housing, the sheet or discrete areas thereof form a bender to provide tactile or sub-auditory signals to the user, or may be dimensioned, attached and actuated to produce audio vibration in the combined structure and constitute a speaker.