Abstract: A vehicle rocker panel is provided that is extruded as a single piece. As extruded, the rocker panel may include one or more interior reinforcing walls as well as interior and exterior design features.

Abstract: A reinforced B-pillar assembly that achieves improved side impact resistance is provided in which the B-pillar assembly is mechanically coupled to an outer mounting surface of the rocker panel as well as to an extended brace that is attached to the upper and rear mounting surfaces of the rocker.

Abstract: A passenger seat protection system for a seated passenger of a vehicle includes a seat back supporting a pressurizable vessel storing a quantity of pressurized gas within a compartment, the compartment defined by one or more walls that collapse responsive to a force applied to the seat back by the seated passenger in a rear impact of the vehicle; a headrest including a bladder responsive to a gas pressure from the quantity of pressurized gas to transition an expansion of the headrest from a first expansion mode to a second expansion mode; and a gas channel communicating the quantity of pressurized gas to the bladder after a collapsing of the one or more walls.

Abstract: A crash structure is provided that is integrated within a vehicle side rail, the crash structure providing relatively level loading during a collision. The structure includes an actuator member coupled to the bumper, the actuator member passing into, and slidably disposed within, a hollow housing of the crash structure. The hollow housing contains a plurality of deformable members that at least partially surround a first portion of the actuator member. A second portion of the actuator member, which is between the bumper and the first portion of the actuator member, has a larger diameter than that of the first portion of the actuator member and is configured to deform the deformable members during a collision.

Abstract: A crash structure is provided that is integrated within a vehicle side rail, the crash structure providing relatively level loading during a collision. The structure includes an actuator member coupled to the bumper, the actuator member passing into, and slidably disposed within, a hollow housing of the crash structure. The hollow housing contains a plurality of deformable members that at least partially surround a first portion of the actuator member. A second portion of the actuator member, which is between the bumper and the first portion of the actuator member, has a larger diameter than that of the first portion of the actuator member and is configured to deform the deformable members during a collision.

Abstract: A crash structure is provided that is interposed between a vehicle's bumper and a vehicle side rail, the crash structure providing relatively level loading in a compact structure that is easily removed and replaced during post-collision repairs. The structure includes an actuator member coupled to the bumper, the actuator member passing into, and slidably disposed within, a hollow housing of the crash structure. The hollow housing contains a plurality of deformable members that at least partially surround a first portion of the actuator member. A second portion of the actuator member, which is between the bumper and the first portion of the actuator member, has a larger diameter than that of the first portion of the actuator member and may be coupled to the first portion via a chamfered transition region.

Abstract: A vehicle rocker panel is provided that is extruded as a single piece. As extruded, the rocker panel may include one or more interior reinforcing walls as well as interior and exterior design features.

Abstract: A reinforced B-pillar assembly that achieves improved side impact resistance is provided in which the B-pillar assembly is mechanically coupled to an outer mounting surface of the rocker panel as well as to an extended brace that is attached to the upper and rear mounting surfaces of the rocker.