Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes, among other things, a main rail and a node assembly attached to the main rail. The node assembly includes a forward mounting member, a rear mounting member, and a deflector extending between the forward mounting member and rear mounting member. When a load exceeds a threshold load that is applied to a front of a vehicle, the deflector is configured to engage a tire and deflect the tire from entering a forward vehicle area.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes, among other things, a main rail and a node assembly attached to the main rail. The node assembly includes a forward mounting member, a rear mounting member, and a deflector extending between the forward mounting member and rear mounting member. When a load exceeds a threshold load that is applied to a front of a vehicle, the deflector is configured to engage a tire and deflect the tire from entering a forward vehicle area.

Abstract: A portable case for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a system including a portable case for UAV and an adapter for coupling the portable case to a vehicle are disclosed. An example system may include an exterior attachment disposed on an exterior of a vehicle, an adapter configured to couple a portable case for an UAV to the exterior attachment, and a moveable cover connected to the vehicle and configured to cover the portable case when the portable case is coupled to the vehicle. An example portable case may comprise a landing pad for the UAV, a bottom portion having the landing pad and configured to connect to the exterior attachment via the adapter, and a removable upper portion configured to be connected to the bottom portion when the bottom portion is disconnected from the at least one exterior attachment.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to audio actuator assemblies that include bridging brackets for mounting audio actuators inside vehicle body components. In some embodiments, the vehicle body component is a door that includes a reinforcement beam. The bridging bracket is mountable to the reinforcement beam in order to secure the audio actuator in place inside the vehicle body component in a manner that allows the audio actuator to vibrate adjacent surfaces of the vehicle body component for radiating sound signals.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a floor including a top panel and a bottom panel defining a cavity therebetween. At least one of the top panel and the bottom panel includes a polymeric material. A passenger-climate-control duct is disposed in the cavity and is integral with the at least one of the top panel and the bottom panel.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to audio actuator assemblies that include bridging brackets for mounting audio actuators inside vehicle body components. In some embodiments, the vehicle body component is a door that includes a reinforcement beam. The bridging bracket is mountable to the reinforcement beam in order to secure the audio actuator in place inside the vehicle body component in a manner that allows the audio actuator to vibrate adjacent surfaces of the vehicle body component for radiating sound signals.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting a door to a frame of a motor vehicle includes (a) a hinge bracket, having a first receiver and a second receiver, (b) a hinge pin pivotally connecting the door to the hinge bracket at the first receiver, (c) an actuator, having an output shaft, (d) a retention feature, connecting the output shaft to the hinge bracket at the second receiver, and (e) an actuator mounting feature securing the actuator to the door. A method of assembling an actuator in a hinge assembly that mounts a door to a frame of a motor vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a floor including a top panel and a bottom panel defining a cavity therebetween. At least one of the top panel and the bottom panel includes a polymeric material.

Abstract: A portable case for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a system including a portable case for UAV and an adapter for coupling the portable case to a vehicle are disclosed. An example system may include an exterior attachment disposed on an exterior of a vehicle, an adapter configured to couple a portable case for an UAV to the exterior attachment, and a moveable cover connected to the vehicle and configured to cover the portable case when the portable case is coupled to the vehicle. An example portable case may comprise a landing pad for the UAV, a bottom portion having the landing pad and configured to connect to the exterior attachment via the adapter, and a removable upper portion configured to be connected to the bottom portion when the bottom portion is disconnected from the at least one exterior attachment.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting a door to a frame of a motor vehicle includes (a) a hinge bracket, having a first receiver and a second receiver, (b) a hinge pin pivotally connecting the door to the hinge bracket at the first receiver, (c) an actuator, having an output shaft, (d) a retention feature, connecting the output shaft to the hinge bracket at the second receiver, and (e) an actuator mounting feature securing the actuator to the door. A method of assembling an actuator in a hinge assembly that mounts a door to a frame of a motor vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A mid-gate assembly includes a mid-gate and a first access panel received in the mid-gate. A window pocket extends through the mid-gate and the first access panel. Further, a window is displaceable between an extended position projecting from the mid-gate and a retracted position held in the window pocket.

Abstract: A compression molding assembly is provided. The compression molding assembly includes a lower assembly defining a cavity. The compression molding assembly also includes an upper assembly disposed opposite the lower assembly. The upper assembly defines a slotted interface having a slot extending into the upper assembly for receiving an out-of-plane portion of an insert component. The upper assembly further includes a magnetic locator pin for engaging an in-plane portion of the insert component.

Abstract: A side rail for a motor vehicle sub-frame includes (a) a first component having a first extrusion axis and (b) a second component having a second extrusion axis wherein the first and second components are joined with the first extrusion axis and the second extrusion axis forming an included angle of between 60 and 90 degrees.

Abstract: A cross member for a motor vehicle sub-frame includes (a) a hollow body having an extrusion axis and (b) a wall having a first edge and a second edge. The wall is positioned inside and extends across the hollow body with the first edge and the second edge joined to the hollow body.

Abstract: A mid-gate assembly includes a mid-gate and a first access panel received in the mid-gate. A window pocket extends through the mid-gate and the first access panel. Further, a window is displaceable between an extended position projecting from the mid-gate and a retracted position held in the window pocket.

Abstract: A one-piece shotgun is configured to absorb impact energy when a front of the vehicle is impacted. The shotgun comprises an upper portion, a mid portion, and a lower portion, the upper portion having an end configured to connect to a hinge pillar; and a Z-trigger formed by two indentations and being located adjacent the upper portion end. The indentations of the Z-trigger are located on an outer side and an inner side of the shotgun to cause substantially lateral bending when sufficient force is applied to the shotgun.

Abstract: A one-piece shotgun is configured to absorb impact energy when a front of the vehicle is impacted. The shotgun comprises an upper portion, a mid portion, and a lower portion, the upper portion having an end configured to connect to a hinge pillar; and a Z-trigger formed by two indentations and being located adjacent the upper portion end. The indentations of the Z-trigger are located on an outer side and an inner side of the shotgun to cause substantially lateral bending when sufficient force is applied to the shotgun.

Abstract: A one-piece shotgun is configured to absorb impact energy when a front of the vehicle is impacted. The shotgun comprises an upper portion, a mid portion, and a lower portion, the upper portion having an end configured to connect to a hinge pillar; and a Z-trigger formed by two indentations and being located adjacent the upper portion end. The indentations of the Z-trigger are located on an outer side and an inner side of the shotgun to cause substantially lateral bending when sufficient force is applied to the shotgun.

Abstract: A one-piece shotgun is configured to absorb impact energy when a front of the vehicle is impacted. The shotgun comprises an upper portion, a mid portion, and a lower portion, the upper portion having an end configured to connect to a hinge pillar; and a Z-trigger formed by two indentations and being located adjacent the upper portion end. The indentations of the Z-trigger are located on an outer side and an inner side of the shotgun to cause substantially lateral bending when sufficient force is applied to the shotgun.