Abstract: Damped structures with isolators such as, for example, total vehicles, are analyzed and automatically optimized using a model representing the structure, the model possibly consisting of both rigid and flexible components, together with initial values for isolator design variables, a set of design constraints, and an optimization criterion. Each isolator may have frequency dependent or frequency independent parameters. Excitations may come from a combination of internal and external sources that may be expressed as deterministic or random functions. Finite element modeling is used to determine eigenvectors of flexible finite element components. A total system model is obtained using the rigid component parameters, eigenvectors of flexible components, and spring-damping parameters of isolators. Vibration analysis using the total system model yields system frequency responses and an optimization function.

Abstract: A system for self-aligning a headlamp of a vehicle, the system comprises at least one actuator which modifies an alignment of the headlamp in response to a control signal. An infrared light source is mounted to the headlamp to emit an infrared light beam toward a ground surface. An optical sensor system is oriented to sense a reflection of the infrared light beam from the ground surface. The optical sensor system has a plurality of optical sensors to sense a plurality of infrared light intensities from the reflection. A control circuit is operatively responsive to the optical sensor system to form the control signal for the at least one actuator. The control signal acts to modify the alignment of the headlamp so that the infrared light intensities satisfy at least one predetermined condition consistent with a desired alignment of the headlamp to thereby automatically align the headlamp to the desired alignment.