Abstract: An energy absorbing restraint device for a clamp system is disclosed. The clamp system can include a releasable clamp having first and second ends, a securing mechanism connecting the ends and facilitating clamping and release of the clamp, and a restraint device for containing the clamp after release. An energy absorbing member supported about the restraint device can be configured to interface with the releasable clamp to dissipate the impact energy of the releasable clamp and decrease the magnitude of impact shock about the restraint device as created by the release of the clamp.

Abstract: A method of simulating a vehicle impact that involves generating a first finite element model of the vehicle, a multi-body model, and a partial vehicle finite element model. The method also involves generating a coupled model that includes at least a portion of the multi-body model and at least a portion of the partial vehicle finite element model. Additionally, the method includes running at least one impact simulation with the coupled model to thereby identify the effects of the impact on the vehicle and/or the occupant.

Abstract: A method of simulating a vehicle impact that involves generating a first finite element model of the vehicle, a multi-body model, and a partial vehicle finite element model. The method also involves generating a coupled model that includes at least a portion of the multi-body model and at least a portion of the partial vehicle finite element model. Additionally, the method includes running at least one impact simulation with the coupled model to thereby identify the effects of the impact on the vehicle and/or the occupant.

Abstract: Restraining a spare wheel in a vehicular floor recession during a vehicle rear impact event is accomplished by securing a connection member from a first anchoring location outside of the recession to a second location within the floor recession. The spare wheel lies in the recession and a threaded bolt attached to the floor under the spare wheel passes through the center hole of the spare wheel. The threaded bolt also passes through a spare wheel holding plate that resides on the spare wheel hub to distribute a holding force from the plate to the circumference of the hub created by screwing a threaded wing nut onto the bolt passing through the holding plate. Since the belt passes from the wheel center to a location outside of the wheel's perimeter, the wheel and tire are securely restrained during the transmission of forces during a vehicular rear impact event.

Abstract: Restraining a spare wheel in a vehicular floor recession during a vehicle rear impact event is accomplished by securing a connection member from a first anchoring location outside of the recession to a second location within the floor recession. The spare wheel lies in the recession and a threaded bolt attached to the floor under the spare wheel passes through the center hole of the spare wheel. The threaded bolt also passes through a spare wheel holding plate that resides on the spare wheel hub to distribute a holding force from the plate to the circumference of the hub created by screwing a threaded wing nut onto the bolt passing through the holding plate. Since the belt passes from the wheel center to a location outside of the wheel's perimeter, the wheel and tire are securely restrained during the transmission of forces during a vehicular rear impact event.