Abstract: A cowl assembly for a vehicle is provided with integrated water management without the need for drainage grommets or hoses. The cowl assembly includes at least one cowl panel disposed adjacent a rear section of an engine compartment and extending a distance across a transverse width direction of the vehicle. A cowl insulator component is disposed adjacent to the cowl panel, also extending across the transverse width direction of the vehicle. At least one region of a major surface of the cowl insulator component is provided with a fluid resistant barrier layer configured to route fluid in a direction away from the engine compartment.

Abstract: A cowl assembly for a vehicle is provided with integrated water management without the need for drainage grommets or hoses. The cowl assembly includes at least one cowl panel disposed adjacent a rear section of an engine compartment and extending a distance across a transverse width direction of the vehicle. A cowl insulator component is disposed adjacent to the cowl panel, also extending across the transverse width direction of the vehicle. At least one region of a major surface of the cowl insulator component is provided with a fluid resistant barrier layer configured to route fluid in a direction away from the engine compartment.

Abstract: Side curtain airbag assemblies for use inside motor vehicles and methods of preparing airbag assemblies are described herein that allow for the deployment of a curtain with varying trajectory. The curtain may be attached to an inflator that is configured to rapidly inflate the curtain from a folded condition to a deployed condition upon signals generated from an activation event, such as a collision or vehicle roll-over. The trajectory of the curtain can be defined as the direction of the curtain being inflated in relation to other components of a vehicle. Different portions of the curtain may have different fold configurations, allowing for tuning of the trajectory upon deployment of each distinct portion of the curtain.

Abstract: Airbag protection shields are disclosed that comprise an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the shield is configured to attach to a vehicle headliner assembly and cover a portion of at least one vehicle component in the headliner assembly, the at least one vehicle component being positioned such that a nearby airbag may contact the at least one vehicle component upon deployment. The protection shields may be configured to protect a headliner assembling containing air ducts and air vents.

Abstract: An energy absorber for improving passenger safety in a vehicle during an impact to the vehicle, the energy absorber comprising a hollow body having a base defining a proximal end of the body, the base being configured to affix the body to a portion of the vehicle, the body further including a sidewall extending from the base and terminating in a distal end of the body, the sidewall having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface including a portion defining an interior step transition, the exterior surface including a portion defining an exterior step transition, the interior and exterior step transitions being provided at locations axially offset from each other along the sidewall.

Abstract: Side curtain airbag assemblies for use inside motor vehicles and methods of preparing airbag assemblies are described herein that allow for the deployment of a curtain with varying trajectory. The curtain may be attached to an inflator that is configured to rapidly inflate the curtain from a folded condition to a deployed condition upon signals generated from an activation event, such as a collision or vehicle roll-over. The trajectory of the curtain can be defined as the direction of the curtain being inflated in relation to other components of a vehicle. Different portions of the curtain may have different fold configurations, allowing for tuning of the trajectory upon deployment of each distinct portion of the curtain.

Abstract: Airbag protection shields are disclosed that comprise an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the shield is configured to attach to a vehicle headliner assembly and cover a portion of at least one vehicle component in the headliner assembly, the at least one vehicle component being positioned such that a nearby airbag may contact the at least one vehicle component upon deployment. The protection shields may be configured to protect a headliner assembling containing air ducts and air vents.

Abstract: A trim assembly covering an airbag in a vehicle. The trim assembly includes a trim panel having an A-side surface and a C-side surface opposite of the A-side surface. Portions of the trim panel define an aperture through which a trim component is mounted, including a bezel and a backplate, with the bezel engaging the A-side surface of the trim panel, generally about the aperture. A backplate of the trim component includes a central portion and a flange extending from the central portion in surface-to-surface engagement with the C-side surface of the trim panel. The flange includes a plurality of projections formed on its surface so as to penetrate into the trim panel through the C-side surface. During activation of the airbag, the trim panel is displaced to permit deployment of the airbag, and the projections operate to retain the trim component in engagement with the trim panel.

Abstract: A trim assembly covering an airbag in a vehicle. The trim assembly includes a trim panel having an A-side surface and a C-side surface opposite of the A-side surface. Portions of the trim panel define an aperture through which a trim component is mounted, including a bezel and a backplate, with the bezel engaging the A-side surface of the trim panel, generally about the aperture. A backplate of the trim component includes a central portion and a flange extending from the central portion in surface-to-surface engagement with the C-side surface of the trim panel. The flange includes a plurality of projections formed on its surface so as to penetrate into the trim panel through the C-side surface. During activation of the airbag, the trim panel is displaced to permit deployment of the airbag, and the projections operate to retain the trim component in engagement with the trim panel.

Abstract: An energy absorber for improving passenger safety in a vehicle during an impact to the vehicle, the energy absorber comprising a hollow body having a base defining a proximal end of the body, the base being configured to affix the body to a portion of the vehicle, the body further including a sidewall extending from the base and terminating in a distal end of the body, the sidewall having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface including a portion defining an interior step transition, the exterior surface including a portion defining an exterior step transition, the interior and exterior step transitions being provided at locations axially offset from each other along the sidewall.

Abstract: Airbags including hingedly affixed non-inflatable support members and vehicles including such airbags are disclosed. An airbag includes a body portion, a non-inflatable support member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a tether having a support-member-end and an airbag-end. The proximal end of the non-inflatable support member is hingedly affixed to the body portion of the airbag. The support-member-end of the tether is affixed to the distal end of the non-inflatable support member and the airbag-end of the tether is affixed to the body portion of the airbag, thereby tethering the distal end of the non-inflatable support member to the airbag. When the airbag is in a pre-deployment state, the distal end of the non-inflatable support member does not extend beyond a perimeter of the airbag. The non-inflatable support member extends beyond the perimeter of the airbag in a deployed position.