Abstract: A knitted structure is configured for heat generation and distribution. In some embodiments, the knitted structure includes a knitted fabric including a first knitted layer and a second knitted layer opposite the first knitted layer. The first knitted layer has a first thermal conductivity. The second knitted layer has a second thermal conductivity. The second thermal conductivity is greater than the first thermal conductivity to facilitate heat transfer toward the first knitted layer. The knitted structure may further include a plurality of electrodes at least partially disposed inside the knitted fabric. Each of the plurality of electrodes is configured to generate heat within the knitted fabric upon receipt of electrical energy in order to distribute heat along the knitted structure and toward the first knitted layer.

Abstract: A seat structure is configured to support an occupant. The seat structure includes a suspension. A seat cushion is arranged adjacent to the suspension. The seat cushion defines a plurality of variable effective property regions. At least one of the plurality of variable effective property regions includes a regular periodic lattice structure.

Abstract: A knitted structure is configured for heat generation and distribution. In some embodiments, the knitted structure includes a knitted fabric including a first knitted layer and a second knitted layer opposite the first knitted layer. The first knitted layer has a first thermal conductivity. The second knitted layer has a second thermal conductivity. The second thermal conductivity is greater than the first thermal conductivity to faciliate heat transfer toward the first knitted layer. The knitted structure may further include a plurality of electrodes at least partially disposed inside the knitted fabric. Each of the plurality of electrodes is configured to generate heat within the knitted fabric upon receipt of electrical energy in order to distribute heat along the knitted structure and toward the first knitted layer.

Abstract: A seat structure is configured to support an occupant. The seat structure includes a suspension. A seat cushion is arranged adjacent to the suspension. The seat cushion defines a plurality of variable effective property regions. At least one of the plurality of variable effective property regions includes a regular periodic lattice structure.

Abstract: A support assembly formed by an additive manufacturing process using a printing head includes a trim member. A body includes multiple layers of at least one polymeric material applied onto the trim member via the printing head. The multiple layers each have multiple resilient polymeric material elements. A protective and abrasion resistant polymeric material cover is applied over the body using the printing head. At least one structural element is positioned in the body by operation of the printing head. At least one sensor is positioned in the body. At least one passage is formed within the body by selective omission of the at least one polymeric material from the printing head as the printing head displaces during the additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A technique for welding two dissimilar metal panels or structures together, such as vehicle structures, by providing a sandwich structure between the dissimilar metal structures that includes one skin being made of the same metal as one of the metal structures and an opposing skin being made of the same metal as the other metal structure, and including an electrically non-conducting core between the skins.

Abstract: A vehicle structural member, such as a rocker panel, including a micro-truss core. The structural member includes specially configured and opposing outer panels that are welded together to define a channel therein, where the micro-truss core is placed in one of the panels or is fabricated to one of the panels during the micro-truss fabrication process before the panels are secured together. The micro-truss core can include separate individual sections, where each section has a tailored stiffness for that location in the member, or the micro-truss core can be a continuous core, where different sections along the length of the core are fabricated with different stiffnesses.

Abstract: A method for providing localized stiffening of a vehicle trim panel using a plurality of discrete stiffening elements. The method includes selectively placing one or more of the discrete stiffening elements on the panel and then bonding the stiffening elements to the panel.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a panel comprising a skin and an interior wherein the interior comprises a microtruss.

Abstract: A process for reinforcing a trim panel for a vehicle using one or more micro-truss reinforcement patches. Each micro-truss reinforcement patch is secured to an inner surface of a show surface panel of the trim panel while it is in a partially cured state and then fully cured. The micro-truss patch is fusion bonded to the panel.

Abstract: A technique for providing localized stiffening of a vehicle trim panel, especially for high curvature areas. The vehicle trim panel includes an outer panel having an outer show surface and an inner surface. A plurality of discrete reinforcement elements are bonded to the inner surface of the outer panel at locations where localized stiffening is desired. The discrete elements can come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, where the combination of elements and the number of elements is selected for a particular trim panel stiffness.

Abstract: A technique for welding two dissimilar metal panels or structures together, such as vehicle structures, by providing a sandwich structure between the dissimilar metal structures that includes one skin being made of the same metal as one of the metal structures and an opposing skin being made of the same metal as the other metal structure, and including an electrically non-conducting core between the skins.

Abstract: A vehicle structural member, such as a rocker panel, including a micro-truss core. The structural member includes specially configured and opposing outer panels that are welded together to define a channel therein, where the micro-truss core is placed in one of the panels or is fabricated to one of the panels during the micro-truss fabrication process before the panels are secured together. The micro-truss core can include separate individual sections, where each section has a tailored stiffness for that location in the member, or the micro-truss core can be a continuous core, where different sections along the length of the core are fabricated with different stiffnesses.

Abstract: A technique for providing localized stiffening of a vehicle trim panel, especially for high curvature areas. The vehicle trim panel includes an outer panel having an outer show surface and an inner surface. A plurality of discrete reinforcement elements are bonded to the inner surface of the outer panel at locations where localized stiffening is desired. The discrete elements can come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, where the combination of elements and the number of elements is selected for a particular trim panel stiffness.

Abstract: A process for reinforcing a trim panel for a vehicle using one or more micro-truss reinforcement patches. Each micro-truss reinforcement patch is secured to an inner surface of a show surface panel of the trim panel while it is in a partially cured state and then fully cured. The micro-truss patch is fusion bonded to the panel.

Abstract: A method for providing localized stiffening of a vehicle trim panel using a plurality of discrete stiffening elements. The method includes selectively placing one or more of the discrete stiffening elements on the panel and then bonding the stiffening elements to the panel.

Abstract: A panel assembly including a panel having an outer show surface and an inner surface and at least one micro-truss reinforcement patch secured to the inner surface of the panel. The micro-truss patch includes a micro-truss structure having cured and interconnected.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a structure including an exterior panel defining an opening, and a grab bar. The grab bar is moveable relative to the exterior panel. A first linkage system and a second linkage system interconnect the grab bar and the structure. A drive assembly is coupled to the first linkage system and the second linkage system to move the grab bar between an extended position and a retracted position. The drive assembly includes a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator that contracts in response to a control signal, to move the grab bar. A seal may be provided to seal between the grab bar and the structure. A heating element may provide a thermal load to heat the grab bar, a seal surrounding the grab bar, or both.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a structure including an exterior panel defining an opening, and a grab bar. The grab bar is moveable relative to the exterior panel. A first linkage system and a second linkage system interconnect the grab bar and the structure. A drive assembly is coupled to the first linkage system and the second linkage system to move the grab bar between an extended position and a retracted position. The drive assembly includes a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator that contracts in response to a control signal, to move the grab bar. A seal may be provided to seal between the grab bar and the structure. A heating element may provide a thermal load to heat the grab bar, a seal surrounding the grab bar, or both.

Abstract: A method of bonding a first panel made of a first material to a second panel made of a second material is provided. The method includes creating a second panel hole in the second panel at a weld location. An insert composed of the first material is inserted into the second panel hole in the second panel. At least a portion of the insert is fittable in the second panel hole and sized to correspond to the second panel hole. The first panel and the insert are welded together at the weld location, thereby bonding the first and second panels. In one embodiment, the first and second panels are placed between the first and second electrodes of a welding gun. A force is applied to clamp the insert and the first panel between the first and second electrodes and a welding current is delivered. A bonded structure is provided.