Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hybrid material panel assembly for a vehicle. The panel assembly includes a panel and a plurality of mounting flanges integrally formed with the panel. The panel is formed of a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The plurality of mounting flanges are formed of a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion, where each of the plurality of mounting flanges include a mounting area that defines a mounting surface and at least one mounting hole. The first coefficient of thermal expansion is greater than the second coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: An active air dam system comprises a mounting bracket for mounting beneath the vehicle; a linkage having an air dam mounting portion; and an air dam. The linkage moves between stored and deployed positions by a driver. The air dam is connected to the air dam mounting portion by a pivotal connector and a selectively releaseable connector, which cooperate to maintain a fixed relationship between the air dam and the air dam mounting portion. The selectively releaseable connector releases its connection in response to a force exceeding a threshold amount, thus enabling the air dam when striking an object in an active position thereof to pivot rearwardly. In another aspect, the active air dam system has a biasing structure for biasing the air dam forwardly about the pivotal connector, and is configured to enable the air dam to pivot rearwardly in response to a force applied thereto, thus enabling the air dam when striking an object in the active position thereof to pivot rearwardly and return pivoting forwardly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hybrid material panel assembly for a vehicle. The panel assembly includes a panel and a plurality of mounting flanges integrally formed with the panel. The panel is formed of a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The plurality of mounting flanges are formed of a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion, where each of the plurality of mounting flanges include a mounting area that defines a mounting surface and at least one mounting hole. The first coefficient of thermal expansion is greater than the second coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a body-in-white member having an inboard side and an outboard side, a reinforcing structure molded on the inboard side, and an energy absorbing structure molded on the outboard side. A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, providing a body-in-white member having an inboard side and an outboard side, molding a reinforcing structure on the inboard side, and molding an energy absorbing structure on the outboard side.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a body-in-white member having an inboard side and an outboard side, a reinforcing structure molded on the inboard side, and an energy absorbing structure molded on the outboard side. A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, providing a body-in-white member having an inboard side and an outboard side, molding a reinforcing structure on the inboard side, and molding an energy absorbing structure on the outboard side.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly is provided having an energy absorber, a bracket, a step pad and a bumper fascia. The energy absorber includes an upper horizontal surface wherein the upper horizontal surface may define a deformable structure. The deformable structure may be in the form of flexible fins. The bracket may be mounted to the vehicle frame on a first end of the bracket and the energy absorber affixed to a second end of the bracket. The step pad may be affixed to the energy absorber. The bumper fascia may be affixed to either or both the step pad and the energy absorber.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly is provided having an energy absorber, a bracket, a step pad and a bumper fascia. The energy absorber includes an upper horizontal surface wherein the upper horizontal surface may define a deformable structure. The deformable structure may be in the form of flexible fins. The bracket may be mounted to the vehicle frame on a first end of the bracket and the energy absorber affixed to a second end of the bracket. The step pad may be affixed to the energy absorber. The bumper fascia may be affixed to either or both the step pad and the energy absorber.

Abstract: The a blind spot monitor arrangement for a truck bumper includes a polymeric bumper reinforcement having a blind spot monitor, a substantially horizontal surface, a substantially vertical face and a lower reinforcement arm. The lower reinforcement arm is substantially parallel to the substantially parallel horizontal surface. The lower reinforcement arm is integral to and connecting a lower end of the rear face to the lower end of the right face. A blind spot monitor is further mounted to the integrated sensor bracket and a bumper cover encloses the blind spot monitor and the polymeric bumper reinforcement.

Abstract: The a blind spot monitor arrangement for a truck bumper includes a polymeric bumper reinforcement having a blind spot monitor, a substantially horizontal surface, a substantially vertical face and a lower reinforcement arm. The lower reinforcement arm is substantially parallel to the substantially parallel horizontal surface. The lower reinforcement arm is integral to and connecting a lower end of the rear face to the lower end of the right face. A blind spot monitor is further mounted to the integrated sensor bracket and a bumper cover encloses the blind spot monitor and the polymeric bumper reinforcement.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly includes a polymeric support structure and a metal cover. The polymeric support structure may be one piece or a multi-piece component. The polymeric support structure includes a plurality of ribs formed on a substantially vertical wall. The chrome-plated metal cover is disposed on the one-piece polymeric support structure.