Abstract: A method of forming a vehicle component, particularly an elongated impact beam, having an open section structure, in a manner to provide predetermined strategically strengthened portions, comprising the steps of cold forming unhardened steel into a workpiece having mounting surfaces, selectively fixturing the mounting surfaces, static induction heating the workpiece with lengthwise surface eddy currents on selected portions, followed by quenching of the fixtured heated workpiece to form strengthened portions, and unfixturing the resulting component. Also disclosed is apparatus to accomplish this, and the resulting novel vehicle component.

Abstract: A method of forming a vehicle component, particularly an elongated impact beam, having an open section structure, in a manner to provide predetermined strategically strengthened portions, comprising the steps of cold forming unhardened steel into a workpiece having mounting surfaces, selectively fixturing the mounting surfaces, static induction heating the workpiece with lengthwise surface eddy currents on selected portions, followed by quenching of the fixtured heated workpiece to form strengthened portions, and unfixturing the resulting component. Also disclosed is apparatus to accomplish this, and the resulting novel vehicle component.

Abstract: A method of forming a vehicle component, particularly an elongated impact beam, having an open section structure, in a manner to provide predetermined strategically strengthened portions, comprising the steps of cold forming unhardened steel into a workpiece having mounting surfaces, selectively fixturing the mounting surfaces, static induction heating the workpiece with lengthwise surface eddy currents on selected portions, followed by quenching of the fixtured heated workpiece to form strengthened portions, and unfixturing the resulting component. Also disclosed is apparatus to accomplish this, and the resulting novel vehicle component.

Abstract: An energy absorbing impact system is designed for vehicle bumpers and the like, and includes a base member connected with a vehicle frame, and having a central opening therein. An impact receiving member is spaced apart from the base member, and is connected with a vehicle bumper. An invertible, tubular energy absorbing crush member is positioned between the base and impact receiving member, and includes a generally square lateral cross-sectional shape, with flat face portions disposed between opposite corner portions.

Abstract: A channeled energy absorption unit for a vehicle bumper impact system to absorb impact energy and forestall or minimize damage to vehicle frame rails under impact. The basic embodiment is a tube with one end flared and welded at a hole in one end plate or directly to the vehicle frame rail. When loaded axially, the tube splits, peels and is inverted to absorb impact in a generally square wave energy absorption. Preferred channels in the tube stabilize the failure mode during this process to assure a predetermined energy absorption characteristic.