Abstract: Systems and methods for directing and controlling air flow into an internal combustion engine are presented. In one example, an aluminum cylinder with two welded bearing holders is over molded with a short fiber reinforced polymer composite throttle body housing. The short fiber reinforced polymer composite throttle body housing may be welded to an engine intake manifold or it may be part of the engine intake manifold.

Abstract: A closed-form seatbelt retractor assembly includes a package tray having sidewalls that define an interior cavity. An aperture is disposed through at least one of the sidewalls. A bracket is connected to the package tray proximate the aperture to cover at least a portion of the aperture. A seatbelt retractor is secured to an interior surface of the bracket and disposed substantially entirely within the interior cavity.

Abstract: A closed-form seatbelt retractor assembly includes a package tray having sidewalls that define an interior cavity. An aperture is disposed through at least one of the sidewalls. A bracket is connected to the package tray proximate the aperture to cover at least a portion of the aperture. A seatbelt retractor is secured to an interior surface of the bracket and disposed substantially entirely within the interior cavity.

Abstract: As engines are developing more specific power than earlier versions, the engines move more severely in the engine compartment during torque changes than prior engines. A more robust system to retain engine ducts and tubes is desired, particularly for situations where one end of the duct is mounted to a sub-component in the engine compartment and another end to the engine. A bracketing system for a powerplant for a vehicle has an engine mounted to a vehicle frame via engine mounts, an air cleaner mounted to the vehicle frame, a duct fluidly coupling the air cleaner with the engine, a first bracket coupled to and wrapped around a portion of an engine component, and a second bracket coupled to the first bracket. The first bracket has an orifice for the tie straps to secure the engine coolant tubes and the second bracket is curved to accept the duct.

Abstract: A vehicle body includes a roof rail elongated along a longitudinal axis, and first and second bows each connected to the roof rail. A brace includes a base, a first arm and a second arm. The base is elongated along the longitudinal axis, with the first arm extending from the base along the first bow and fixed to the first bow, and the second arm spaced from the first arm and extending from the base along the second bow and fixed to the second bow.

Abstract: A package tray assembly of a vehicle includes a package tray panel and a Z-member. The package tray panel may be located adjacent a rear window cutout and defines a speaker cutout in a substantially central region of the panel, a first edge, and a second edge. The Z-member may be mounted to the panel adjacent the speaker cutout and spans across the panel from the first edge to the second edge, or from substantially the first edge to the second edge, to structurally reinforce the package tray panel and reduce vibration therein. The Z-member may be mounted to an under surface of the package tray panel and proximate a sunshade to reduce vibration within the sunshade resulting from activation of a speaker at least partially extending through the speaker cutout.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle has an underbody that includes a floor panel, a pair of laterally spaced side members affixed to opposing lateral side portions of the floor panel, a plurality of cross members affixed to and spanning the pair of side members, a longitudinal member affixed to and spanning two adjacent cross members, and a mounting element affixed to the longitudinal member. The longitudinal member is configured to transfer a load from the mounting element to the adjacent cross members.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle has an underbody that includes a floor panel, a pair of laterally spaced side members affixed to opposing lateral side portions of the floor panel, a plurality of cross members affixed to and spanning the pair of side members, a longitudinal member affixed to and spanning two adjacent cross members, and a mounting element affixed to the longitudinal member. The longitudinal member is configured to transfer a load from the mounting element to the adjacent cross members.

Abstract: Metamaterial members for absorbing sound and pressure, and modular systems built of metamaterial members are provided. The metamaterial member includes an outer mass. The outer mass can have a cavity formed therein in which a stem coupled to an inner mass is disposed, or the outer mass can be solid and contain an inner mass embedded therein. The inner mass can include an inner core and an outer shell. Multiple metamaterial members can be attached to form a modular system for absorption of sound and pressure.

Abstract: Metamatenal members for absorbing sound and pressure, and modular systems built of metamaterial members are provided. The metamaterial member includes an outer mass. The outer mass can have a cavity formed therein in which a stem coupled to an inner mass is disposed, or the outer mass can be solid and contain an inner mass embedded therein. The inner mass can include an inner core and an outer shell. Multiple metamaterial members can be attached to form a modular system for absorption of sound and pressure.