Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly includes an adaptive energy absorption module operatively connected to a vehicle bumper body. The adaptive energy absorption module includes a primary deformable impact absorber member defining a primary impact chamber having a shape that is structurally adaptive or otherwise conforms to an impact force received by the bumper body. A secondary deformable impact absorber member is arranged in the primary impact chamber and defines a secondary impact chamber containing a shear thickening fluid that exhibits a decreasing viscosity responsive to the impact force. A plurality of fluidically connected tertiary deformable impact absorber members are arranged in an array the primary impact chamber and defines a plurality of tertiary impact chambers containing a volume of fluid, and has a shape that is structurally adaptive to the impact force.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly includes an adaptive energy absorption module operatively connected to a vehicle bumper body. The adaptive energy absorption module includes a primary deformable impact absorber member defining a primary impact chamber having a shape that is structurally adaptive or otherwise conforms to an impact force received by the bumper body. A secondary deformable impact absorber member is arranged in the primary impact chamber and defines a secondary impact chamber containing a shear thickening fluid that exhibits a decreasing viscosity responsive to the impact force. A plurality of fluidically connected tertiary deformable impact absorber members are arranged in an array the primary impact chamber and defines a plurality of tertiary impact chambers containing a volume of fluid, and has a shape that is structurally adaptive to the impact force.

Abstract: Systems and methods of a seatbelt with head restraint are provided. A seatbelt assembly for a vehicle may include a plurality of airbags and an electrostatic clutch to control a deployment of the plurality of airbags. The electrostatic clutch may be operable to limit a movement of the plurality of airbags relative to each other to define a deployment shape of the airbags. Associated vehicles including the seatbelt assembly are provided. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for limiting transmission of vibrations and forces causing vibrations from one element to another are provided. A vibration isolator may include a compressible inner member and an outer member compressible with the inner member. The outer member may be positioned at least partially around the inner member to provide lateral support to the inner member. The outer member may maintain a consistent diameter and compression force when in a compressed state. The outer member may include a tube with a zero or near-zero Poisson's ratio.

Abstract: An apparatus includes at least two disk spring washers, at least one ring-shaped outer spacer coupled to the outer edges of one or two of the disk spring washers, and at least one ring-shaped inner spacer coupled to the inner edges of one or two of the disk spring washers. The apparatus also includes a central shaft concentric with the disk spring washers, the outer spacers, and the inner spacers. The apparatus also includes a bottom attachment portion coupled to the bottom of the central shaft to support the at least two disk spring washers, and a top attachment portion configured to slide vertically along the central shaft. The top attachment portion is configured to, with an application of a downward force, compress the at least two disk spring washers.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a vibration isolator which incorporates at least two disk spring washers. Each disk spring washer has at least one ring-shaped outer spacer coupled to the outer edges of one or two of the disk spring washers, and at least one ring-shaped inner spacer coupled to the inner edges of one or two of the disk spring washers. A bottom attachment portion supports the disk spring washers, and a top attachment portion, with an application of a downward preload force, compresses the disk spring washers. A compression fixture applies and holds the preload force to the top attachment portion, and a second top attachment portion, with application of an additional downward force, further compresses the at least two disk spring washers.

Abstract: An electronics system may include a substrate, an electronic device bonded to the substrate, a plurality of photoluminescent particles disposed on the electronic device, an illuminator, a sensor, and a control module. The illuminator can illuminate the electronic device. The sensor can capture a first set of positions of the photoluminescent particles on the electronic device when the electronic device is not operating under a load and a second set of positions of the photoluminescent particles when the electronic device is operating under a load. The control module can determine thermomechanical stress on the electronic device based at least in part on a difference between the first set of positions and the second set of positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle comprising a wheel with an associated air-cooled motor, and a ventilation path for passing outside air from outside the vehicle into the motor. An electrostatic device is disposed proximate to the ventilation path. When the electrostatic device is energized, particles or debris in the outside air are attracted toward or repelled from the electrostatic device, such that the particles or debris are removed from the outside air before the outside air enters the motor.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a first seat component such as a seat pan or seat frame, and a second seat component such as a seat back. The first seat component is rotatably coupled to the second seat component by a rotatable coupling, and a laterally oriented vibration isolator is positioned between the first seat component and the second seat component at the rotatable coupling. Transmission of vibration from the first seat component to the second seat component through the rotatable coupling is suppressed by the vibration isolator. In some cases, the vibration isolator is a quazi-zero-stiffness (QZS) isolator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for limiting transmission of vibrations and forces causing vibrations from one element to another are provided. A vibration isolator may include a compressible inner member and an outer member compressible with the inner member. The outer member may be positioned at least partially around the inner member to provide lateral support to the inner member. The outer member may maintain a consistent diameter and compression force when in a compressed state. The outer member may include a tube with a zero or near-zero Poisson's ratio.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator includes a bistable shape memory alloy strip having openings. The bistable shape memory alloy strip having a straight stable state and a curled stable state. The shape memory alloy actuator further includes a shape memory alloy wire located along a side of the bistable shape memory alloy strip. The shape memory alloy wire contracts from heat exposure with each end secured to one of the plurality of openings of the bistable shape memory alloy strip.

Abstract: An electronics system may include a substrate, an electronic device bonded to the substrate, a plurality of photoluminescent particles disposed on the electronic device, an illuminator, a sensor, and a control module. The illuminator can illuminate the electronic device. The sensor can capture a first set of positions of the photoluminescent particles on the electronic device when the electronic device is not operating under a load and a second set of positions of the photoluminescent particles when the electronic device is operating under a load. The control module can determine thermomechanical stress on the electronic device based at least in part on a difference between the first set of positions and the second set of positions.

Abstract: Seats in vehicles may include a seat cushion having a seating surface, a vibration isolation structure and a foam structure, with the seating surface configured to support an occupant. The seat cushion may include either a seat bottom or a seat back, with the vibration isolation structure configured to evenly distribute forces exerted by the occupant. The vibration isolation structure may include a plurality of individual lattice blocks. The plurality of individual lattice blocks may occupy a pattern based on a spatial weight distribution of an average-sized occupant or a pattern based on a spatial weight distribution tailored for a specific occupant. The plurality of individual lattice blocks may cooperate to provide the even pressure distribution against forces exerted by the occupant. The vibration isolation structure may isolate vibration in a range from about 0.5 Hz to about 5.0 Hz.

Abstract: Seats in vehicles may include a seat cushion having a seating surface, a vibration isolation structure and a foam structure, with the seating surface configured to support an occupant. The seat cushion may include either a seat bottom or a seat back, with the vibration isolation structure configured to evenly distribute forces exerted by the occupant. The vibration isolation structure may include a plurality of individual lattice blocks. The plurality of individual lattice blocks may occupy a pattern based on a spatial weight distribution of an average-sized occupant or a pattern based on a spatial weight distribution tailored for a specific occupant. The plurality of individual lattice blocks may cooperate to provide the even pressure distribution against forces exerted by the occupant. The vibration isolation structure may isolate vibration in a range from about 0.5 Hz to about 5.0 Hz.