Abstract: A quick connect fluid conduit connector includes male and female connector components that releasably engage with each other to fluidically connect two fluid conduits. The female connector component defines a receptacle for receiving a distal end of the male connector component, and a latch in the female connector component is configured to engage with a latch catch groove on the male connector component to reliably secure these components together in a sealed coupling. The latch is a unitary piece having a large release button integrally formed with multiple spring arms, thereby simplifying assembly of the fluid conduit connector and providing redundancy against failure modes. In addition, the female connector component may also include a lock mechanism engaged with the latch for providing additional protection against unintentional disconnection of the male and female connector components.

Abstract: A fluid coupling having an outer housing with an internal bore, an O-ring fitted within the bore, a spacer bushing fitted against the O-ring, a gripper ring fitted against the axially outer side of the spacer ring, the gripper ring having axially and radially inwardly protruding circumferentially spaced gripping teeth, and an end bushing holding the gripper ring, spacer bushing, and O-ring within the outer housing. A second gripper ring and a second spacer ring are used in some embodiments.

Abstract: A composite sliding gasket for joints of high-pressure pipes is basically formed by a rubber part and by a rigid ring—having the function of flange—that is designed to draw the gasket itself from a resting position or seat to a working position or seat by an external pipe or hole that is axially fitted on an internal pipe or barbed fitting. Compression of the rubber part of the gasket, which guarantees fluid tightness, is obtained thanks to the presence of a purposely provided conical area pre-arranged on the barbed fitting between the resting seat and the working seat. The gasket includes a rubber ring fixedly coupled to a coaxial flange made of rigid material of plastic or metal or other suitable material, the gasket being designed to seal a coupling with play between the internal pipe and the hole within which a pressurized fluid can flow.

Abstract: A fire hose coupling includes a substantially annular body having a first end adapted to connect to a fire hose and a second end having male threads. The annular body has a central bore. The coupling includes circumferentially spaced-apart lugs extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the first end of the body. The coupling further includes a protective shoulder extending radially outwardly from the body between the male threads and the lugs. The protective shoulder has an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the male threads to thereby protect the male threads.

Abstract: A connector component is provided for assembly into a torch. The connector component comprises a body that includes a proximal end and a distal end disposed along a longitudinal axis. At least two thread regions are disposed radially about the longitudinal axis on a surface of the body near the proximal end. Each thread region includes at least two parallel threads disposed on the surface of the body. In addition, at least two smooth regions are each disposed radially about the longitudinal axis between a pair of thread regions on the surface of the body.

Abstract: A technique for providing electric power to an electric power utility grid includes driving an electric power alternator coupled to the grid with a spark-ignited or direct injection internal combustion engine; detecting a change in electrical loading of the alternator; in response to the change, adjusting parameters of the engine and/or generator to adjust power provided by the engine. In one further forms of this technique, the adjusting of parameters for the engine includes retarding spark timing and/or interrupting the spark ignition; reducing or retarding direct injection timing or fuel amount and/or interrupting the direct injection; and/or the adjusting of parameters for the generator including increasing the field of the alternator or adding an electrical load.

Abstract: A system and method to preemptively adjust power generation of one or more non-wind power generators based on near term wind generation capability, spinning reserve margin, and/or power grid spinning reserve forecast requirements to offset wind power generation based on geospatial regional wind conditions.

Abstract: A method is provided for damping an oscillatory movement of a nacelle of a wind turbine. The nacelle is attached to a tower of the wind turbine. The method involves rotating the nacelle about a yawing axis with a yawing speed, the yawing axis being aligned with a longitudinal axis of the tower, changing the yawing speed, and coordinating the yawing speed with the oscillatory movement such that a torque resulting from the change of the yawing speed damps the oscillatory movement of the nacelle of the tower.

Abstract: A wind turbine-permanent magnet synchronous generator (WT-PMSG) system includes a variable speed permanent magnet synchronous generator and utilizes a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) connected on the grid side of the system. A PI/PID controller is designed to apply modulation index control signals to the generator side-converter since the modulation index of the generator side-converter has been determined to have the higher controllability to damp the oscillatory modes of the system when the STATCOM is located at the grid side converter. The controller gains are tuned through a frequency based optimization procedure. This configuration dampens voltage instabilities to provide LVRT compliance.

Abstract: A method of controlling a wind turbine in response to an overvoltage event in an electricity grid to which the wind turbine is connected is provided, which method includes the steps of controlling at least one auxiliary device to increase its consumption of reactive power, wherein an auxiliary device is a device used during normal operation of the wind turbine; and/or controlling at least one reactive power generating device to decrease its generation of reactive power, wherein a reactive power generating device is a device that generates reactive power during normal operation of the wind turbine. An overvoltage response arrangement adapted for controlling a wind turbine in response to an overvoltage event in an electricity grid to which the wind turbine is connected is also provided. A wind turbine having an overvoltage response arrangement and a wind park are also provided.

Abstract: An electric power generator for placement inline with a conduit comprises a substantially cylindrical housing defining a non-magnetic elongated chamber configured to be coupled to the conduit so that a fluid flowing in the conduit flows through the elongated chamber, an impeller defining a central channel disposed in the elongated chamber and an inner surface of the central channel having a plurality of blade members shaping fluid flow in the central channel, where the impeller further including a matrix of permanent magnets secured to an exterior surface wall. The generator further comprises a copper coil assembly coupled to the substantially cylindrical housing and comprising a plurality of copper coils arranged circumferentially about the cylindrical housing, and configured to interact with the matrix of permanent magnets to generate electricity when the impeller rotates due to fluid flowing in the central channel and acting on the blade members.

Abstract: A system and method are providing for generating green energy from a tidal body of water. When a first arm is in a raised position and a second arm is in a lowered position, a valve in the bottom of a tank at approximately high tide level opens to fill a first container on the end of the first arm and a valve in the bottom of a second container on the second arm opens to empty the second container. When the first container is full and the second container is empty, the first arm falls and the second arm rises. Another valve in the bottom of the tank opens to fill the second container and a valve in the bottom of the first container opens to empty the first container. The arms are connected to a crankshaft to power a device.

Abstract: Systems include buoys, tethers, and power take-off (PTO) modules to generate electrical energy from the mechanical energy of ocean waves.

Abstract: An infrastructure arrangement for use in an underwater power generation installation includes a support structure adapted for engagement with a bed of a body of water, and an infrastructure module adapted to house infrastructure equipment for connection to power generating units of the installation. The infrastructure module is releasably engageable with the support structure.

Abstract: The invention is a power generator using fluid flow. The apparatus includes a columnar article extending perpendicularly from a base, one or more fixture points adjacent the base, one or more attachment cords extending from the fixture points to columnar article, and one or more power generators carried by the fixture points and attached to the cords. In the absence of fluid flow, the columnar article resides in a rest position, perpendicular to the base. In the presence of fluid flow, the columnar article flexes to a flexed position away from the rest position. When the columnar article flexes from the rest position to the flexed position in response to fluid flow, power is generated by the movement of the attachment cord for use by a power consuming, a power storing, or a power transmitting device.

Abstract: Typically, solar power electrical generation is restricted by the physical dimensions of the solar collector and/or the reflecting materials used to redirect the solar energy toward the collector. This system provides a method to remove the size restriction of a solar collector by utilizing a reservoir, such as a body of water, to collect the total solar energy absorbed by the reservoir and convert its accumulated thermal energy into electrical power. The system uses the temperature difference between the reservoir and the surrounding air to extract the energy.

Abstract: Heat engine systems having selectively configurable working fluid circuits are provided. One heat engine system includes a pump that circulates a working fluid through a working fluid circuit and an expander that receives the working fluid from a high pressure side of the working fluid circuit and converts a pressure drop in the working fluid to mechanical energy. A plurality of waste heat exchangers are each selectively positioned in or isolated from the high pressure side. A plurality of recuperators are each selectively positioned in or isolated from the high pressure side and the low pressure side. A plurality of valves are actuated to enable selective control over which of the plurality of waste heat exchangers is positioned in the high pressure side, which of the plurality of recuperators is positioned in the high pressure side, and which of the plurality of recuperators is positioned in the low pressure side.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for improved systems, apparatus and methods whereby electrical energy may be generated by the action of the user of the apparatus while, for example, walking, running or other activity that places the user's weight alternately on each heel and/or toe in sequence.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a motor vehicle lock for a motor vehicle door arrangement, wherein a pivotable catch and an inlet mouth for a lock striker are provided, wherein the catch can be brought into at least one closed position and into at least one open position, wherein the catch as such in its closed position may hold the lock striker by a holding engagement between the catch and the lock striker and in its open position may release the lock striker, wherein during a closing cycle the lock striker comes into an actuating engagement with the motor vehicle lock such that the catch moves from its open position into its closed position.

Abstract: A safety stop mechanism for an automated storage library in which a connector has first and second ends. The first end is configured to contact a door of the automated storage library when the door is in at least a first position. A safety stop is connected to the second end of the connector and adapted to move from a down position to an up position. The safety stop is in the down position when the door is in the first position allowing for travel of the robotic accessor over the safety stop.

Abstract: A closure panel latch assembly can include an overslam bumper mechanism comprising a biasing element as a spring formed from a metallic material positioned relative to a slot of the latch assembly. The biasing element resists entry of a striker into the slot beyond a selected position in order to inhibit contact of the striker with a bottom end of the slot. Also provided is a closure panel latch assembly configured with the biasing element as a resilient element positioned relative to the slot of the latch assembly; The biasing element is coupled to the striker engagement member, such that the striker engagement member is positioned to engage the striker and resist travel of the striker towards the bottom end, wherein the biasing element controls the resistance to movement of the striker engagement member by the striker.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism is disclosed that produces high travel advantage in one phase of linear actuator motion and high mechanical advantage in another phase of linear actuator motion. The linkage mechanism may be powered by a hydraulic actuator system and is capable of producing high preloads and a high amount of travel with minimal actuator motion or force. The linkage mechanism may be used to secure a hatch door to a pressure vessel housing or may be used in any environment involving high pressure differentials, for example.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a motor vehicle lock for a motor vehicle door arrangement, wherein a pivotable catch and an inlet mouth for a lock striker are provided, wherein the catch can be brought into at least one closed position and into at least one open position, wherein the catch as such in its closed position may hold the lock striker by a holding engagement between the catch and the lock striker and in its open position may release the lock striker, wherein during a closing cycle the lock striker comes into an actuating engagement with the motor vehicle lock such that the catch moves from its open position into the direction of its closed position, preferably into its closed position.

Abstract: A drive unit for automotive applications, specifically for application with or in combination with a motor vehicle door lock, a housing (5), a motor (1) as well as an associated motor shaft (2), and with at least one spring element (6) generating an axial force at one end of the motor shaft (2), with the spring element (6) being located in at least one receptacle (7, 8) in the housing (5). In a top view, the spring element (6) has essentially a T-shaped design with an end plate (6a) and cantilevers (6b) on both sides, with the end plate (6a) acting upon the motor shaft (2), and at least the cantilevers (6b) being arranged in the receptacle (7, 8).

Abstract: Latch assembly including a latch arm, having first and second length edges and first and second width edges. The latch arm includes a latch pawl, a pivot connector, and a stabilizing member, positioned in a plane. The latch pawl connected to the first width edge and providing spring force resisting deflection non-parallel to the plane. The pivot connector and stabilizing member formed within an area of the latch arm. The stabilizing member extending distally relative to the second width edge to the pivot connector, and providing spring force resisting deflection parallel to the plane. The component and latch assembly including a component having first and second faces being adjacent and perpendicular. The latch arm rotatably mounted on the second face between latched and unlatched positions. Assembly including an embossment positioned to deflect the latch pawl during latching so the latch arm sits raised upon the embossment in the latched position.

Abstract: A coupling device for releasably connecting a pivotably mounted body part to a vehicle structural part includes a first coupling element and a second coupling element. The first coupling element has two locking bars which are configured as plate-shaped dosing wedges and are displaceable in relation to one another in a parallel manner. The dosing wedges have respective wedge faces. In order to couple the first and the second coupling element, a motorized driving device moves the locking bars apart from one another by using an operative connecting device. The second coupling element has two holding jaws, which receive the first coupling element therebetween. The holding jaws have respective keyways with respective wedge faces formed therein such that the dosing wedges are pressed into the keyways as a result of the dosing wedges being displaced apart from one another.

Abstract: An enclosure can include a top enclosure portion having a top flange and a first top engagement feature. The enclosure can also include a bottom enclosure portion mechanically coupled to the top enclosure portion, where the bottom enclosure portion has a bottom flange that mechanically couples to the top flange and a first bottom engagement feature that mechanically couples to the first top engagement feature. The enclosure can further include a first fastening device mechanically and movably coupled to the first top engagement feature and the first bottom engagement feature. The first fastening device, in an engaged position, can maintain a flame path between the top flange and the bottom flange. The first fastening device, in a disengaged position, can fail to maintain a flame path between the top flange and the bottom flange.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lock having a lock housing (3, 4) together with a lock cover (2), a lock case (9), a locking mechanism which is mounted on the base surface of the lock case (9), and an activation device for opening the locking mechanism. An activation lever of the activation device is at least partially covered by a pivotable flap (5) of a lock covering means (2, 3). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the flap together with a lock cover (2) by injection moulding.

Abstract: A flush mounted, vehicle door handle includes a housing having an outer wall defining an interior recess and a handle pivotally coupled to the housing. A first portion of the handle is configured for pressing on a first side of a fulcrum and a second portion of the handle is configured for pulling on a second side of the fulcrum. The handle is disposed within the interior recess of the housing when positioned in a first, resting position. The first portion of the door handle has a back surface provided for actuating a door latch mechanism of an existing vehicle door when the housing is mounted to a door panel of a vehicle. Thus, when the handle is pivoted about the fulcrum to a second position, the door latch mechanism is actuated causing the door latch mechanism to release the automobile door allowing the door to open.

Abstract: A device for restricting movement of a door includes a door member, a floor member, and a connecting member. The door member is fixedly mounted to a door and includes a first opening having a first predetermined shape. The floor member is fixedly mounted to a floor and includes a second opening having a second predetermined shape. The connecting member includes a first leg and a second leg. The first leg extends in a first direction and has a first end removeably engaging the first opening. The second leg extends in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and has a second end removeably engaging the second opening simultaneously when the first end removeably engages the first opening thereby preventing rotation of the door.

Abstract: A lockset is actuable by pivoting a handle about a longitudinal axis of the lockset by rotating the handle and by pivoting the handle about an axis transverse to the lockset axis, such as by pushing or pulling. The lockset includes an inside handle and an outside handle, each associated with an independent mechanism, each of which can independently actuate the lockset. A locking mechanism prevents actuation of a first one of the independent handle mechanisms without affecting operation of the other handle mechanism. Upon actuation of the other handle mechanism, a retractor engages a surface of the locking mechanism and removes it from engagement with the first locking mechanism. An adjustment ring has a first configuration that centers the lockset in a door having a first standard thickness and a second configuration that centers the lockset in a door having a second standard thickness.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus, a system for a under-run protection device for a vehicle comprising a first beam member extending laterally to the direction of the vehicle, wherein a partial portion of the first beam has a corrugated cross-section. A second beam member mounted on the first beam member positioned and adapted to absorb an impact from another vehicle by deforming when the impact force exceeds a predetermined level, further the partial corrugated cross-section of the first beam member enables reduction in construction/manufacturing material for the said second beam member. A plurality of brackets characterized by a L-shape, joined to the first beam member at one arm of the L-shape and with the vehicle at other arm of the L-shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structure for a front part of a vehicle body including a front sidemember that extends in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle; a bumper reinforcement, at least a part of which is positioned at the same height as the front sidemember in a vertical direction of the vehicle, and extends in a lateral direction of the vehicle so as to face the front sidemember; and a support portion. The end portion of the bumper reinforcement has an extension portion that extends in the lateral direction of the vehicle up to a position which overlaps a wheel when seen from the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. At least a front surface of the bumper reinforcement in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the extension portion have strength higher than that of other portions of the bumper reinforcement.

Abstract: A trash spearing tool and method are provided. The tool includes a spearing pin, a trigger assembly, an inner tube, and an outer tube. The trigger assembly is movable between a normal position and an activated position. The outer tube is slidable between a storage position and a use position. The spearing pin is operatively coupled to the trigger assembly in such manner that, when the outer tube is in the use position and the trigger assembly is in the normal position, the spearing pin is normally biased to an extended position in which a portion of the spearing pin extends from the outer tube and, when the outer tube is in the storage position and the trigger assembly is in either the normal position or use position, the spearing pin to in a retracted position in which the spearing pin does not extend from the outer tube.

Abstract: An end handler and method for processing a device are presented. The end handler includes a mating portion for mating with a tool and a support portion for supporting a film frame on a support surface. The support portion includes a support base section, extension sections extending from the support base section, and vacuum ports on the support surface for facilitating mating of the film frame on the support surface. Each of the vacuum port includes at least one reservoir having at least one vacuum opening in fluid communication with at least one vacuum source. The vacuum ports being configured to principally maintain a slimmest profile with strongest suction force possible.

Abstract: A grasper includes a base, a finger, a tendon cable and a magnetic breakaway mechanism. The finger has a proximal end connected to the base by a proximal joint. The tendon cable is configured to move the finger relative to the base. The magnetic breakaway mechanism releasably couples the finger to the base.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicular exterior member having excellent productivity while enhancing weather resistance. An exterior body (2) in a vehicular exterior member (1) is formed of a transparent resin material, a concave portion (20) is provided in a portion of the rear surface of the exterior body, and a designed body (3) which is smaller than the exterior body (2) in size is disposed inside the concave portion (20) in the exterior body (2). The designed body (3) includes a transparent layer (30) and a decorative layer (31) and is fixed to the inside of the concave portion (20) through an adhesive layer (4) while the transparent layer 30 faces the exterior body (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a decorative panel including a design surface; and a circumferential edge portion that is formed so as to cross from the design surface, wherein the circumferential edge portion has a first face 7 that is continuous from the design surface along a circumferential extension direction and a second face 8 that is formed in a circumferential extension direction along the first face 7, wherein a face variation line is provided at a boundary between the first face 7 and the second face 8, wherein a decorative panel 1 is provided in such a manner that a decoration film 5 is imparted to at least a part of the design surface and a part of the circumferential edge portion, and wherein the decoration film 5 includes a trimming terminal portion CL along the face variation line

Abstract: The invention relates to a retaining device for fastening an electronic device in a motor vehicle, wherein the retaining device comprises a receiving device (30) for receiving the electronic device and a retainer with a shaft (4) for inserting a part of the receiving device (30), wherein the retainer comprises a flap (6) closing the shaft (4), a first interactive element (28) and at least one locking bar element (10), which is able to be moved into at least one closed position in which it prevents a movement of the flap (6) and is able to be moved into an open position in which it does not prevent a movement of the flap (6), wherein the receiving device (30) has a second interactive element (32), wherein the first interactive element (28) and/or the second interactive element (32) has a permanent magnet and wherein the at least one locking bar element (10) is able to be moved from the closed position into the open position, by the first interactive element (28) and the second interactive element (32) being

Abstract: A storable windshield system for a utility vehicle is provided, wherein the utility vehicle includes a frame to which a support structure is attached. The support structure includes front pillars and rear pillars extending from the frame. The system is operatively connected to the support system, and the system allows an operator to store a windshield onboard the utility vehicle when not needed as well as install the windshield over the front viewport during inclement weather without the need for tools. The windshield is slidable and rotatable relative to the roof member for storing and installing the windshield.

Abstract: A two part electronically actuated moveable and removable rigid covering of the passenger compartment of a motorized vehicle which is split longitudinally, has a left and right surface, capable of independently assuming a plurality of positions relative to the body of the vehicle. This covering pivots laterally near the rear edge behind the occupant(s) riding position with the forward edge opening, closing and locking. It is designed in such a manor as to permit its entire assembly or parts of its subassembly to be readily physically disassociated from the body of the motorized vehicle. It is fabricated from advanced composite materials or polycarbonate which is formed or molded to the desired shape. Movement of each covering is provided by an electrical linear actuator which, through mechanical linkage, provides locking or unlocking and rotational movement of the covering surface in one linear actuator motion.

Abstract: A weatherstrip includes an attachment portion, a flexible seal wall, a flexible bridging wall, and a hollow portion. The seal wall extends from an upper portion of the attachment portion toward the front of a vehicle, is turned up, and extends toward the rear of the vehicle. A lower surface of a peripheral portion of a roof panel toward the rear of the vehicle and a lower surface of a peripheral portion of a rear door panel toward the front of the vehicle contact the seal wall from above. The bridging wall bridges the seal wall and the attachment portion. The hollow portion is surrounded by the attachment portion, the seal wall, and the bridging wall.

Abstract: A protective device for a vehicle includes a flexible cover duplicating the contours of the car, and a container, in which the flexible cover is arranged. The container can be fastened in the rear part of the vehicle with the aid of at least one fastening element. The flexible cover is polymeric, with a light-reflecting material or coating applied to one side and a light-absorbing material or coating applied to the other side. The container can be fastened on the vehicle boot or on the rear part of the vehicle roof or on the vehicle bumper. In another alternative, the container of the protective device can be fastened on the internal side of the vehicle boot lid with the aid of at least one fastening element. The protective device provides reliable and durable protection for the car from overheating in summer and from super cooling in winter.

Abstract: A spoiler for a vehicle, the vehicle having a cabin defining a cabin outer surface and a bed located behind the cabin, the spoiler being usable with an object, the spoiler comprising: a main portion and a utility portion extending from the main portion; the main portion being mountable to the cabin and defining substantially opposed main portion top and bottom surfaces; the utility portion being configured and sized for supporting at least part of the object; the main and utility portions being together configured and sized for deflecting air to reduce turbulence when the spoiler is operatively mounted to the cabin and the vehicle moves forward.

Abstract: A rear region of a vehicle has an air-guiding device (10) with a mounting element (11) for the air-guiding device on the vehicle, and with at least one air-guiding element (13) that is shiftable between a retracted inoperative position and an extended operating position. A gap (14) is formed between the air-guiding element (13) and the mounting element (11) when the air guiding device (10) is in the extended operating position. However, the gap (14) can be closed via a closure device (15). The closure device (15) has a multi-layered, flexible sheetlike structure (16) with at least one front outer, flexible layer (17) and a rear outer, flexible layer (18). In the extended operating position, the front outer layer (17) can be stretched with the aid of a stiff clamping element (19) and the rear outer layer (19) can be stretched with the aid of a flexible clamping element (20).

Abstract: A method of reducing drag on the underside and rear wheels of a commercial vehicle which is a drag reduction system including an airfoil designed to mount on the underside or slider assembly of a commercial vehicle that would reduce the air drag forces and improve fuel economy for the vehicle, a hydraulic system that operates to adjust the angle of the airfoil, and at least two sets of controllers, one controller that operates automatically in conjunction with the speed of the vehicle and a second controller that allows the operator to manually adjust the angle of the airfoil from within the driver's compartment. The purpose of drag reduction system is to provide a more fuel efficient design for commercial vehicle application, resulting in fuel cost savings for the vehicle operation.

Abstract: A composite wood floor board assembled adjacent to another composite wood floor board, each the board comprising: a top layer of laminated hardwood comprising: a top side; a bottom side; a first lateral side; and a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, wherein at least one of the first and second lateral sides is formed without shiplap lips; and a bottom layer comprising a planar fiber-reinforced polymer composite that is bonded to the bottom side of the top layer of the laminated hardwood and reinforces the top layer, wherein the bottom layer of fiber-reinforced polymer composite extends laterally outwardly by a distance up to two inches (2?) from the first lateral side of the top layer, and wherein a part of the bottom layer of the composite wood floor board is bonded to the top layer with a first adhesive and a part of the bottom layer is bonded with a second adhesive or sealant.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle front structure including: a power unit disposed at a front part side of the vehicle; a front side member disposed at an outer side of the power unit in a vehicle width direction the front side member extending along a vehicle front-rear direction; a protruding member provided on an outer wall of the front side member, the protruding member protruding to an outer side in the vehicle width direction relative the outer wall of the front side member; and an inclined wall formed in the protruding member, the inclined wall extending from an outer end portion of the protruding member in the vehicle width direction to an inner side in the vehicle width direction and a vehicle body rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction in a plain view.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body that extends along a longitudinal axis. The body includes a front fascia and a forward load bearing beam that are disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis. A load distribution mechanism is rotatably attached to the forward load bearing beam for rotation about a rotation axis. The load distribution mechanism includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is for engaging an upper portion of the front fascia, above the forward load bearing beam. The second portion is for engaging a lower portion of the front fascia, below the forward load bearing beam. The front fascia engages the first portion and the second portion of the load distribution mechanism, and the load distribution mechanism rotates about the rotation axis, to control displacement of the front fascia in response to an applied force in which an object contacts the front fascia.

Abstract: A vehicle body and a door intrusion resistance apparatus for a vehicle with a door that includes a protrusion and a rocker defining a receptacle that receives the protrusion when the door is closed. The door is inhibited from moving above the rocker by the protrusion being received in the receptacle that holds the door against the rocker in a side impact collision.