Abstract: A printer includes a platen on which a recording medium is placed, an ink head including a nozzle that discharges ink onto the recording medium placed on the platen and that moves in a main scanning direction, an upstream guide located on an upstream side of the platen in a secondary scanning direction and that guides the recording medium, the upstream guide including an upper surface tilted obliquely downward from a downstream side to the upstream side in the secondary scanning direction, and grit rollers provided in the platen and that move the recording medium in the secondary scanning direction. The upstream guide is recessed from the upper surface of the upstream guide, and includes a concave recess that indicates a position of each of the grit rollers in the main scanning direction so that a position of the grit roller is easily acknowledged when the recording medium is placed on the platen.

Abstract: A clamping device for a feed of a printable medium comprises a clamp to clamp the printable medium; and a force transfer mechanism to press the clamp against the printable medium; wherein the clamp comprises a magnet to increase a force onto the printable medium during clamping.

Abstract: The present subject matter describes determination of amount of print media present in an input tray of a printing system. In an example implementation of the present subject matter, a current operating torque of a motor that moves a pick arm for drawing print media from the input tray is monitored. The current operating torque is monitored while the pick arm is moved between a rest position and a pick-ready position. Based on the monitored operating torque, it is determined whether amount of print media present in the input tray is one of below and above a predefined amount of print media.

Abstract: A printing apparatus determines a change in torque of a motor that moves a pick arm for translating print media, determines based on the change in torque whether a media in present adjacent to the pick arm.

Abstract: A medium transport device includes a medium transport path for transporting a medium, and a medium detection unit that detects a medium by using detection light intersecting the medium transport path. the medium detection unit is a part constituting an optical path of the detection light, and includes a first optical component positioned on a first side of the medium transport path, and a second optical component positioned on a second side with the medium transport path interposed therebetween, and the second optical component is accommodated in a recess formed in a wall face extending in a direction intersecting a path surface of the medium transport path.

Abstract: A unit attaching detaching structure includes: a unit that is attachable to and detachable from an apparatus main body; a displacement portion that is provided on the apparatus main body and is displaceable to one side and another side; a detection unit that detects attachment of the unit when the displacement portion is displaced from the another side to the one side; a connecting portion that is separated from the detection unit in a direction intersecting with a direction of attaching/detaching of the unit, and is connected to the displacement portion so as to displace the displacement portion; a movement portion that is provided on the unit and displaces the displacement portion by moving the connecting portion when the unit is attached to the apparatus main body; and a returning unit that returns the displacement portion when the unit is detached from the apparatus main body.

Abstract: A printer includes a medium supplier including a shaft support, to which a supply shaft of a roll medium is detachably attached, a medium temporary placement support located below the shaft support of the medium supplier and that receives and supports the roll medium prior to being attached to the medium supplier, and a conveyor that conveys a medium in a conveyance direction that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the supply shaft, the medium being unwound from the supply shaft. The medium temporary placement support includes a support bar that extends in the axial direction, and a placement seat supported by the support bar. The placement seat includes a placement surface on which the roll medium is placed and that extends in the conveyance direction, and a curved portion that includes a convex curve in an upstream end portion of the placement surface in the conveyance direction.

Abstract: A slide member slides in conjunction with reciprocation of a carriage. The slide member slides between a first position and a second position to cause a switch gear to move between a plurality of slide positions at which the switch gear engages respective ones of a plurality of transmission gears. The slide member at the second position is closer to a first end of a shaft than the slide member at the first position is. A first cover covers a first sliding contact portion of the shaft over an entire range of the first sliding contact portion in a main scanning direction. The slide member is in sliding contact with the first sliding contact portion when the slide member slides between the first position and the second position. The first sliding contact portion is closer to the first end than the slide member located at the first position is.

Abstract: A printer includes a print head configured to print on a recording sheet, a platen roller attached to a frame in a rotatable manner, a support having a head spring attached thereto that urges the print head toward the platen roller, and a hold unit attached to the frame in a rotatable manner and having an engaging part that engages with a projection situated at a side end of the support, wherein the head spring is configured to urge the print head toward the platen roller when the projection is engaged with the engaging part, and wherein the hold unit is configured to be rotated to cause the engaging part to disengage from the projection.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes: an apparatus body that includes a recorder that performs recording on a medium; an opening-and-closing member that is able to be opened away from and closed toward the apparatus body; a unit module that is detachably attached to an attachment portion configured to become exposed by opening the opening-and-closing member, and constitutes a part of a first medium transportation path when attached to the attachment portion; a second medium transportation path that is provided above the first medium transportation path; and a path forming member that is located above the attachment portion and forms a part of the second medium transportation path; wherein the path forming member is retracted from the second medium transportation path and advances onto the opening-and-closing trajectory of the opening-and-closing member when the unit module is detached from the attachment portion.

Abstract: An example ink tank includes an ink tank and a cap assembly attached to the ink tank with a preloaded hinge. The hinge rotates the cap assembly from a closed position to an open position when the cap assembly is unlatched. The cap assembly includes a bung to seal the ink tank during a partial rotation of the cap assembly when the cap assembly is unlatched. The ink tank also includes spring-loaded linkage connected to a valve in the ink tank. An effector extending from the cap assembly engages the spring-loaded linkage when the cap assembly is latched and disengages from the spring-loaded linkage after the cap assembly is unlatched. The spring-loaded linkage opens the valve when engaged with the effector, and closes the valve when disengaged from the effector, while the bung maintains a tank seal until the internal valve is closed.

Abstract: The present invention is enclosed in the area of pagination of printed publications such as a newspaper or a book. It is an object of the present invention a method for the pagination of a printed publication which comprises the following steps: a) providing a sequence of media to be printed on the publication, b) providing a first positioning for even pages and a second positioning for odd pages wherein said first positioning and second positioning are such that any ? odd page is: i) positioned adjacently to an ?+1 first even page, and ii) has on its directly opposite side a second even page ?+3, and c) printing and sequencing and d) organising the sheets, and thereby obtaining said printed publication. Such method therefore provides that two consecutive pages are always simultaneously present in a single field of view obtained from a position in front of the publication.

Abstract: There is described a printed security element (10; 10*; 10**) comprising a rainbow feature (15; 15*; 15**) exhibiting, at least in part, a gradual transition from a first colour (C1) to a second colour (C2) distinct from the first colour (C1), wherein the rainbow feature (15; 15*; 15**) extends over a colour-gradient area (A) of the printed security element (10; 10*; 10**) where first and second printed patterns (P1, P2) are partly superimposed or juxtaposed, each of the first and second printed patterns (P1, P2) comprising a first, respectively second set of linear or curvilinear elements (20, 30; 20*, 30*), the first and second printed patterns (P1, P2) being printed in register one with the other by means of two distinct printing plates (PP1, PP2) so that the first and second sets of linear or curvilinear elements (20, 30; 20*, 30*) are partly superimposed or juxtaposed in the colour-gradient area (A) and thereby generate the rainbow feature (15; 15*; 15**), the first printed pattern (P1) exhibiting the fi

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an optical security feature that is based on a single axis alignment of mirrors or facets in a structured surface that forms a micro mirror array. In an aspect, a device is described that includes a reflecting structure on a first layer, where the reflecting structure has a top surface with multiple embossed facets arranged in a spatial orientation that produces a flat ring optical effect upon incidence of light. In another aspect, a method for making the device is described that provides a reflecting layer and produces the reflecting structure on the reflecting layer with multiple facets arranged in the spatial orientation to produce the flat ring optical effect. In yet another aspect, an apparatus for making the device is described that includes a pressing device and a stamping device to transfer a pattern of the reflecting structure to a reflecting material.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for printing vibrant grey color(s) on plastic cards. The following features, which can be used individually or in any combination thereof, can be implemented to achieve the vibrant grey color(s): 1) use of CMYK pigment inks to achieve CMYK printing; 2) a pixel extraction process and/or a print trapping process; 3) two separate print commands including a CMY (or CMYK)+blending print command and a K+blending print command; and 4) proper card set-up.

Abstract: A card manufacturing system includes a locating device and a separation device. The locating device is configured to identify a position of one or more information carrying cards formed integrally with a laminate sheet and generate information corresponding to the position of the one or more information carrying cards. The separation device includes at least one singulation mechanism configured to separate each of the one or more information carrying cards from the laminate sheet. The singulation mechanism separates the one or more information cards based on the information corresponding to the position of the one or more information carrying cards.

Abstract: A device for filling cartridges for a writing implement, the device including at least two separate connectors, a system for metering inks and a system for filling a cartridge, each connector being configured to connect a reservoir containing an ink to the cartridge. The invention also concerns an assembly comprising a device as previously defined and a plurality of ink reservoirs, each ink reservoir being connected to a connector of the device and a method for filling a cartridge using such an assembly.

Abstract: A multifunctional writing instrument comprising a body housing at least two writing elements, each writing element comprising a writing tip, a selection device configured to select one writing element from the at least two writing elements and a retraction device configured to move a selected writing element between a writing position in which the writing tip of the selected writing element protrudes from the body and a retracted position in which the writing tip of the selected writing element is retracted.

Abstract: A reusable writing surface is provided having a board having a front side and a rear side. A plurality of magnets is positioned on the rear side, wherein the plurality of magnets is configured to magnetically attach to a plurality of removable magnetic legs. The plurality of magnets are positioned such that the plurality of removable magnetic legs are configured to stand the reusable writing surface in either a vertical orientation or a horizontal orientation depending on which magnets of the plurality of magnets each magnetic leg attaches.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for inhibiting growth of bacteria and to nanometer scale surfaces having antibacterial properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are several variations of a device that is capable of dispensing small amounts of paint. The disclosed device may be used as a paint tester and a tool to perform small touch up and repair jobs on painted surfaces. The device will come preloaded with a small amount of paint and an applicator. The packaging is designed to promote mixture of the colorant and application of such colorant to the applicator. The adherence of colorant to the applicator is designed to occur as a one step process, as a user is removing an applicator from its packaging so as to apply a small measure of colorant to a surface. The packaging is also designed to maximize convenience by providing for a clean and drip resistant deployment of paint and virtually eliminating cleanup.

Abstract: An automobile wheel can include an outer rim, a hub, and a plurality of lug accessories. The hub, which is generally at the center of the automobile wheel, can have a plurality of lug holes. The plurality of lug accessories can be partially disposed in some, but not all, of the lug holes while leaving the remaining lug holes open. The open lug holes can receive a threaded stud from an automobile wheel hub assembly when the automobile wheel is mounted to the automobile wheel hub assembly. Each lug accessory can have a lug stud and a lug cap. The lug stud can have a flange and a linear member, with the linear member attached to the flange and extending to a free end. The flange can contact a rear surface of the hub when the linear member is inserted into a lug hole. The lug cap can extend over and couple to an opposite end of the linear member from the flange.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hub-less rim for a wheel of a vehicle is disclosed. The hub-less rim comprising may include an annular rim body characterized by an inner rim circumference and an outer rim circumference forming a rim interior space. Further, the hub-less rim comprising may include an internal gear rim tooth ring disposed on the annular rim body. Further, the hub-less rim comprising may include a plurality of spokes disposed on the annular rim body, wherein each spoke of the plurality of spokes comprises a base spoke end and a tip spoke end. Further, the hub-less rim comprising may include a lighting device disposed on the annular rim body, wherein the lighting device is attached to the at least one side rim surface proximal to the inner rim circumference, wherein the lighting device is configured for emitting light of at least one color.

Abstract: A sensor is mounted to or embedded in a wheel hub. The sensor node includes a power source and a sensing device that detects and monitors at least one parameter associated with the wheel hub. The sensor node also includes a communication module that communicates via wireless communication signals and a processing device in communication with the sensing device and the communication module. The processing device collects data from the sensing devices, processes the data, and based on that processing, communicates information relating to the wheel hub to a remote server or network. A mesh network of multiple sensor nodes can be applied to multiple different wheel hubs on a vehicle and communicate with a central processing device. The processing device can thus monitor performance and/ or operation of each wheel hub.

Abstract: The bicycle hub assembly includes a hub axle, a hub body, a bearing unit, a lock member, and a tool engagement member. The bearing unit is configured to rotatably support the hub body around the hub axle with respect to the rotational center axis. The bearing unit includes an outer race, an inner race and a plurality of rolling members. The lock member prevents the inner race of the bearing unit from rotating relative to the hub axle. The lock member has an outer peripheral surface. The tool engagement member is configured to rotate the inner race of the bearing unit relative to the hub axle. The tool engagement member has an inner peripheral surface. The inner peripheral surface of the tool engagement member is disposed radially outwardly relative to the outer peripheral surface of the lock member.

Abstract: A caster for equipment and furniture, the caster comprising a support element including a top element and a base element, wherein the top element includes an attachment bolt configured to attach the caster and the base element includes a wheel axle that supports at least one wheel, wherein a replaceable substantially circumferential one-piece support element cover made from a synthetic material that provides a continuous design surface is arranged at the support element.

Abstract: A removable spindle assembly improvement comprised of a spindle housing end unit having a threaded cavity. A corresponding threaded removable spindle is torqued into the threaded cavity. The spindle has a tapered section that includes O-rings for creating a seal along the corresponding section of the cavity to prevent corrosion which assists in the elimination of spindle seizure within the spindle housing end unit's cavity. The spindle housing end unit's housing includes at least two threaded apertures that cooperate with sealed set screws for securing the spindle in place during operation. The set screws are placed apart at an odd number of 15 degree increments. This assembly facilitates easy removal and replacement of a spindle on a spring axle.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a knuckle that includes a bearing mounting portion on which a hub bearing is mounted, a damper holding portion which holds a damper, and a damper mounting arm portion which couples the bearing mounting portion and the damper holding portion, the method being such that by using one core, the knuckle is integrally casted so as to formed therein a cylindrical opening which is the inner space of the damper holding portion, a hollow opening in which the inner space in a hollow portion of the damper mounting arm portion, the hollow portion extending in a closed cross section from the damper holding portion, is continuous with an opening formed in the damper holding portion, and an arm-portion opening which is surrounded by a front arm portion and a rear arm portion of the damper mounting arm portion, extending from the hollow portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a four-proofing safety tire including a conductive tread rubber layer, a supporting rubber layer, a tire explosion-proof rubber layer and a memory chip, wherein the conductive tread rubber layer can be formed by embedding, in the tread, a belt of narrow conductive rubber penetrated all the way to the inner cap ply or can be formed by adding carbon nanotubes or graphene conductive metamaterial to the tread formulation; the supporting rubber layer is a layer of rubber affixed on the inner wall of the sidewall when the tire is molded, which has a cross section with the shape of half slice of a willow leaf; the tire explosion-proof rubber layer is an explosion-proof layer added on the outer side of the inner liner provided on the inside of the ground-engaging tread of the tire; the memory chip is a special chip structure implanted in the sidewall portion of the tire without affecting the performance of the tire.

Abstract: A steel cord containing a core layer and an sheath layer, the core layer containing a plurality of core wires with a number of n and the sheath layer comprises a plurality of sheath wires with a number of m, and the steel cord has a flat cross-section with a major axis and a minor axis, the flat cross-section has a flat ratio being the ratio of the length of the major axis and the length of the minor axis, the flat ratio is more than 1.2, the steel cord has a breaking load being BLcord, the core wires and the sheath wires have a sum breaking load being Sum BLwires when the core wires and the sheath wires are un-twisted from the steel cord, BLcord and Sum BLwires satisfies the following formula: BLcord/Sum BLwires >96%. The steel cord has higher breaking load.

Abstract: A tire having a tire frame, the tire frame comprising a thermoplastic elastomer as a resin material, and the thermoplastic elastomer having a value of orientation f, as measured by a small angle X-ray scattering method, of from ?0.08 to 0.08.

Abstract: A metal-resin composite member for tires, the metal-resin composite member comprising: a metal cord; and a resin layer, wherein: the resin layer is formed from a resin mixture that contains a polyester thermoplastic elastomer and an ester bond-containing amorphous resin having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 40° C. or higher, and a content ratio of the amorphous resin is not higher than 50% by mass of the resin mixture.

Abstract: A tire comprises a tread portion for which an intended tire rotational direction is specified. The tread portion comprises rows composed of blocks circumferentially divided by lateral grooves. Each block has a ground contacting top surface, and a first side wall surface and a second side wall surface located on a heel-side and a toe-side, respectively, in the intended tire rotational direction. In a cross section of each block which is parallel with the tire circumferential direction, the first and second block-side wall surfaces are both inclined, and the angle ?2 of the second side wall surface is larger than the angle ?1 of the first side wall surface with respect to the tire radial direction. The difference ?2??1 between the angles ?2 and ?1 increases toward one side in the tire axial direction.

Abstract: Provided is a motorcycle tire that further improves wet grip performance during turning while ensuring rigidity during turning.

Abstract: A tire having an outer middle land portion demarcated between an outer shoulder circumferential groove and an outer crown circumferential groove and located at an outer side of a vehicle when the tire is mounted on the vehicle, and an inner middle land portion demarcated between an inner shoulder circumferential groove and an inner crown circumferential groove and located at an inner side of the vehicle when the tire is mounted on the vehicle formed in a tread portion. The outer middle land portion has first outer middle sipes extending from the outer crown circumferential groove toward the outer shoulder circumferential groove and terminating within the outer middle land portion. The inner middle land portion has first inner middle sipes extending from the inner shoulder circumferential groove toward the inner crown circumferential groove and terminating within the inner middle land portion.

Abstract: In a tire, plural outer side cutouts, which respectively correspond to block land portions and extend toward tire width direction outer sides and end midway along outer side land portions, are formed so as to be spaced apart in a tire circumferential direction in tire width direction inner-side side walls, which are exposed to central circumferential grooves, of the outer side land portions that are provided further toward tire width direction outer sides than the two central circumferential grooves respectively. Further, at least portions of tire width direction inner side openings of the outer side cutouts are positioned between maximum position A, at which a tire width direction distance of a corresponding block land portion is a maximum, and an intermediate point B of two vertices that are adjacent at a tire width direction outer-side side wall of the block land portion.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire 1 comprises a carcass 6 extending between bead cores of bead portions via a tread portion 2 and sidewall portions, and a belt layer 7 arranged on an outer side in a tire radial direction of the carcass 6 and inside of the tread portion 2. The pneumatic tire 1 further comprises a damping rubber body 30 arranged between the carcass 6 and the belt layer 7, and a noise damper 20 arranged on an inner cavity surface of the tread portion 2. A width W1 in a tire axial direction of the damping rubber body 30 is in a range of from 60% to 130% of a width W2 in the tire axial direction of the belt layer 7, and a water absorption rate of the noise damper 20 is in a range of from 10% to 25%.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the pressure of a tire of an aircraft, the method including: taking two or more pressure readings from the tire at different times; calculating an estimated deflation rate based on the pressure readings; and calculating a time for the tire to deflate to a reference pressure level based on the estimated deflation rate. Two or more temperature readings are each associated with one of the pressure readings, and the estimated deflation rate is calculated by normalising each pressure reading based on its associated temperature reading and a common reference temperature to obtain a temperature-normalised pressure reading, and calculating the estimated deflation rate based on the temperature-normalised pressure readings. The estimated deflation rate is compared with a threshold, and a warning provided if the estimated deflation rate exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: A system for determining a tire change status in a vehicle is provided. The system includes at least one processing device and a storage device. The at least one processing device may be arranged to: calculate a value of at least one reference parameter which may be used in indirect tire pressure monitoring; store the calculated value of said at least one reference parameter in the storage device; retrieve a previously stored value of said at least one reference parameter from the storage device; determine a similarity parameter based on a similarity between the calculated value and the previously stored value of said at least one reference parameter; and determine a tire change status, indicating whether or not the tires have been re-filled or replaced, by comparing said similarity parameter with a threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle system configured to control a trailer alignment routine comprises a hitch mounted on a vehicle and a controller. The controller is configured to identify a coupler position of a trailer and control motion of the vehicle toward an aligned position. The controller is further configured to calculate a stopping threshold relative to the coupler position. The stopping threshold comprises a semicircle concentric to the coupler position. The controller is further configured to control a braking procedure in response to the hitch passing the stopping threshold.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle comprises identifying a first detected position of a trailer coupler in the sensor data and identifying a trajectory range of a hitch of the vehicle based on a steering angle range of the vehicle. In response to the first detected position being outside the trajectory range, the method may continue by calculating a nearby position within the trajectory range based on the trajectory range. The method further comprises maneuvering the vehicle aligning the hitch with the nearby position.

Abstract: A bumper hitch shield assembly for inhibiting a person from striking their legs against a trailer hitch includes a clamp that releasably engages a hitch on a vehicle. A plurality of supports is each of the supports is coupled to and extends away from the clamp. A shield is coupled to each of the supports such that the shield is spaced from the clamp. The shield is curved such that the shield extends around a ball on the hitch when the clamp is positioned on the hitch. In this way the shield inhibits a person from striking their legs against the ball when the person walks near the hitch.

Abstract: A propeller switching system of an amphibious and remotely controlled car is provided, including a controller, a transmission mechanism, a propeller mechanism, and a wheel driving mechanism. When an intelligent electronic device transmits an operation message and a first control message to the controller, a propeller rotates. When the intelligent electronic device transmits the operation message and a second control message to the controller, the wheels of the amphibious and remotely controlled car rotate.

Abstract: The suspension beam or beams of a truck having a shortened bed are modified by bending a distal end of the suspension beam to decrease the distance between a frame mount point and a wheel mount (ball joint) point. The reduction in distance increases the structural support of the suspension sufficiently to eliminate non-uniform tire wear in shortened wheelbase vehicles.

Abstract: An extension-retraction link includes: a stationary shaft having a tubular shape; a first universal joint that connects the stationary shaft to a vehicle body side member; a movable shaft that can slide with respect to the stationary shaft; a second universal joint that connects the movable shaft to a hub carrier; and an actuator that moves the movable shaft. The movable shaft includes: a first plane surface; a second plane surface making an angle with respect to the first plane surface; a third plane surface opposite the first plane surface; and a fourth plane surface opposite the second plane surface. The stationary shaft includes: first to fourth bushes in contact with the first to fourth plane surfaces, respectively; a first elastic member pressing the third bush to the third plane surface; and a second elastic member pressing the fourth bush to the fourth plane surface.

Abstract: An air spring for a heavy-duty vehicle axle/suspension system comprising a piston, a bellows, and an intermediate chamber integrally formed with the bellows. The bellows has an upper portion, a top plate, and a bellows chamber and is connected to the piston by a band, a bead-in-groove connection, and/or a bayonet connection. The upper portion is reinforced to prevent the bellows chamber from increasing in volume. The intermediate chamber has an optimally sized top plate and a support structure and extends from the piston into the bellows chamber. The intermediate top plate is formed with means for restricted fluid communication between the bellows chamber and the intermediate chamber. The means for restricted fluid communication is not obstructed when it contacts the bellows top plate during jounce events. The support structure is optimized in relation to the top plate.

Abstract: An assembly includes a vehicle component. The assembly includes a body embedded in the vehicle component, the body defining a chamber and having an outer surface defining an intrusion extending toward the chamber and engaged with the vehicle component. The assembly includes a plurality of dampening particles within the chamber.

Abstract: A suspension thrust bearing device for use with a suspension spring in an automotive suspension strut of a vehicle. The device includes an upper annular bearing member and a lower annular bearing member in relative rotation. The lower annular bearing member having a body provided with an embedded stiffening insert. The device further provides a damping element made of resilient material and interposed between the lower annular bearing member and the suspension spring. A radial flange of the damping element prevents separation from the lower side of the radial flange of the lower cap.

Abstract: A damper system for a vehicle is provided that includes a pressurized gas damper, electromagnetic actuator, and pressurized gas spring. The pressurized gas damper includes first and second working chambers that are fluidly connected by a flow control orifice. The electromagnetic actuator includes a stator assembly with a stator cavity and a magnetic rotor that is slidingly received in the stator cavity. The magnetic rotor is fixed to a damper tube that houses the second working chamber. The stator cavity and an end of the damper tube cooperate to define the first working chamber. The pressurized gas spring includes a bellows chamber that extends annularly about the damper tube. The damper tube includes an opening between the second working chamber and the bellows chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle load-bearing member includes an electro-active material, a lead wire for delivering an electric current to the electro-active material, and a controller in communication with a power supply for supplying electric current to the electro-active material for changing dynamic characteristics of the electro-active material, wherein changing dynamic characteristics of the electro-active material changes at least one of dampening and stiffness of the vehicle load-bearing member by changing the shape of the electro-active material.