Abstract: An external airbag device is proposed. The external airbag device includes: a housing located in a bumper and securely coupled to a vehicle; and an airbag cushion disposed inside the housing in a folded state, and configured to be deployed outwardly from the housing and the bumper when gas is injected thereinto, wherein the airbag cushion is configured to be deployed to be inclined while a contact surface thereof brought into contact with an external obstacle colliding with the vehicle is deployed.

Abstract: A battery pack support assembly includes a plurality of isolators disposed between an outer support frame of a battery pack and longitudinal rails of a vehicle frame. Each isolator includes a housing, an elastic body and a fastener. The housing defines a central opening and opposed flanges. The opposed flanges are secured to a respective longitudinal rail. The elastic body is disposed within the central opening of the housing. The fastener extends laterally through the central opening of the housing and secures the elastic body to the outer support frame of the battery pack.

Abstract: A body floor (1) for an electric vehicle (2) has a battery frame (3) that receives battery modules (4). An interior cover (5) separates an interior (6) from the battery modules (4). At least one crossmember (7, 8) extends transverse to a vehicle longitudinal direction (9) and is on the battery side of the interior cover (5). A seat attachment (10) for connecting a vehicle seat (11) is arranged on the interior side of the interior cover (5). The battery modules (4) are attached to the crossmember (7, 8) by the battery frame (3), and the body floor (1) is a supporting component of the body structure of a vehicle (2). The seat attachment (10) is attached to the body floor (1) on the battery side of the interior cover (5). With this construction, the vehicle seat is low while simultaneously arranging battery modules below the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A hybrid bumper assembly for a vehicle includes a steel reinforcement beam and aluminum crush cans attached to end portions of the steel reinforcement beam. The reinforcement beam has a multi-tubular shape that is formed by a high-strength steel sheet that is roll formed to provide at least two tubular portions. A crush can has an interfacing portion that is coupled to an end portion of the reinforcement beam. The end portions of the reinforcement beam and the interfacing portion of the crush cans may be configured to attach together using a select joining technology in a manner that minimizes or eliminates bimetallic or galvanic corrosion between the reinforcement beam and the crush cans.

Abstract: A bumper arrangement of a passenger car has an upper and a lower load path. A spring element is provided on the transverse support of the lower load path, which, in the event of a collision of a pedestrian with the passenger car, exerts an additional force on the lower leg of the pedestrian, so as to support the movement of the pedestrian in the direction of the front hood of the passenger car.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly (12) that includes a first energy absorbing member (22), a second energy absorbing member (24) and a vehicle facia member (26). The first energy absorbing member (22) is made of non-expanded polypropylene and is configured to directly attach to a vehicle body structure (14). The second energy absorbing member (24) is made of expanded polypropylene and is directly attached to a portion of the first energy absorbing member (22) spaced apart from the vehicle body structure (14). The vehicle facia member (26) is shaped and contoured for a predetermined vehicle body style. Further, the vehicle facia member (26) is configured to attach to the vehicle body structure (14). The vehicle facia member (26) covers and at least partially conceals the first energy absorbing member (22) and the second energy absorbing member (24).

Abstract: A bumper arrangement of a passenger car has an upper and a lower load path. A spring element is provided on the transverse support of the lower load path, which, in the event of a collision of a pedestrian with the passenger car, exerts an additional force on the lower leg of the pedestrian, so as to support the movement of the pedestrian in the direction of the front hood of the passenger car.

Abstract: A vehicle front structure includes a crash box and an absorber. The crash box is provided between a front end of a front side member extending in a vehicle front-rear direction, and a bumper reinforcement extending in a vehicle width direction. The absorber is provided forward of the bumper reinforcement in the vehicle front-rear direction and extends in the vehicle width direction. In the vehicle width direction, an outer end of the crash box in the vehicle width direction is positioned outward of an outer end of the bumper reinforcement in the vehicle width direction, and in the vehicle width direction, an outer end of the absorber in the vehicle width direction is positioned outward of the outer end of the bumper reinforcement in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: An in-mold foam molded article has a foam body made from olefin-based resin pre-expanded beads and an insert member having an elongated connecting portion and movement resisting portions provided apart from one another in the elongated connecting portion. The insert member is subjected to insert molding upon in-mold foam molding using the olefin-based resin pre-expanded beads. The foam body has a movement facilitating structure that facilitates relative movement between the insert member and the foam body during shrinkage of the in-mold foam molded article after release from a mold.

Abstract: A lighting unit for a passenger motor vehicle is disclosed. The lighting unit includes a housing having a lens fastened to the housing and having a sealing element supported on the housing which has a receiver to support a bumper of the passenger motor vehicle. The sealing element is fastened to the housing by a support element fastened to the housing.

Abstract: A bumper reinforcement (10) includes a first member (1), and a second member (2). The first member (1) includes a first flat sheet (11), and two first parts (12). The first parts (12) are respectively connected to two side edges of the first flat sheet (11). The second member (2) includes a second plate (24), two wall parts (22), two flanges (21), and two second parts (23). The wall parts (22) are respectively connected to two side edges of the second plate (24). The flanges (21) are respectively connected to the two wall parts (22). The second parts (23) are respectively connected to side edges of the two flanges (21), and are provided so as to correspond to the first parts (23). The two flanges (21) of the second member (2) are joined with the first flat sheet (11) of the first member (1). The first parts (23) stand up toward the second member (2) side.

Abstract: A protective radiator shroud for a motor vehicle that is provided with a receiving area for a license plate holder and with a license plate holder. A deformable, plate-shaped energy absorber is arranged between the receiving area of the protective radiator shroud and the and the license plate holder.

Abstract: A bumper beam formed of fiber reinforced resin containing continuous fibers oriented at least in the vehicle width direction sufficiently absorbs the collision energy of a high-speed collision in the fiber reinforced resin. The bumper beam also has a center portion positioned in the center in the vehicle width direction and protruding outward in the front-back direction, and right and left outer portions inclined from the respective ends of the center portion seen in the vehicle width direction toward the inner side in the front-back direction. The outer portions each have a resin foam member protruding outward in front-back direction. Thus, at the time of a low speed collision, the resin foam member is crushed to absorb part of the collision energy so that the energy is absorbed and distributed over the center and outer portions, protecting the car body frame from deformation.

Abstract: A system and method to enhance pedestrian safety that include accessing pedestrian data and vehicle system data and determining a current location and a speed of a vehicle based on the vehicle system data. The system and method also include determining a current location and a speed of a pedestrian based on the pedestrian data and building at least one vehicle polygon that represents a predicted path of the vehicle. The system and method additionally include building at least one pedestrian polygon that represents a predicted path of the pedestrian. The system and method further include determining if the at least one pedestrian polygon intersects the at least one vehicle polygon and actuating a warning based on an intersection of the at least one pedestrian polygon with the at least one vehicle polygon.

Abstract: A variable shear control energy absorption system for a vehicle is provided. The system may include a vehicle frame component and a primary deformable impact absorber located adjacent the vehicle frame component. The vehicle frame component may be a bumper reinforcement member. The system may include a plurality of secondary deformable impact chambers located within the primary deformable impact absorber, each secondary deformable impact chamber including a shear thickening fluid that exhibits an increasing or decreasing viscosity responsive to an impact force. At least one elastic relief chamber is provided in fluid communication with the plurality of secondary deformable impact chambers. The elastic relief chamber is configured to temporarily accept the shear thickening fluid from the plurality of secondary deformable impact chambers during low force impacts, and to redirect the shear thickening fluid back to the secondary deformable impact chambers after the low impact force recedes.

Abstract: An energy absorber is disclosed that includes a container that receives a plurality of tubular segments and at least one spacer. The container includes one side that is adapted to receive an impact from a first direction. The tubular segments are assembled into the container in a parallel array with a cylindrical axis-C of the segments oriented perpendicular to the first direction. The spacer is placed in the container with the tubular segments being arranged to be displaced within the container so that they compress the spacer when the impact force is received on the one side. The method of making the energy absorber comprises assembling the plurality of tubular segments having in a container and assembling at least one spacer inside the container to hold the tubular segments in place.

Abstract: A passive energy absorber to be supported by a bumper of a vehicle is disclosed. The passive energy absorber may include a base extending laterally, multiple fins, and multiple stoppers. Each fin may extend longitudinally from the base and be spaced laterally from adjacent fins to form lateral gaps therebetween. Each stopper may form, with a corresponding portion of the base, a triangular prism in a different lateral gap. The base, multiple fins, and multiple stoppers may be formed of polymeric material.

Abstract: A bumper module for a vehicle has a cross member including at least one shell made of fiber-reinforced plastic which is stiffened by plastic material, in particular ribs, injection molded between mutually opposite walls of the shell.

Abstract: A bumper module for a vehicle includes a cross beam and two fastening flanges for fastening the cross beam to a longitudinal body beam. A layer included of fiber-reinforced plastic extends continuously from the cross beam until into the fastening flange.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly is provided having an energy absorber, a bracket, a step pad and a bumper fascia. The energy absorber includes an upper horizontal surface wherein the upper horizontal surface may define a deformable structure. The deformable structure may be in the form of flexible fins. The bracket may be mounted to the vehicle frame on a first end of the bracket and the energy absorber affixed to a second end of the bracket. The step pad may be affixed to the energy absorber. The bumper fascia may be affixed to either or both the step pad and the energy absorber.

Abstract: The systems and methods are directed to a vehicle control system for use with: a vehicle communications network, at least one source of pedestrian data relevant to at least one pedestrian's location, and at least one source of vehicle system data relevant to the vehicle's location and movement. The control system can include a processor that is configured to determine a vehicle's current location and speed based on the vehicle system data, build a predetermined number of vehicle polygons hardcoded into an application for representing a predicted path of the vehicle, build at least one pedestrian polygon representing a predicted path for at least one pedestrian detected in pedestrian data, and define a plurality of warning zones based on the vehicle polygons, and determine if one or more of the pedestrian polygons intersects at least one of the predetermined number of hardcoded vehicle polygons.

Abstract: The systems and methods are directed to a vehicle control system for use with: a vehicle communications network, at least one source of pedestrian data relevant to at least one pedestrian's location, and at least one source of vehicle system data relevant to the vehicle's location and movement. The control system can include a processor that is configured to determine a vehicle's current location and speed based on the vehicle system data, build a predetermined number of vehicle polygons hardcoded into an application for representing a predicted path of the vehicle, build at least one pedestrian polygon representing a predicted path for at least one pedestrian detected in pedestrian data, and define a plurality of warning zones based on the vehicle polygons, and determine if one or more of the pedestrian polygons intersects at least one of the predetermined number of hardcoded vehicle polygons.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a crash-resistant structural part for an automobile, the crash-resistant structural part including a beam element for receiving an impact force during a crash of the automobile is provided. The method comprises a step of arranging at least one layer of fibers having a length of 100 mm or more, and a step of mixing components required to form a thermoplastic polymer resin, the components including a reactive monomer, thereby forming a liquid precursor mixture of the thermoplastic polymer resin. At least one layer of fibers is impregnated with the liquid precursor mixture, and the beam element is formed by an in-situ polymerization reaction of the liquid precursor mixture having impregnated the at least one layer of fibers.

Abstract: An energy absorption member coupled between a vehicle front fender and a vehicle side structural member providing peak impact force resistance and energy absorption during an impact force imposed on the front fender. The energy absorption member extends continuously along the length of the front fender opposed from the side structural member to provide constant load along the entire length of the front fender. The energy absorption member may be a foamed block, a vertical, or horizontal oriented honeycomb structure or spaced hollow crush lobes.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle support member at an underside of the vehicle. A bumper assembly is at a front of the vehicle and includes a bumper fascia and a bumper reinforcement beam covered by the bumper fascia providing an upper projecting bumper portion. A lower reinforcement member is connected to the vehicle support member at a location below the bumper reinforcement beam in a vehicle vertical direction that is covered by the bumper fascia providing a lower projecting bumper portion. The lower reinforcement member includes a reinforcement body having a rear end connected to the vehicle support member and a front end opposite the rear end.

Abstract: Provided is a bumper reinforcement to be mounted to side members arranged at both end portions of a vehicle in a vehicle width direction so as to extend in a vehicle front-and-rear direction, the bumper reinforcement including: a body section formed into a tubular shape so as to extend in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle, the body section having both end portions in the vehicle width direction, which are formed so as to extend in the vehicle width direction, and an intermediate portion in the vehicle width direction, which is formed in a protruding manner toward one of a front of the vehicle and a rear of the vehicle; and a mounting section to be mounted to one of a front end surface and a rear end surface of each of the side members, the mounting section being formed into a tubular shape extending in the vehicle width direction integrally with a side surface portion of each of the both end portions of the body section in the vehicle width direction, the side surface portion being opposed to the eac

Abstract: A bumper back beam for a vehicle may include side portions connected to a vehicle body and formed of general plastic on both sides and an intermediate portion connecting the side portions on both sides and formed of high-strength plastic and a predetermined section, both ends of which encroach into the side portions to form overlap sections.

Abstract: This invention relates to rigid isocyanate-based polymer foam and composites thereof comprising a carbon black component comprising at least 50 weight percent of a fluorinated carbon black. Said foam having improved thermal properties, specifically, rigid polyurethane and/or polyisocyanurate foams for use in said insulation applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to rigid isocyanate-based polymer foam comprising a carbon black component comprising at least 50 weight percent of a fluorinated carbon black. Said foam having improved thermal properties, specifically, rigid polyurethane and/or polyisocyanurate foams for use in insulation applications.

Abstract: Assemblies, methods and systems useful for reducing the noise and vibration characteristics associated with hollow spaces or cavities of vehicles by positioning damping foam material within and spanning the space between a first substrate surface and a second substrate surface. The damping foam material is comprised of a first region and a second region, wherein the first region has an E? value at ?10° C. that is lower than the E? value at ?10° C. of the second region and an E? value at 25° C. that is higher than the E? value at 25° C. of the second region; and the second region has a variable cross-sectional width.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a bumper reinforcement extending in a vehicle width direction and a shock absorbing member fixed to a front face of the bumper reinforcement and extending in the vehicle width direction along the bumper reinforcement. The shock absorbing member comprises a base portion extending vertically along the front face of the bumper reinforcement and a projection portion extending forward from a lower end portion of the base portion and being resiliently-downward deformable relative to the base portion. Thus, the vehicle comprising the shock absorbing member provided in front of the bumper reinforcement with the leg-flicking function for the pedestrian protection can be provided.

Abstract: An in-situ molded foam core structural plastic article having an outer shell with an interior cavity filled with expandable polymer beads which when expanded substantially fill the interior cavity forming a thermal bond with the shell. The bead and shell are of a similar plastic composition enabling the articles to be reground and recycled. Various articles are disclosed including structural panels, and automotive seat, load floor, interior panel, bumper and running board components. An apparatus for forming the articles and an associated method of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for a motor vehicle adapted for sensing impacts including pedestrian impacts. The sensor assembly includes first and second energy absorbing elements formed of differing materials which couple an applied force to the vehicle to a compressive force acting on a compressive sensor element. The first and second energy absorbers are combined in a manner to tune the response between the applied force and forces acting on the compressive sensor to provide desired response characteristics. The first and second energy absorbers can be configured to produce force flow paths which further aid in response tuning. Another embodiment utilizes an energy absorber having a shaped cross section which focuses and balances impact force is applied to the compressive sensor.

Abstract: An impact sensor of an active hood system includes a rear member, optical fiber sensors, a front member and membrane switch. Each of the optical fiber sensors is disposed on upper and lower portions of a front of the rear member and senses an impact force delivered from a bumper at the time of a crash with a pedestrian. The front member is disposed at the front of the rear member and has a protrusion part pressing the optical fiber sensors by the impact force delivered from the bumper at the time of the crash with the pedestrian. The membrane switch is disposed between the front member and the optical fiber sensor, divided into a plurality of regions from a left of the front member to a right thereof, and configured to sense a region which is pressed when the pedestrian crashes with the region.

Abstract: A bumper system for a vehicle includes a fascia having an integral energy absorber portion configured to dissipate an amount of energy due to an impact upon the fascia. The energy absorber portion includes multiple spaced formations configured to extend rearward and forward when the bumper system is installed on the vehicle. The bumper system may also include an impact beam. The fascia can be secured to the vehicle so that the fascia is positioned immediately adjacent the impact beam. The bumper system can also include a valence that covers the energy absorber portion from view, so that only a remaining display portion of the bumper system is visible from outside of the vehicle.

Abstract: An energy management system for use with a vehicle having an interior includes an elongated plastic member having a wall defining a cavity. Disposed within the cavity is an elongated first in-situ foam core member, which has a first thermal bond to the wall. The wall having a first portion facing towards the vehicle interior and a second portion opposed to the first portion. A second in-situ foam core member is connected to at least a portion of the elongated plastic member forming the energy management system. The energy management system is capable of passing a 5-mph crash test passing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 215 (FMVSS 215) Phase II.

Abstract: An energy absorption system for installation between a bumper and a transverse beam of a vehicle has a front soft part that faces the bumper, and a rear hard part that faces the transverse beam. Both the hard and soft parts extend over the width of the vehicle and are interlocked with each other.

Abstract: An energy absorber for an automotive bumper assembly having an impact beam includes a first component positioned adjacent the impact beam. The energy absorber also includes a second component positioned such that the first component is disposed substantially between the second component and the impact beam. The energy absorber additionally includes a locking feature configured to join the first component and the second component. A vehicle having a bumper assembly with such an energy absorber is also disclosed.

Abstract: Side seal member for a loading dock seal are disclosed. An example truck loading dock seal comprising a resiliently compressible side pad supported by a relatively rigid backer and encased within a pliable cover includes at least one flexible lip protruding from the cover to seal a gap that might exist between the backer and the wall to which the backer is mounted. In some cases, the lip is part of the cover and is located where a rear vertical edge of the side pad meets the wall. The flexibility of the lip enables the lip to sealingly conform to a wall having an irregular surface. For additional sealing, a back sheet of the pliable cover includes a touch-and-hold fastener and/or overlapping layers of material that can provide a compressible seal between the wall and the backer.

Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces, wherein the container is attached to a vehicle. An energy-absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. At least one elongated member having a proximate end and a distal end is included, wherein the proximate end is proximate to a first face of the container. A long axis of the at least one elongated member may intersect the first face. A bumper may be connected to the distal end of the at least one elongated member.

Abstract: An energy absorbing tubular structure is formed of a molded or extruded polymer. The tube has a quadrangular cross-section with rounded corners. The walls of tube are corrugated with alternating convex and concave corrugations surfaces having a continuous constant radius, preferably with no flat spots. The corrugated walls have a constant thickness. The corrugations progressively deform during impact thereby providing a near perfect square wave force vs. deflection energy absorption curve at any predetermined nearly constant force level. The tube may be filled with polymer foam to vary the impact performance of the structure.

Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on the towing vehicle, such that hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from the substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one restraint element operable between at least a disengaged condition, wherein the crash cushion is capable of rotating about the substantially vertical axis, and an engaged condition, wherein the at least one restraint element constrains rotation of the crash cushion about the substantially vertical axis.

Abstract: A readily transportable and rapidly deployable vehicle immobilization device is provided. The exhaust of an internal combustion engine is obstructed, resulting in choking off and stopping of the engine. In an aspect, a plug is provided having an extension fixed to the plug for human grasping, and facilitating insertion into an end of a vehicle exhaust pipe. In an aspect the plug expands upon being heated and is adhesive to the exhaust pipe for at least partially sealing the exhaust pipe. In another aspect, a length of adhesive material is attached to the front of a pursuing vehicle and engages an end of an exhaust pipe of a fleeing vehicle.

Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.

Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bumper absorber that is provided on an automobile between a bumper reinforcement and a bumper fascia, comprising a first energy absorbing portion formed by foaming a resin molded material; the first energy absorbing portion extending from the bumper reinforcement toward the bumper fascia; a second energy absorbing portion formed by a resin molded material; the second energy absorbing portion extending from the bumper reinforcement toward the bumper fascia at a position where a space that permits buckling is formed between the first energy absorbing portion and the second energy absorbing portion on the bumper reinforcement side; a crosslinking portion disposed facing a vehicle interior side of the bumper fascia; and the crosslinking portion fastening the first energy absorbing portion and the second energy absorbing portion together while sealing an opening between the first energy absorbing portion and the second energy absorbing portion on the bumper fascia side.

Abstract: A removable device magnetically attached to a vehicle exterior to guard against dings, dents and scuffs imposed by doors of adjacent vehicles in parking lot environments. The guard incorporates a vinyl covering for added durability and customization potential as well as beveled, ergonomic end caps for improved design aesthetics and efficient placement of the device on the vehicle body.

Abstract: An automobile bumper system including an isolator disposed adjacent a cross beam of an automobile frame, and a bumper edge guard strip mounted adjacent upper and/or lower edges of the cross beam. The bumper edge guard strip may include an upper extension fixedly engaged with an upper surface of the cross beam and a lower extension fixedly engaged with a frontal surface of the cross beam, with the upper extension having a length greater than the lower extension for distributing impact energy in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A readily transportable and rapidly deployed vehicle immobilization device is provided. The exhaust of an internal combustion engine is obstructed, resulting in choking off and stopping of the engine. In an aspect, a plug is provided having an extension fixed to the plug for human grasping, and facilitating insertion into an end of a vehicle exhaust pipe. In an aspect the plug expands upon being heated and is adhesive to the exhaust pipe for at least partially sealing the exhaust pipe. In another aspect, a length of adhesive material is attached to the front of a pursuing vehicle and engages an end of an exhaust pipe of a fleeing vehicle.

Abstract: A lower member of a radiator core support includes a front end module formed so as to protrude forward, so that a protruding portion of the lower member is used as an impact absorbing frame member. A lower end portion of a bumper face may be superimposed fixedly on a lower surface of the protruding portion. A lower impact absorbing portion may be made of foamed resin and may be accommodated in the interior of a lower protruding portion, and this lower impact absorbing portion may be fixedly provided at a front end surface of the protruding portion.