Abstract: A vehicle impact protection system (10) includes a vehicle outer wall (16), a vehicle inner wall (14), the vehicle outer wall (16) and the vehicle inner wall (14) defining a mounting space (18) between them, and an elongated reinforcing profile (20) housed in the mounting space (18) and having a profile longitudinal axis (A), the reinforcing profile (20) being connected with an actuator device (28), an activation of the actuator device (28) leading to a change in curvature of said profile longitudinal axis (A) such that the profile longitudinal axis (A) is curved more intensively outwards towards the vehicle outer wall (16) after the activation of the actuator device (28) than before the activation.

Abstract: A side impact detection system for detecting information about a side impact of a vehicle. The side impact detection system comprises a elongated member, a detection sensor, a deriving unit, and a determination unit. The elongated member is capable of being deflected toward the inside of the vehicle according to the deformation of the door outer panel in the event of a side impact. The detection sensor detects information about the displacement of a setting area that is previously set on the elongated member during the deflection of the elongated member toward the inside of the vehicle. The deriving unit derives the displacement and the displacement speed of the setting area relative to a vehicle body side member based on the information detected by the detection sensor. The determination unit determines the mode of the side impact on the vehicle based on the information derived by the deriving unit.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure is provided capable of reducing load borne by front-rear members. A vehicle front portion structure 10 includes: a pair of side frames 12, each extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and arranged parallel to each other at positions in the vehicle width direction; a dash panel 20, disposed at a position that is separated toward the rear in the vehicle front-rear direction from the front end portions 12A of the pair of side frames 12, and extending in the vehicle width direction and in the vehicle vertical direction; a division plate 25, disposed toward the front in the vehicle front-rear direction from the dash panel 20; an impact absorbing member 26, provided between the dash panel 20 and the division plate 25 so as to be able to transmit load in the vehicle front-rear direction; and support pillars 14, provided so as to be able to transmit load toward the rear in the vehicle front-rear direction to each of the side frames 12 and the division plate 25.

Abstract: An energy management structure includes an elongated polygonal tube with at least four walls, the tube having a larger first end and a smaller second end, at least two of the walls including a longitudinally-extending channel-shaped tapered rib starting at the smaller second end and extending toward the larger first end. The ribs become shallower near the larger first end. The walls include crush initiators so that the ribs do not provide undesired strength to the tube during a longitudinal impact. A related method includes roll-forming a polygonal tubular shape with at least four walls, at least two of the walls including longitudinally-extending channel-shaped ribs, and reforming the tubular shape into a tapered polygonal shape with a larger end and a smaller end, the ribs becoming shallower as the ribs extend closer to the larger end.

Abstract: The invention relates to an impact-absorbing element for a vehicle, in particular a car, comprising: a body comprising a thermoplastic polymer material; an elongate reinforcing structure provided in the body and comprising a number of metal reinforcing cords extending substantially parallel and a number of positioning elements arranged between the cords for holding the metal reinforcing cords substantially mutually parallel before and during the manufacturing process. The positioning elements ensure that the cords remain correctly positioned before, during and after the manufacturing process despite the forces occurring in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: An energy absorbent and stiffening assembly for an automotive headliner. The assembly includes at least one energy absorbent cone and at least one stiffening rib joined with and extending outwardly from the energy absorbent cone which stiffens the headliner.

Abstract: An arrangement for a vehicle having a so-called front-built vehicle cab of the type which incorporates a cab bottom part supporting at least one driver's seat is provided. The cab bottom part has a floor section having a front section, a rear section and side sections extending between the front section and the rear section in the longitudinal direction of the cab and of the vehicle, and the cab is disposed on a vehicle underbody, situated beneath the cab, with a bearing arrangement disposed at the front end of the cab and incorporating at least two cab legs, one disposed on each respective side section of the floor section.

Abstract: A cover accommodates a power converter receiving high voltage. A connector assembling portion to which a connector of an external power line is assembled is arranged external to the cover and secured by a securing member to a vehicle's main body. A support member is arranged at a lower surface of the cover and connector assembling portion, rather than that portion of casing connecting the connector assembling portion and the power converter's main body, between the cover and the connector assembling portion and thus binds them together.

Abstract: A frame deformation control apparatus to be used for a frame being constructed of a plurality of sub-frames, the frame deformation control apparatus has a joint unit connecting adjoining sub-frames, the joint unit allows the adjoining sub-frames to turn around the joint unit, a detector measuring a bending moment to be added to the joint unit, and a brake unit restricting the turn around the joint unit of the adjoining sub-frames.

Abstract: A bumper for a vehicle is disclosed. The bumper includes a housing that has a pair of interlocking supporting frames. One of the supporting frames is fixed to the vehicle body. The bumper includes a plurality of rebounding elements and a plurality of biasing elements, each that are fixed within one of the supporting frames of the housing. Each of the rebounding elements has a predetermined rebounding elements spring coefficient. The plurality of biasing elements has a biasing elements spring coefficient that is not equal to, and is preferably less than, the spring coefficient of each rebounding element. Further, each of the biasing elements abuts one of the rebounding elements. As such, as the interlocking supporting frames of the housing are compressed in a vehicle collision, the plurality of rebounding elements together with the plurality of biasing elements absorb the collision energy and are each compressed at different rates.

Abstract: A modifiable structural assembly comprising an active material based insert positioned within a hollow structural member, wherein the insert defines a first insert dimension, is configured, when activated, to change the first insert dimension to a second insert dimension, and selectively achieving the first or second dimension facilitates positioning the insert, or changes a characteristic of the assembly, such as the stiffness, damping effect, or energy absorption rate, once the insert has been positioned.

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 side impact beam for a motor vehicle comprising a beam part having a closed section and an insertion part provided in the beam part.

Abstract: The invention relates to an end wall module for a transport vehicle. The inventive end wall module having a first wall and the second wall arranged at a distance therefrom. The first wall is embodied in the form of a first corrugated structure and the second wall is embodied in the form of a second corrugated structure. Said corrugated structures are embodied in such a way that they are distanced from each other when the end wall module is mounted without being deformed and are engaged into each other by the shape thereof when the end wall module is at least in the first deformation stage.

Abstract: A ventilation device, in particular for motor vehicles; wherein the ventilation device has, at a determinable point of the ventilation device, an area that, when subjected to a specified load, changes its shape in a manner predetermined by a structure of the ventilation device in the area; and a deformation energy caused by the load being absorbed during the change of shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety system for motor vehicles having sensor devices for detecting an accident and an apparatus for reinforcing a carrying construction (1) of a motor-vehicle roof (6), in particular the A, B or C column of the motor vehicle, which protrudes beyond a lower edge of a window opening (4), in which an inflatable reinforcing element (2) is deployed which is fastened to the carrying construction (1) and can be filled with gas via a gas generator (3) if corresponding sensor data are present. The invention also relates to a carrying construction (1) per se.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an automobile impact beam integrated with brackets which are fastened to an automobile and a method of manufacturing the automobile impact beam. The automobile impact beam according to the invention includes a body formed from a central area of a hollow steel pipe, and brackets formed from opposite ends of the hollow steel pipe extending from opposite sides of the body, through flattening, so that the brackets are formed as flat surfaces integrated with the body. The invention allows the impact beam to be easily manufactured and mounted to a vehicle, reduces the weight of the vehicle, and provides stability to a passenger.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pedestrian impact detection are provided. Piezoelectric sensor elements detect an object impacting a vehicle. The detected signal is attenuated and filtered. The attenuated and filtered signal is analyzed in the frequency domain to determine whether the object which impacted the vehicle is a pedestrian. If the object which impacted the vehicle is a pedestrian, then a pedestrian protection system is deployed.

Abstract: A structural seat system is provided for an automotive vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, a structural beam is employed which extends in a cross-vehicle direction spaced above a vehicle floor. A further aspect of the present invention provides a passenger seat with a recessed configuration. Yet another aspect of the present invention uses a structural reinforcement and seat system in a convertible roof vehicle.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement system is provided for an automotive vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, an upper structural beam is employed which extends in a cross-vehicle direction adjacent to a vehicle belt-line. A further aspect of the present invention employs an upper structural beam with a recessed central portion. Yet another aspect of the present invention uses a structural reinforcement system in a convertible roof vehicle.

Abstract: A protector includes: a protector main body covering the lower portion of the vehicle body and a fixing plate for fixing the protector main body to the vehicle body. The protector main body has a surface portion and a recessed portion recessed from the surface portion to the vehicle body. The fixing plate has a plurality of the first insertion holes through which the fastening members for securing the protector main body to the vehicle body are passed. The recessed portion has second insertion holes through which fastening members are passed. The fixing plate is disposed in the recessed portion. The plurality of the first insertion holes are formed apart from one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy dissipation device, for example for a coupling assembly, having a bearing block (2, 3) comprising an interface (4), by means of which impact forces can be conducted to the bearing block (2, 3), and a deformation tube (5), wherein the bearing block (2, 3) comprises a first bearing support part (2) fixedly mountable to a car body (2) and a second bearing support part (3) connected to the interface (4), and wherein the deformation tube (5) comprises a section (5.1) fixedly connected to the first bearing support part (2) at its coupling plane-side end section (5b) which exhibits a widened cross-sectional area compared to a deformation tube section (5.2) disposed closer to the car body.

Abstract: Described is a cubby hole device for vehicles which includes a cubby hole, a first holder, a second holder, a lock and a carrier. The carrier is connected, on the one hand, to an outer frame, on the other hand, to one of the two holders. The cubby hole is connected to the other of the two holders. The first holder and the second holder are mounted rotatably against each other. The lock locks the first holder and the second holder against each other. The cubby hole is displaced against the outer frame by high pressure produced in particular by impact of a vehicle occupant on the cubby hole as a result of which the carrier is deformed plastically by the high pressure and/or the first holder is deformed plastically and/or the first holder is rotated against the second holder. This displacement of the cubby hole by only the constructional elements which are related to the cubby hole.

Abstract: A sensor assembly of a vehicle includes a substantially horizontal protrusion secured to a body portion of the vehicle and extending therefrom in a direction of an impact input and a crash sensor mounted to the substantially horizontal protrusion, wherein the crash sensor is configured to detect an impact force applied to the body panel by the impact input.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotatably-mountable bumper configured for rotatably and ergonomically mounting to a mounting member for cushioning the contact between the mounting member and a potentially interfering member. The bumper transmits reactive forces between two members, such as a vehicle hood and grille, if portions of one member over travels. A fastening member on the bumper rotatably engages an aperture on the mounting member to secure the bumper to the mounting member. A registration member on the bumper retentively holds the bumper in rotatably-mounted engagement with the mounting member.

Abstract: A device for the reduction of injuries in the event of a motor-vehicle accident comprises an adapter inserted between the vehicle bodywork and adjacent internal vehicle components to reduce the free space distance between the bodywork and the components. The free space distance is the shortest direct distance between a vehicle component and the adjacent bodywork which is free from other parts. The adapter changes the energy transfer involved in a collision between a person and the vehicle, in order to reduce the risk of injury to the head.

Abstract: Reinforcement and armouring panel for a vehicle, comprising a pair of metal sheets (3) provided between which is a layer (4) made of sacrificial material made of metal or ceramic foam.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fuel tank is supported by the front surface of an operator's cabin. A center frame fixed to a body is coupled to the fuel tank via an external-force transmission part. The external-force transmission part permits vertical movement of the cabin relative to the center frame, while regulating lateral movement of the cabin relative to the center frame when an external force greater than a predetermined value is applied to the cabin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotatably-mountable bumper configured for rotatably and ergonomically mounting to a mounting member for cushioning the contact between the mounting member and a potentially interfering member. The bumper transmits reactive forces between two members, such as a vehicle hood and grille, if portions of one member over travels. A fastening member on the bumper rotatably engages an aperture on the mounting member to secure the bumper to the mounting member. A registration member on the bumper retentively holds the bumper in rotatably-mounted engagement with the mounting member.

Abstract: A hood lift mechanism for reversibly increasing the energy absorption capability at appropriate force levels of a vehicle hood includes a vehicle hood; an active material in operative communication with the vehicle hood, wherein the active material comprises a shape memory alloy, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, a shape memory polymer, a magnetorheological fluid, an electroactive polymer, a magnetorheological elastomer, an electrorheological fluid, a piezoelectric material, an ionic polymer metal composite, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing active materials; and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in a property of the active material, wherein the reversible change results in an increased clearance distance between the vehicle hood and an underlying component.

Abstract: Roll support structure padding for use in a motor vehicle having a roll support structure formed of interconnected rigid members. The padding is formed of a two component flexible integrated skin molded polyurethane. The padding is formed in generally elongate body having a recess for partially encasing the support structure members. The body has a thickness of approximately 2.5 centimeters and is compressible to gradually decelerate a vehicle occupant coming into contact with the padding. Sections of the padding are installed on the support structure to partially encase the support structure members in padding and provide protection from impact, for the operator of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A two layer sound deadening material is formed from pumpable material applied through a pair of extrusion heads mounted on a single mount. A robot, used in high speed mass production automotive assembly lines, moves the door panel relative to the stationary extrusion heads to allow the simultaneous application of the two layers onto the interior side of the door. The first layer is formed of a thermosetting composition containing epoxy, rubber and a catalyst and adheres directly to the door panel. The second layer is formed of a thermosetting composition containing an epoxy resin, a thermo plastic copolymer and a curative which will adhere directly to the first layer due to similar chemical structures. The second layer is positioned such that the edges thereof are inside of the corresponding edges of the first layer to prevent read through transmission of noise from the body or door panel.

Abstract: A vehicle hood structure of the present invention has: a hood outer panel structuring a vehicle body outer side surface of a hood; a hood inner panel disposed along an entire region of a reverse surface of the hood outer panel, a cross-sectional configuration of the hood inner panel as seen from a vehicle longitudinal direction being a wavy configuration; and shelf portions formed along the vehicle longitudinal direction at side wall portions of the wavy cross-sectional configuration, wherein the cross-sectional configuration of a wavy configuration, of the hood inner panel, is formed along the vehicle longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A mounting structure of an impact absorbing pad mounted to a back surface of an interior lining, which makes it possible to facilitate positioning and mounting of the impact absorbing pad, and which enhances durability of the impact absorbing pad by preventing breakage of the impact absorbing pad when an impact load is applied from a lateral direction of an indoor side of a vehicle. A box-shaped holder is vertically provided at a mounting reference position of a back surface of a door lining body in a door lining (interior lining), an insertion piece in an impact absorbing pad is fitted in the above described box-shaped holder, and positioning and fixing at a reference fixing point of the impact absorbing pad performed.

Abstract: A truck has a driver's cab tiltably mounted above a drive train and coupled in an articulated fashion to a bottom chassis by a bearing. The drive train is attached to the chassis, and has a restraint system for the driver's cab. In the case of a head-on collision of the truck with an obstacle at the level of the driver's cab, the restraint system serves to absorb and deflect collision forces at the driver's cab. The restraint system includes a flexible coupling element that establishes a connection, which is resistant to tensile stress counter to the direction of travel, between the driver's cab and a front fixed part of the drive train located underneath it.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a motor vehicle which, at a front end of a safety passenger cell, is provided with a front section with a crumple zone and two wheel housings which are arranged laterally in the region of the crumple zone and in which a respective wheel having a tire and a wheel rim, is arranged. A wheel support ramp which runs obliquely downward, as seen from the travel direction, is formed and causes the respective wheel, which has been moved toward the wheel support ramp as a consequence of a crash-induced deformation of the crumple zone, to be guided downward in the direction of the safety passenger cell. An additional wheel impact element is provided for each wheel and is deformable by the respective wheel (3) that has been moved as a consequence of the crash-induced deformation of the crumple zone.

Abstract: Using as a vehicle body reinforcing member any one of a bent tube with a partial bend of radius R, a tube with a plurality of portions that are bent at radius R, and a bent tube with mixed bends of inward and outward projection according to the present invention makes it possible, during a vehicle body collision, to absorb more energy than and exhibit better impact resistance than a vehicle body reinforcing member that uses one of a known straight tube and a curved tube of radius R entirely. Thus the dimensions (outside diameter, wall thickness) of the metal tube that is used as the vehicle body reinforcing member can be reduced, and the tube shape can be modified, while impact resistance is maintained. Modifying the shape in this manner makes it possible to provide the ever higher required level of vehicle body impact resistance at the same time that it reduces the weight of the vehicle body and lowers the cost. The present invention can therefore be widely used as an occupant protection technology.

Abstract: A crashbox is provided for connecting a bumper carrier and a longitudinal beam in a frame structure of a motor vehicle. The crashbox has a section that is compressible in a longitudinal direction and a first fixing element for attachment to the longitudinal beam and a second fixing element for attachment to the bumper carrier at opposite ends of the section. The first fixing element is in the form of a spigot member that is insertible into a cavity in the longitudinal beam and a support strut extends between two rigid side flanks of the spigot member through an internal cavity of the spigot member.

Abstract: Motor vehicle with a water spray reservoir (10) which is accommodated in the front end (20) of the vehicle between outer skin (S) and units (M) and is positioned on the front structure (21) of the vehicle so that the reservoir (10) opposes an impact with the lowest possible resistance.

Abstract: A safety device for reducing risk of injury to a vehicle occupant in the event of lateral impact accidents, includes at least one cushion element which is arranged on the vehicle, laterally adjacent to an occupant position, and can be moved by an actuating device from a rest position into a deployed position in the direction of the occupant position. The actuating device is driven by a vehicle-mounted drive.

Abstract: A driver's cab supporting structure for a commercial vehicle, particularly a heavy commercial vehicle, has a safety cell arranged in a driver's cab with a front region, and a rear side facing a loading region. A seating region is surrounded by a stiff, cage-like safety cell to which a deformation region for absorbing deformation energy is connected, between seating region and loading region.

Abstract: A grille and bonnet assembly is mounted at the forward end of an automotive vehicle. The bonnet is formed with a leading edge and a trailing edge with the leading edge positioned above or at an upper edge of the grille during normal operation of the automotive vehicle when the bonnet is closed. The grille and bonnet are designed with corresponding inclined surfaces that are located relative to each other such that a force greater than a predetermined value transmitted from the bonnet to the grille forces at least the upper part of the grille to move forwardly so as to allow the bonnet to move downwardly. Such yielding movement of the grille and bonnet can reduce injuries in the event of an impact between a pedestrian and the bonnet of the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: In this vehicle body strength control apparatus, a control unit estimates the collision energy that will be generated when a host vehicle collides or makes contact with another object based on various signals input from an external sensor and from a vehicle quantity of state sensor. At a point in time when it is determined that there is a possibility of a collision or of contact occurring between the host vehicle and another object, or, alternatively, at the point in time when a collision or contact between the host vehicle and another object is actually detected, actuators are driven in a strength mode that corresponds to the strength that it is considered is required by a strength varying device for the previously estimated collision energy to be absorbed.

Abstract: An energy management system comprising a longitudinally extending beam including a first beam portion and a second beam portion. A first one of the first beam portion and the second beam portion has a first face, a first side wall and a second side wall. A second one of the first beam portion and the second beam portion has a second face. The first side wall has a first U-shaped section spaced from the first face and the second side wall has a second U-shaped section spaced from the first face. The first side wall rolls to enlarge the first U-shaped section and the second side wall rolls to enlarge the second U-shaped section during an impact force directed against the first face of the first beam portion or the second face of the second beam portion.

Abstract: A modular energy absorber 10 that is tunable. It comprises one or more energy absorbing modules 12. The energy absorbing modules have means for coordinating energy absorbing units 16 of the one or more modules. The means 14 for coordinating position and support the units in relation to each other before, during and after relative motion between an incident object and the energy absorber. A crushable member 16 is provided that has an upper perimeter 22, a lower perimeter 24 and an intermediate wall 26 extending therebetween. It also includes a number (m) of breaches defined therein before impact. A method for configuring the modular energy absorber is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle support structure is provided with a floor impact restriction device coupled between a structural floor member of a vehicle floor and a vehicle suspension member supporting the vehicle floor. The floor impact restriction device basically has a suspension attachment member and a floor attachment member. The suspension attachment member has a suspension mounting portion fixedly attached to the vehicle suspension member and a first connecting portion rigidly coupled to the suspension mounting portion. The floor attachment member has a floor mounting portion fixedly attached to the structural floor member and a second connecting portion rigidly coupled to the floor mounting portion. The first and second connecting portions are interlinked together with a limited range of non-contacting movement between the first and second connecting portions.

Abstract: The present invention provides in particular a device for reinforcing a hollow motor vehicle bodywork element (1) of closed right section, the device being characterized by the fact that said element (1) has means (2; 3; 5) suitable for subjecting its inside space (E) to a shock wave or pressure wave on detecting an impact, such that the energy generated by said wave is sufficient to deform the element by increasing its section.

Abstract: A volume-filling mechanical structure for modifying a crash or impact comprising a honeycomb celled material expandable from a compact state to a expanded state and methods for operating the same.

Abstract: A tunable property bracket for a vehicle body, includes a support member comprising a first active material configured to provide support for static and dynamic loads during normal operation of the vehicle body, wherein the first active material undergoes a change in a property upon exposure to an activating condition during a loading event or a sensed loading event, wherein the change in the property is effective to provide a load bearing capacity change to the support member.

Abstract: A door includes an inner panel, an outer panel, a door beam fixed to the inner panel, hinges, and a door lock unit. The door beam is connected at one end to one end side face of the inner panel at a first location and at the other end thereof to the other end side face at a second location higher or lower than the first location along a substantial diagonal of the outer panel. A first vibration damping member intervenes between the door beam and the outer panel to have contact with the door beam and the outer panel. A second vibration damping member may be further arranged above or under the door beam inside the outer panel. A third vibration damping member including a patch member may be attached to an interior face of the outer panel.