Abstract: A method of operating a volume-filling structure, comprising sensing an impact event and expanding the volume-filling structure from a non-expanded state to an expanded state upon the sensed impact event. The volume-filling structure comprises an open celled material, a first end cap connected to one end of the open celled material and a second end cap connected to a second end of the open celled material. The volume-filling structure further includes an activation mechanism regulating expansion of the open celled material from the non-expanded state to expanded state in response to an activation signal, and the activation mechanism includes an actuator interfaced with the end caps. Embodiments may include triggering a pneumatic device to force the second end cap from the first end cap. Additionally, embodiments may include triggering a mechanical event to force the second end cap from the first end cap.

Abstract: A bumper beam (10) e.g. for an SUV, has its flange portions (18, 19) positioned high and extends asymmetrically downwards relative to them. It has an outwardly convex profile which has in its lower portion a longitudinal concavity (16) which, near to the lower edge of the profile, ends with a forward-pointing profile portion (21). The result is less risk that the bumper will climb up over a lower-positioned bumper (30) which it collides with.

Abstract: A hollow chamber structural component includes a shell component which extends along a main extension direction. A cover component is attached to the shell component, wherein a hollow chamber is disposed between the shell component and the cover component and extends in the main extension direction. A reinforcing structure is arranged in the hollow chamber and comprises: a synthetic support structure, which follows at least in some sections the main extension direction and rests with at least some sections against an inside of the shell component; and at least one reinforcing element that follows at least in some sections the main extension direction and is joined to the synthetic support structure with the aid of a layer of adhesive.

Abstract: A vehicular rear impact sensor mounting structure includes a pair of rear side members which are parallel to one another in a vehicle width direction; a rear bumper reinforcement that is connected to rear end portions of the rear side members; a lower back panel that is fitted to the rear side members at a predetermined distance from the rear bumper reinforcement, and that is forward of the rear bumper reinforcement in a vehicle longitudinal direction. A rear impact sensor for detecting a rear, impact to a vehicle is provided on the inside surface of the lower back panel.

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 partition panel extends in a first direction to partition a passenger room from a trunk room in the rear portion of the car body and is provided with an opening. A floor panel extends in a second direction which is different from the first direction. Upper attaching portions respectively arranged in a pair of right and left upper end portions of an X-shaped reinforcing bar are fixed to upper attached portions formed on the partition panel. Lower attaching portions respectively arranged in a pair of right and left lower end portions of the reinforcing bar are fixed to lower attached portions formed on the floor panel.

Abstract: Rear vehicle body structure (10) includes a sub-frame (16), which has left and right sub side members (51, 52) and front and rear sub cross members (53, 54) that together constitute a substantially rectangular framework (46). The left sub side member includes a left rear extension portion (58) extending from the framework toward the rear of the vehicle body and connected to a left rear joint section (42), where the rear cross member and the left rear side frame are joined together. The right sub side member includes a right rear extension portion (63) extending from the framework toward the rear of the vehicle body and connected to a right rear joint section (44).

Abstract: A collision management system for an automotive spare tire includes a pneumatic spare tire mounted upon a wheel, and a body structure for axially displacing the spare tire in the direction of a combination tire deflator and wheel retainer which engages the spare tire and pierces it to deflate the spare tire, while subsequently locking upon the wheel rim, so as to assist in retaining the spare tire in a desired location within a storage compartment of the 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 force redistributing system operably attached to a vehicle. The system includes a first cross-car member, a first side load distributor and a second side load distributor. The first and second side load distributors are parallel to and spaced apart from each other and are attached at respective first ends to opposing ends of the first cross-car member. The system includes a second cross-car member having opposing ends, which are attached to second ends of the first and second side load distributors. The system establishes cross vehicle loading of force from a rear impact wherein the force from the rear impact on the vehicle is transferred along an upper path and a lower path.

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: In a rear vehicle body structure for a vehicle using a torsion beam suspension system, a laterally extending slot is defined between a vertical front wall of a spare tire pan defined in a rear floor panel and a raised rear end of a front floor panel and a torsion beam of the torsion beam suspension system is received in this slot. The spare tire is received in the spare tire pan in a rear end up slanted orientation. A rear end cross member extends across the vehicle in a rear end of the spare tire pan. In a rear end collision, the spare tire pan is pushed forward by the rear end cross member. The rear end cross member enables the impact load to be evenly distributed to the spare tire pan or the rear floor panel.

Abstract: A rear body panel for a golf car includes a seat support portion and a bag well portion disposed rearward from the seat support portion. The rear body panel also includes a pair of wheel wells disposed on opposite sides of the bag well portion. The seat support portion includes a discontinuous recessed flange, a lower end trim edge, and at least one tab for limiting movement of the rear body panel on the golf car. Stiffening ribs are also included adjacent the wheel wells, and hand hold apertures are further included. The bag well portion includes a front wall portion, a pair of outwardly sloped side walls, and a floor portion with an impact absorption feature.

Abstract: Tunable structural member for a vehicle generally comprises an active material adapted to selectively undergo a change in at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The change in the at least one attribute results in a change in the mechanical properties of the tunable structural member. Active materials generally include shape memory alloys, shape memory polymers, magnetorheological fluids and elastomers, piezoelectrics, electroactive polymers, and the like.

Abstract: A vehicle rear structure is provided. The structure includes: a bumper reinforcement disposed such that the length direction thereof extends along a vehicle width direction; a bumper cover provided at a vehicle rear side of the bumper reinforcement; a reflector provided on the bumper cover such that a functional reflecting portion thereof is disposed directed towards the bumper reinforcement; and a reflector protecting member provided in the bumper reinforcement, including a bumper cover abutting portion that abuts the bumper cover during a vehicle rear collision, and a reflector accommodating portion capable of accommodating the reflector with a space when the bumper cover abuts the bumper cover abutting portion.

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

Abstract: A rear structure of a vehicle body includes a first rear side member and a second rear side member, the first and second rear side members generally extending in a front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body, a first rear cross member extending between the first rear side member and the second rear side member, a rear center member extending from the first rear cross member toward the rear of the vehicle body in the front-to-rear direction, and wherein the rear center member includes at least one structure configured to be vulnerable when an impact load is exerted upon the rear of the vehicle body.

Abstract: When a luggage floor moves forward of the vehicle by an external force from the rear of the vehicle, a front surface portion of the luggage floor strikes left and right rear side leg portions of a rear suspension member to avoid applying an input load to the canister. The canister is disposed at nearly the same position as the left and right rear side leg portions of the rear suspension member or at a position more forward than that position.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle end structure capable of more reliably receiving a load upon a collision in a vehicle body of the frame construction. The vehicle end structure of the present invention is one constructed near a front end (or rear end) of a framework of a vehicle and is characterized by comprising a pair of body frame members 1 extending in an anteroposterior direction of the vehicle body; a bumper reinforce 3 hung at ends of the pair of frame members 1; a pair of brackets 4 located on the center side of the vehicle with respect to the ends of the pair of frame members 1 and projecting outwardly and laterally from the respective frame members; a pair of outer pillar members 5 extending downward from the respective brackets 4; a cross member 6 hung between the pair of outer pillar members 5; and a pair of inner pillar members 7 joining an upper surface of the cross member 6 to the respective frame members 1.

Abstract: A rear frame structure for a vehicle is disclosed, wherein an impact load can be satisfactorily absorbed in the case of a collision with a rear surface of the vehicle. The rear frame structure includes a pipe-shaped impact-absorbing member located between left and right rear frames. The impact-absorbing member has a center pipe that has a V shape in plan view, formed so as to protrude backward. The impact-absorbing member has left- and right-side pipes extending from the center pipe linearly upwardly to left and right end pipes. The impact load applied to the center pipe causes the left- and right-side pipes to undergo compressive deformation in their axial longitudinal directions as well as bending deformation towards the front of the vehicle body, whereby the impact load is absorbed.

Abstract: The present invention may provide an airbag system for an automobile and a method of operating the same. The airbag system comprises the following: sensors mounted on a frame member of a the vehicle frame for detecting a crash by sequentially measuring stress wave cause by the crash; an electronic control unit for outputting an actuation signal based on outputs from the sensors; an inflator for generating a gas in response to the actuation signal; and an airbag operatively coupled to the inflator and being deployed by supply of the gas generated from the inflator. The sensors are mounted on the frame member at predetermined intervals in a path, along which the stress waves propagate through the frame member. The electronic control unit outputs the actuation signal when each output from each sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold.

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 body structure of a passenger car, and especially of a convertible, features at least one side door on each longitudinal side of the vehicle. The side door, when closed, connects to adjoining fixed pillars via hinges at one end and via a lock assembly at the other end. For improved crash resistance of the body structure of a passenger car, and especially of a convertible, with a rear engine in the event of a head-on collision, a buttress assembly is installed between the rearward rim of the side door and the adjoining lock-side pillar. The buttress assembly effectively holds the side door in its closed position in the event of a head-on collision, while at approximately the level of the buttress assembly, the side door is braced by a hollow strut that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention discloses a uni-body frame subassembly for a motor vehicle having a towing hitch member. The uni-body frame subassembly involves a configuration for neutralizing the effect of a rear impact involving the rear bumper and the towing hitch member. More specifically, the subassembly comprises reinforcements for supporting and controlling the frame rail segments in a crash event. Controlling the collapse of the uni-body frame subassembly helps to dissipate energy from the impact and as a result delivers less energy to a vehicle occupant compartment.

Abstract: A vehicle rear body structure includes a support frame of generally rectangular shape attached to side frames of a vehicle body from below for supporting thereon a vehicle part including a fuel tank. The support frame is connected at a front end thereof to floor frames disposed inwardly of the side frames and extending along front parts of the side frames and, at a rear end thereof, to rear frames forming rear parts of the side frames.

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: The invention discloses a uni-body frame subassembly for a motor vehicle having a towing hitch member. The uni-body frame subassembly involves a configuration for neutralizing the effect of a rear impact involving the rear bumper and the towing hitch member. More specifically, the subassembly comprises reinforcements for supporting and controlling the frame rail segments in a crash event. Controlling the collapse of the uni-body frame subassembly helps to dissipate energy from the impact and as a result delivers less energy to a vehicle occupant compartment.

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 rear frame structure for a vehicle is disclosed, wherein an impact load can be satisfactorily absorbed in the case of a collision with a rear surface of the vehicle. The rear frame structure includes a pipe-shaped impact-absorbing member located between left and right rear frames. The impact-absorbing member has a center pipe that has a V shape in plan view, formed so as to protrude backward. The impact-absorbing member has left- and right-side pipes extending from the center pipe linearly upwardly to left and right end pipes. The impact load applied to the center pipe causes the left- and right-side pipes to undergo compressive deformation in their axial longitudinal directions as well as bending deformation towards the front of the vehicle body, whereby the impact load is absorbed.

Abstract: A rear vehicle body structure including a left-right pair of first rear frame, a second rear frame arcuate in plan view which is connected to the rear ends of the first rear frames, a rear bumper beam with a front surface of a central portion thereof connected to a rear surface of the second rear frame, a left-right pair of fender beams with one-side end portions thereof connected respectively to both end portions of the rear bumper beam, and a left-right pair of rearmost portion pillars connected to the other end portions of the fender frames.

Abstract: There is provided a truck platform construction in which when an external force acts on a platform from the rear side, a width change portion surely absorbs the energy thereof to prevent the deformation of a cab without marring the appearance of a top rail. A side panel erected at both side edges of a platform has an outer panel which constitutes a side external wall of the platform and is formed with an outer bent element at the upper edge thereof and an inner panel which constitutes a side internal wall of the platform. A top rail is formed by fixing the outer bent element onto the inner panel. At the rear part of the top rail, a width change portion in which the width of the top rail changes is formed, and the width of the width change portion increases gradually toward the rear of a truck.

Abstract: The rear door is for fitting to a motor vehicle having a rear chassis and a rear insurance impact absorber system suitable for absorbing insurance type impacts so as to prevent plastic deformation of the rear chassis of the vehicle. The door carries the rear impact absorber system of the vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle equipped with a shock absorbing structure that can absorb collision energy stably under all collision conditions to ensure the safety of crew members and passengers. The shock absorbing structure is arranged in an end part of the vehicle. The shock absorbing structure comprises an upper-stage shock absorbing structure 100 that is arranged in an upper part of a crushable zone to absorb collision energy by being crushed by a predetermined load, a lower-stage shock absorbing structure 120 that is arranged in a lower part of the crushable zone to absorb the collision energy by being crushed by the predetermined load, and a middle-stage shock absorbing structure 110 that is held between the upper-stage shock absorbing structure 100 and the lower-stage shock absorbing structure 120 arranged over and under the middle-stage shock absorbing structure 110.

Abstract: A wire collision sensor system for a vehicle, which includes a vehicle body, includes a bumper, a wire, a wire deformation sensor and a determination circuit. The bumper is mounted on a longitudinal end portion of the vehicle body. The wire, which senses a collision of the vehicle, is received in the bumper and extends along the bumper in a transverse direction of the vehicle. The wire is connected to at least one of the vehicle body and the bumper at both ends in such a manner that the wire is displaceable in a longitudinal direction of the wire. The wire deformation sensor electrically senses a physical quantity, which is associated with a deformation of the wire at a time of the collision. The wire deformation sensor transmits an output, which indicates the sensed physical quantity. The determination circuit determines a state of the collision based on the output.

Abstract: A bumper for a motor vehicle includes a cross member disposed transversely to side rails of a motor vehicle frame and having a U-shaped cross section with a wall and two legs extending from opposite ends of the wall. The cross member is supported via integral crash boxes against the side rails. Each crash box has a cross member proximal end which abuts against the wall of the cross member, and includes vertical legs and horizontal legs to define a casing-like configuration. The wall of the cross member is formed in an area of the cross member proximal end of the crash box with a depression which extends in a direction of the crash box, with the vertical legs of the crash box joined at the cross member proximal end to the wall of the cross member, and with the horizontal legs of the crash box spaced from the wall of the cross member by a distance.

Abstract: A reversible energy absorbing assembly including a cellular lattice comprising a shape memory material disposed within an expandable interior region of the assembly, wherein the shape memory material is adapted to expand from a first configuration to an expanded configuration in response to fluid communication with a fluid source. Once expanded, the assembly effectively absorbs kinetic energy of an object upon impact with the assembly. The shape memory material can be thermally activated to restore the first configuration of the energy absorbing assembly. Methods of operating the energy absorbing assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle rear floor (32) that is intended to form part of a motor vehicle rear block, the block including two longitudinal rails (12), each having a front end forming a rear structural node (20) of the vehicle and a rear end (14), the rear ends being arranged to serve as bearing points for an impact beam (15). The floor further includes reinforcement (22) having at least one rear end (24) arranged to serve as a bearing point for the impact beam (15), and two limbs (22a, 22b) each intended to extend in a straight line from the rear end (24) of the reinforcement to one of the nodes (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a trunk of a motor vehicle, having a goods rail (14) which is oriented approximately in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the vehicle and is intended for fixing goods to be transported. In the event of a rear impact, penetration into a seat region arranged in front of the trunk is prevented by reducing the effective of the goods rail (14), by the goods rail (14) being composed of at least two partial rails (15, 16). According to the invention, the separating plane (17) between the partial rails (15, 16) runs in an obliquely inclined manner.

Abstract: A system for attaching a superstructure to a goods vehicle, provided with a chassis frame having longitudinal main beams (4, 5). Each of these is provided with a beam part (12) extending in a vertical direction with side surfaces (21). The system includes attaching devices (17, 18) associated with the chassis frame, arranged on each main beam, and also attaching devices (30) belonging to the superstructure (11). The attaching device of the chassis frame consists of a longitudinal attachment section (17, 18) attached to each main beam (4, 5) by fixing elements, the attachment sections having a longitudinal vertical fixing part (19) by which the attachment section is permanently attached to one side surface (21) of the respective main beam.

Abstract: A protective guard mounting system that provides a shock absorbing and dissipating means of attachment for vehicle exterior components or protective devices. The protective guards are adapted to protect vehicle components such as headlights, taillights, signal/corner and/or driving lights, or painted/non-painted steel/plastic body parts.

Abstract: A vehicle body (1) having a central cell (2) made of composite materials; a front auxiliary frame (3) anchored to the front end of the central cell (2); and a rear auxiliary frame (4) anchored to the rear end of the central cell (2); the front auxiliary frame (3) and the rear auxiliary frame (4) dissipated by the vehicle in the event of collision, without directly involving the central cell (2).

Abstract: A unitized vehicle rear body structure is disclosed that includes a vehicle floor and a structural support member. The structural support member is fixed to the vehicle floor and extends longitudinally within the vehicle rear body structure. The structural support member includes a generally U-shaped support element and an upper brace. The generally U-shaped support element has a lower wall portion and a pair of generally vertical side wall portions with laterally spaced apart upper edges and lower edges coupled to lateral sides of the lower wall portion. The upper brace is fixedly attached between the side wall portions. Further, the upper brace is spaced apart upwardly from the lower wall portion and spaced below the upper edges.

Abstract: A skeleton member structure having a tubular structural member (11, 211) filled with granular materials for absorbing impact energy. The granular materials includes a granular material having a hollow portion (12a, 212a) or a porous granular material. When the skeleton member receives an impact, the granular materials are deformed or collapsed, and impact energy is stably absorbed. Since the granular materials are hollow or porous, the weight of the skeleton member filled with the granular materials is reduced.

Abstract: A vehicle body frame structure includes a side sill and a rear frame continuously joined, with a curved portion formed in the vicinity of a boundary between the side sill and the rear frame. In the curved portion, a continuous change is achieved extending from the side sill side to the rear frame side from a side sill side closed cross-sectional structure portion where a first stiffener is provided to a rear frame side closed cross-sectional structure portion where a second stiffener is provided having a different direction of alignment from that of the first stiffener. An improvement is obtained in the strength of a curved portion in the vicinity of a boundary between a side sill and a rear frame when these are joined together so as to be continuous with each other.

Abstract: A deformation element formed of a triangular assembly of interconnected structural channels is mounted in a trunk well in the forward section of a vehicle. In their respective longitudinal directions, the channels incorporate hollow compartments, separated by partitions, which, in the event of a collision, have an impact-energy-absorbing effect.

Abstract: There is provided a truck platform construction in which when an external force acts on a platform from the rear side, a width change portion surely absorbs the energy thereof to prevent the deformation of a cab without marring the appearance of a top rail. A side panel erected at both side edges of a platform has an outer panel which constitutes a side external wall of the platform and is formed with an outer bent element at the upper edge thereof and an inner panel which constitutes a side internal wall of the platform. A top rail is formed by fixing the outer bent element onto the inner panel. At the rear part of the top rail, a width change portion in which the width of the top rail changes is formed, and the width of the width change portion increases gradually toward the rear of a truck.

Abstract: Coupling members include a first coupling portion (X) that couples rear quarter inner members to upper surfaces of rear suspension base members, a second coupling portion (Y) that couples upper surfaces of the rear suspension base members together, which are located on the right and the left in pairs, and a third coupling portion (Z) that joins the second coupling portion to couple the rear quarter inner members together, which are located on the right and the left in pairs, the coupling member being integrally formed, and there is formed a bulkhead structure in a portion surrounded by the first, second and third coupling portions.

Abstract: A structure for retaining a spare tire at a sidewall of a rear body of a vehicle is disclosed. A vertically extending bracket is weld connected to an outer surface of an inner panel forming the sidewall. A rod extending through the inner panel into a luggage space is attached to a distal end of the bracket. The rod has a front end exposed to the luggage space for retaining the spare tire in an upright position. When a forwardly directed load arising from a collision in a rear of the vehicle is applied to the spare tire, the bracket is deformed through the rod to rupture the inner panel at the weld connection.

Abstract: The invention provides a signaling device for a motor vehicle, the signaling device being constituted by a skin of translucent material presenting an outside face to be seen from outside the vehicle when said device is mounted on the vehicle, and an inside face opposite the outside face. Projecting from its inside face, translucent skin has at least one rib made integrally with the skin and out of the same translucent material as the skin. The thickness of the rib is greater than the thickness of the translucent skin.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly having an inner panel and an outer panel which is selectively coupled to the inner panel. The tailgate assembly further includes at least one stiffening member which is selectively and operatively contained between the panels and which increases the strength and durability of the tailgate assembly.