Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Gheorghe Barbuta

Len V Peschansky

Shreeganesh Sudhindra

Jungryoung Kim

Huai-yang Chiang

Hari Prasada Reddy Lingala

Vikas V Joshi

Frank Burger

An exemplary side impact system for a vehicle includes an energy absorption member including a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion, the first and second portions connected by a first arcuate portion, the second and third portions connected by a second arcuate portion, and the third and fourth portions connected by a third arcuate portion such that the energy absorption member has a W-shaped cross-section and a load path distribution member. The load path distribution member is coupled to the energy absorption member at the first and third arcuate portions.

System for energy absorption and load transfer

An exemplary step assembly for a vehicle includes an energy absorption member including a support portion and a connection portion, the support portion including a support surface and a support structure, the support structure including a plurality of support members, the plurality of support members coupled to upper and lower inner walls of the support structure and a mounting member including a horizontal support member defining a plurality of openings. The energy absorption member is coupled to the mounting member with a mechanical fastener.

Step assembly for energy absorption

A load management assembly can manage and/or absorb the energy from an external force applied to a vehicle. The load management assembly includes a frame rail and a mounting bracket coupled to the frame rail. In addition, the load management assembly includes a shield coupled to the frame rail. The shield partly surrounds the mounting bracket in order to protect the mounting bracket from an external force and to redirect a load path of the external force. The load management assembly may further include a reinforcement bracket to assist in directing the load path of the external force. The reinforcement bracket is coupled to the frame rail and may be in contact with the mounting bracket.

Load management assembly

Growing community of inventors

Sterling Heights, MI, United States of America

Gheorghe Barbuta