Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Mark A Beauregard

Louis G Hector, Jr

Andrew Clay Bobel

Hanif Muhammad

James R Roll

Matthew M Kunz

Darren M Van Houzen

Michael J Sigelko

Brian D Drake

Raymond Lyszczarz

An energy absorber for interposition between a cover and a covered object includes a generally planar matrix of cells. Each of the cells includes a plurality of generally elongate micro-elements interconnected to form a cell micro-structure, with each cell having a respective energy absorption capacity such that an energy absorption capacity of the energy absorber varies across at least one direction. The cells are configured such that impulse of an object with the cover with the energy absorber sandwiched between the cover and the covered object causes a deceleration vs. time response in the object, beginning with a generally linear rise in the deceleration to a peak deceleration within 5 ms after the beginning of the impulse event, followed by a generally nonlinear decrease in the deceleration over a period of not greater than 15 ms to a final target deceleration of not greater than 10% of the peak deceleration.

Tunable energy absorber

A vehicle, a door assembly for the vehicle and a method of assembling the door assembly are disclosed. A first component includes a first alignment member and a second component is attached to the first component. The second component includes first and second ends spaced along a first axis, and includes first and second side edges spaced along a second axis transverse to the first axis. A trim strip extending to a distal edge, with the second component coupled to the trim strip. A second alignment member attached to the trim strip, with the alignment members engaging each other to attach the trim strip to the first component and orientate the distal edge of the trim strip relative to the first axis such that the distal edge of the trim strip and one of the side edges of the second component substantially align with each other along the first axis.

Vehicle, a door assembly for the vehicle and a method of assembling the door assembly

Growing community of inventors

Clarkston, MI, United States of America

Mark A Beauregard