US Government As Represented by the Secretary of the Army

Visteon Global Technolgoies, Inc.

Michigan State University

Ravi S Thyagarajan

Robert G Kargus

Jaisankar Ramalingam

Thomas Junior Luckett

Dale O Cramer

Dale Paul Moore

Lalita Udpa

Leon Bruce Liu

Douglas Michael Cappabianca

Kumar Balakrishna Kulkarni

Sivamayam Sivasuthan

Dave Joseph Bauer

Victor Uthayakumar Karthik

Paramsothy Jayakumar

Venkat Reddy

S Ratnajeevan H Hoole

Arunasalam Rahunanthan

Joseph A Bollo

A defect detection system uses dedicated, simultaneously operating finite element optimization and mesh generation. Using an Eddy-current based probe, the system can detect and model surface and sub-surface defects.

Defect detection system using finite element optimization and mesh analysis

A seat assembly reclines during an under-vehicle explosion or other upward impact on the vehicle to mitigate spinal and lower leg damage to a human occupant. The seat assembly has a back frame portion and a lower frame portion. The lower frame portion has a pivotal connection with an energy absorbing mechanism mounted to the vehicle floor. The pivotal connection includes a stop mechanism to prevent seat assembly tilt during normal vehicle operation but allow tilt due to an explosion. A second mechanism is disposed between the back frame portion and the floor; this mechanism controls the seat assembly pivot and provides further absorbing of energy from the upward impact. Projections from the front of the lower frame portion toward the floor can be used to enhance seat assembly pivoting; specially designed seat engagement levers can be used for this purpose as well.

Reclining seat to mitigate the effects of mine blast load on spine and lower leg injuries

A one-piece knee bolster for a motor vehicle includes a knee bolster cover adapted to mount to vehicle structure in an interior of a motor vehicle and at least one hollow reinforcing channel member extending along the knee bolster cover to reinforce the knee bolster cover.

One-piece knee bolster

An automotive interior door panel having a decorative covering displayed to the interior compartment of a vehicle and a rigid substrate having a backing surface. The backing surface includes a plurality of energy absorbers integrally molded thereon. The method utilizing the following steps. A low-pressure or high pressure injection mold operable between open and closed positions is moved to the open position. The mold has a covering receiving surface and an energy absorber producing surface. A flexible covering is positioned juxtaposed the covering receiving surface. The mold is moved to the closed position to create a space between the covering and the energy absorber producing surface. A molten plastic material is injected into the space to form the door substrate. The substrate has a nominal cross-sectional thickness between said energy absorbers. The energy absorber producing surface includes a plurality of recesses having a width 75% or more of the nominal substrate thickness producing thick-walled energy absorbers on the backing surface. The molten plastic material fuses to the covering to from an integral door panel. The plastic material is allowed to cool and shrink. The plastic shrinkage produces depressions in the substrate called sink marks overlying the intersection between the energy absorber and the substrate wall. The covering bridges the sink marks to conceal the depressions and produce an aesthetically pleasing surface.

Method for manufacturing interior door panels having concealed voids at

Growing community of inventors

Novi, MI, United States of America

Ravi S Thyagarajan