Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Yijung Chen

Mohammad Omar Faruque

James Chih Cheng

Fubang Wu

Dean M Jaradi

Brian Robert Spahn

Michael Musa Azzouz

David Anthony Wagner

Derek Board

Jacob Wesley Zindel

Xiaowei Li

Mei Li

Ping Chen

A method of adjusting a stamping die is provided. The method includes providing a two-sided stamping die configured to form parts from sheet metal blanks according to a desired geometry upon closing the die, adjusting the desired geometry of the part, and repeatedly depositing layer upon layer of material onto a first side of the die in a stacked configuration to modify the geometry of the first side of the die such that the die forms parts from sheet metal blanks according to the adjusted desired geometry.

Stamping die adjustment method

An automotive armrest includes an elastic core defining a patterned array of channels extending therethrough such that the elastic core exhibits a predetermined target vertical stiffness and a predetermined target lateral stiffness different than the predetermined target vertical stiffness. The automotive armrest also includes a skin arranged with the elastic core.

Deformable armrest having a patterned array of channels

An inflatable tunnel reinforcement for reinforcing a vehicle tunnel structure includes a first wall, a second wall, and at least one fold connecting the first and second walls. The inflatable tunnel reinforcement further includes an inflator adapted to increase a gas pressure between the first and second walls. In an inflated configuration, the inflatable tunnel reinforcement forms a continuous load path between interior walls of the tunnel structure generally orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the tunnel structure.

Inflatable tunnel reinforcement

A roof bow for a vehicle is provided that has a 'bow-tie' shape including a central portion flanked by two triangular portions. The triangular portions are joined to right and left roof brackets that are, in turn, joined to right and left roof rails. The bow-tie roof bow may be assembled from extruded tubular parts. The bow-tie roof bow may be assembled in a clamshell structure including an upper shell and a lower shell that are joined together by welding. The roof bow may be formed in one piece as a sheet metal stamping having side portions that are wider than the central portion.

Bowtie shaped roof bow

The present invention in one or more embodiments provides a vehicle roof structure which includes a cast node including a pillar portion for receiving a pillar and a roof-rail portion for receiving a roof rail, the roof-rail portion having first and second ends, which may have a closed first cross-section and a closed second cross-section, respectively. The closed first cross-section may be different from the closed second cross-section such that the first and second ends are to receive two individual roof rails of different dimensions. The closed first cross-section may be larger in opening dimension than the closed second cross-section, when the first end is positioned closer to a front of the vehicle than the second end.

Vehicle roof structure including a cast node

An automotive vehicle includes a wedge fixed by shear connections to a structural member. Upon application of a rearward force, the wedge shears free and moves between the structural member and a wheel assembly where it rotationally displaces a vehicle tire. The rearward force also laterally displaces the body of the vehicle. The wedge is tethered to the structural member.

Wheel assembly kinematic enhancement device

A roof rail assembly for a vehicle that includes a body side outer and an interior trim piece connected to the body side outer. The body side outer and the interior trim piece define a cavity. A roof rail is positioned within the cavity, and a side curtain air bag is positioned below the roof rail. The interior trim piece is assembled about a lower surface of the roof rail in a spaced relationship relative to the curtain air bag to increase visibility around the roof rail assembly.

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Ypsilanti, MI, United States of America

Yijung Chen