Randy Frank

A vehicle hood includes an inner panel, an outer panel coupled to the inner panel, and an insert disposed between the outer panel and the inner panel. The insert is formed of a material that is brittle relative to a material of the outer panel. The insert includes a plurality of strips connected to each other. Each strip is elongated along and disposed adjacent to the outer panel.

A solar-activated body panel for a vehicle includes outer and inner panels with an internal cavity defined therebetween. The internal cavity includes first and second portions that correspond to first and second heat gain portions, respectively, on the outer surface, wherein the first heat gain portion retains solar energy at a first heat gain rate and the second heat gain portion retains solar energy at a second heat gain rate, the first heat gain rate being greater than the second heat gain… Show more

A solar-activated body panel for a vehicle includes outer and inner panels with an internal cavity defined therebetween. The internal cavity includes first and second portions that correspond to first and second heat gain portions, respectively, on the outer surface, wherein the first heat gain portion retains solar energy at a first heat gain rate and the second heat gain portion retains solar energy at a second heat gain rate, the first heat gain rate being greater than the second heat gain rate. A thermal material is disposed on the outer surface, wherein when solar energy is radiated onto the outer surface, the first heat gain portion absorbs heat at the first heat gain rate and, in turn emits heat to the thermal material to alter the thermal material and define a predetermined indicia on the outer surface and within the thermal material. Show less

A vehicle body structure includes a side sill formed of high strength steel and a seat cross-member formed of high strength steel. A floor pan is welded to at least one of the side sill and the seat cross-member. A flange includes a base extending from the seat cross-member and a tab extending from the base. The tab is spaced from the seat cross-member and is welded to the floor pan and the side sill. Significant performance improvement in Small Offset Rigid Barrier.

A side door impact reinforcement beam incorporates a cantilevered member that is welded at one end thereof internally of the impact reinforcement beam and projects forwardly thereof. Upon side impact, the bending of the impact reinforcement beam deploys the cantilevered member outwardly from within the section of the reinforcement beam to strike an energy transfer block placed on a forward portion of the inner door panel to engage the outwardly projecting cantilevered member and receive impact… Show more

A side door impact reinforcement beam incorporates a cantilevered member that is welded at one end thereof internally of the impact reinforcement beam and projects forwardly thereof. Upon side impact, the bending of the impact reinforcement beam deploys the cantilevered member outwardly from within the section of the reinforcement beam to strike an energy transfer block placed on a forward portion of the inner door panel to engage the outwardly projecting cantilevered member and receive impact energy therefrom. In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement beam has a hat-shaped cross-sectional configuration that is formed with a pipe welded at a rearward portion thereof to project forwardly to be positioned for engagement with the energy transfer block when projected outwardly during impact bending of the reinforcement beam. The energy transfer from the outwardly deploying cantilevered pipe directs impact loads away from the pelvic region of the occupant toward the femur region. Show less

A body side joint structure for an automotive vehicle has a support member extending longitudinally rearward from a front end member with a distal end secured in overlapping relationship laterally inward of a hinge pillar of an adjacent body side member. A hinge reinforcement member is attached on a laterally inner surface of the distal end of the support member and door hinge brackets are attached on an outer surface of the hinge pillar which together provide a clamping load to the joint… Show more

A body side joint structure for an automotive vehicle has a support member extending longitudinally rearward from a front end member with a distal end secured in overlapping relationship laterally inward of a hinge pillar of an adjacent body side member. A hinge reinforcement member is attached on a laterally inner surface of the distal end of the support member and door hinge brackets are attached on an outer surface of the hinge pillar which together provide a clamping load to the joint layering of the body side and front end, thus resulting in an improved lateral load path. Show less

An air extractor assembly for an automotive vehicle is provided which includes at least one depression (34) formed in a body panel (14) of an automotive vehicle (10) and including an aperture (52) formed through the depression. An air extractor valve (40) surrounds the depression (32) and includes a base (42) and a flap (44) for controlling fluid communication through the aperture (52) in response to increases in air pressure in the passenger compartment (16) of the vehicle (10) above… Show more

An air extractor assembly for an automotive vehicle is provided which includes at least one depression (34) formed in a body panel (14) of an automotive vehicle (10) and including an aperture (52) formed through the depression. An air extractor valve (40) surrounds the depression (32) and includes a base (42) and a flap (44) for controlling fluid communication through the aperture (52) in response to increases in air pressure in the passenger compartment (16) of the vehicle (10) above atmospheric pressure. Show less

Tow hook has ability to break-away and slide during a crash event to allow the bumper to move efficiently and give the same dynamic G load pulse for Crash.

Power sliding door for the EDV bulkhead door. Spindle drive that powers into the pock made in the bulkhead of the delivery van.