A method for producing a node structure includes providing at least two pre-manufactured profile components having respective profile ends provided with corresponding abutment surfaces; positioning the profile ends in a pressing tool so that a homogenous gap is formed between the abutment surfaces; performing a pressing process in the presence of a fiber-containing plastic mass in the pressing tool for generating a connecting node that form fittingly connects the profile ends, wherein the fiber containing plastic mass also enters into the gap.

An embodiment floor structure of a vehicle includes a pair of side seals disposed to face each other in a vehicle width direction, and respectively disposed in a vehicle length direction, a floor frame disposed between the pair of side seals and including a pair of longitudinal frames respectively arranged along the pair of side seals and at least one transverse frame mounted between the pair of longitudinal frames in the vehicle width direction, and at least one core structural member disposed in a space provided by the floor frame and including a material for absorbing impact.

A boat trailer constructed from a polymer composition that cannot rust or corrode in salt water. The trailer employs a support plate that reinforces an inner and outer wall forming beams that includes a matrix of crisscrossed support walls.

A vehicle running board assembly includes, among other things, a reinforcing insert, and a beam that is extruded over the reinforcing insert. A step pad is extruded over the beam. A vehicle running board manufacturing method according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, extruding a beam over a reinforcing insert, extruding a step pad over the beam, and cutting the beam, the reinforcing insert, and the step pad to provide the running board.

An assembly for utility truck bodies having metal and/or composite reinforcement(s) and/or foam reinforcements and/or honeycomb reinforcements and/or wood reinforcements encapsulated within a thermoformed thermoplastic, or thermoset or fiber-reinforced thermoset walking surface floor structure of the truck bed assembly or other composite floor structure with attachable components and junctions, e.g., sidepack(s), and methods of making the same are provided.

An additively manufactured structure and methods for making and using same. In a method for making the structure, a first layer structure can be formed. A second layer structure can be formed on the first layer structure and a support structure. The support structure can be removed from the second layer structure. The second layer structure can include an overhang structure that does not deform or break after the support structure is removed. The support structure can provide support to the second layer structure during printing. Strong bridging capability of the second layer structure is not required. The support structure can be quick and easy to make. The support structure can be reusable and does not add weight to the printed structure. The support structure can be easily removed after completing of printing. Installation of the support structure can be fast without significantly interfering with printing process.

A chassis for an electrically powered vehicle including a front wheel suspension and a rear wheel suspension each having longitudinal control arms arranged on both sides and a torsion spring actively connected to the longitudinal control arms. The chassis includes a battery housing receiving a propulsion battery. A front transverse carrier extends between the respective longitudinal control arms of the front wheel suspension and a rear transverse carrier extends between the respective longitudinal control arms of the rear wheel suspension. The respective transverse carriers are rigidly connected to the battery housing and couple the longitudinal control arms and the torsion spring.

An automotive structural component includes a lattice structure. The lattice structure defines a plurality of cells. The plurality of cells include a multitude of at least partially filled cells each at least partially filled with a filling, and a multitude of hollow cells distributed amongst the multitude of at least partially filled cells to distribute and direct load.

A lateral energy absorption system includes a first carbon structure. The first carbon structure includes a first plurality of carbon tubes. The first plurality of carbon tubes have a first end with a first width and a second end with a second width. The first plurality of carbon tubes define a first taper between the second end and the first end that facilitates crumpling of the first plurality of carbon tubes during an impact. A first plurality of carbon flanges connects the carbon tubes together.

An electric drive unit for a wheel of a motor vehicle, including an electric motor for driving a drive shaft joined to the wheel in a manner resistant to rotation. The drive shaft is disposed coaxial to the rotor of the electric motor and is joined thereto in a rotation-resistant manner. The drive shaft is joined to the rotor of the electric motor in a rotation-resistant and axially moveable manner via a bearing.