A fixation leg for a vehicle interior panel includes an impact energy absorption region having one or more partial or complete perforations. Each one of the perforations may be formed by laser ablating material from the fixation leg at the impact energy absorption region. The impact energy absorption region is weakened due to the partial or complete perforations such that upon impact with the vehicle interior panel, the fixation leg can break and absorb some of the impact energy. In one embodiment, the fixation leg attaches a substrate of a vehicle instrument panel to a structural crossmember.

A fixation leg for a vehicle interior panel includes an impact energy absorption region having one or more partial or complete perforations. Each one of the perforations may be formed by laser ablating material from the fixation leg at the impact energy absorption region. The impact energy absorption region is weakened due to the partial or complete perforations such that upon impact with the vehicle interior panel, the fixation leg can break and absorb some of the impact energy. In one embodiment, the fixation leg attaches a substrate of a vehicle instrument panel to a structural crossmember.

An assembly is disclosed, in which a rigid ramp is rigidly connected to a tubular upper part of a steering column for interaction with a displaceable part of an instrument panel. Interaction between the tubular upper part and the displaceable part moves the displaceable part in a reliable manner out of the way during an impact scenario, during which a steering wheel is displaced towards the instrument panel. Displacement of the displaceable part by the rigid ramp permits the steering wheel to be fully displaced without the instrument panel hindering such motion.

An assembly is disclosed, in which a rigid ramp is rigidly connected to a tubular upper part of a steering column for interaction with a displaceable part of an instrument panel. Interaction between the tubular upper part and the displaceable part moves the displaceable part in a reliable manner out of the way during an impact scenario, during which a steering wheel is displaced towards the instrument panel. Displacement of the displaceable part by the rigid ramp permits the steering wheel to be fully displaced without the instrument panel hindering such motion.

A force-attenuating system that is interposed between an exterior surface and an interior surface, either or both of which may be subjected to percussive forces. The system has a ceiling that is positioned proximate the exterior surface and one or more inverted hat-shaped force-attenuating units with sidewalls extending inwardly convergingly away from the ceiling. Some of the units have a floor that is positioned proximate the interior surface. Optionally the force-attenuating units may be configured as clover-leaf structures with a central region and hemi-pear-shaped lobes extending therefrom. Within the lobes is a floor that is positioned proximate the interior surface. The force-attenuating system may be deployed in an automotive or non-automotive environment.

A force-attenuating system that is interposed between an exterior surface and an interior surface, either or both of which may be subjected to percussive forces. The system has a ceiling that is positioned proximate the exterior surface and one or more inverted hat-shaped force-attenuating units with sidewalls extending inwardly convergingly away from the ceiling. Some of the units have a floor that is positioned proximate the interior surface. Optionally the force-attenuating units may be configured as clover-leaf structures with a central region and hemi-pear-shaped lobes extending therefrom. Within the lobes is a floor that is positioned proximate the interior surface. The force-attenuating system may be deployed in an automotive or non-automotive environment.

An instrument panel assembly includes a support beam and an exterior panel. The instrument panel assembly includes an energy absorbing device between the support beam and the exterior panel and having a variable crush resistance based on a temperature of the energy absorbing device. The instrument panel assembly includes a heater operatively coupled to the energy absorbing device.

An instrument panel assembly includes a support beam and an exterior panel. The instrument panel assembly includes an energy absorbing device between the support beam and the exterior panel and having a variable crush resistance based on a temperature of the energy absorbing device. The instrument panel assembly includes a heater operatively coupled to the energy absorbing device.

An instrument panel assembly includes an instrument panel. The instrument panel assembly includes an airbag having an inboard chamber and an outboard chamber. A panel separates the inboard chamber and the outboard chamber. A diffuser is in fluid communication with both the inboard chamber and the outboard chamber. A releasable vent is between the diffuser and one of the inboard chamber and the outboard chamber. An inflator is in fluid communication with the diffuser.

An instrument panel assembly includes an instrument panel. The instrument panel assembly includes an airbag having an inboard chamber and an outboard chamber. A panel separates the inboard chamber and the outboard chamber. A diffuser is in fluid communication with both the inboard chamber and the outboard chamber. A releasable vent is between the diffuser and one of the inboard chamber and the outboard chamber. An inflator is in fluid communication with the diffuser.