Some embodiments are directed to a support structure for use with a vehicle, the vehicle having a frame to which the support structure is attached. The support structure can include an elongated pillar defining a hollow portion extending therethrough. The elongated pillar can also define at least two rectangular channels approximately rectangular in cross-section extending through the hollow portion along a direction of elongation of the pillar. The elongated pillar can also define one other channel having a non-parallelogram cross-section extending through the hollow portion along a direction of elongation of the pillar.

A metal extrusion and nodes based structure is provided. The structure comprises one or more arc members connected by one or more node members, wherein the arc comprises (i) a wing feature which is configured to mate with one or more non-structural components, (ii) an internal passage feature which is configured to be inserted into a connecting feature of the corresponding node member, and (iii) one or more keying features formed from a mating interface with the corresponding node member.

The disclosure aims to provide a structural member made of an extruded material that effectively helps to reduce weight while ensuring strength and rigidity. The structural member has a varied wall thickness along an extrusion direction.

The invention relates to a continuously cast bolt made of an aluminum-based alloy for an extruded profile that has a yield strength of greater than 260 MPa, preferably greater than 280 MPa, in particular greater than 300 MPa. According to the invention, it is provided that the aluminum-based alloy contains, in percentage by weight, greater than 0.0% to 0.40% iron, 0.40% to 1.2% magnesium, 0.60% to 1.1% silicon, greater than 0.0% to 0.35% copper, greater than 0.0% to 0.35% chromium, 0.40% to 0.95% manganese, up to 0.2% zinc, optionally 0.005% to 0.15% titanium and/or 0.005% to 0.15% titanium diboride, and a remainder of aluminum and production-related impurities, wherein a secondary dendrite arm spacing of the microstructure is less than 100 μm. The invention furthermore relates to an extruded profile created from a continuously cast bolt of this type, and to a method for producing an extruded profile.

An efficient method for producing spring strut forks for motor vehicles is presented. In each case two spring strut forks are produced from a metallic extruded profile as a starting product. The extruded profile has a central, middle main chamber and four longitudinal chambers which are arranged offset with respect to one another over the circumference of the main chamber. Wall portions of the main chamber which are situated between the longitudinal chambers are removed, and the extruded profile is severed into two semifinished parts. Each semifinished part has one cylinder portion and two oppositely situated arm portions which project relative to the cylinder portions. The semifinished parts are subsequently mechanically machined, and one spring strut fork is produced from each semifinished part.

A method for preparing a high-strength extruded profile of an Mg—Zn—Sn—Mn alloy is composed of a solid solution treatment at two stages to a billet, a high-temperature pre-aging to the billet, a low-temperature rapid extrusion and a low-temperature aging treatment to a profile. The Mg—Zn—Sn—Mn alloy includes the following elements in mass percent: 5.8-6.2% of Zn, 3.0-3.5% of Sn, 0.25-0.45% of Mn, unavoidable impurities of 0.05% or less, and the balance magnesium. The Mg—Zn—Sn—Mn magnesium alloy profile has a fine grain size of about 10-20 μm and a dispersed second phase, so a high strength and a good elongation can be obtained therein, and a tensile strength of 350 MPa or more, a yield strength of 280 MPa or more, and the elongation of 12% or more. In addition, the profile has a high extrusion production efficiency and a high yield, and a low extrusion cost.

An assembly includes an upper substrate, a lower substrate, and a self-piercing rivet. The lower substrate defines a preformed interior cavity and a preformed exterior profile adjacent the interior cavity to define a variable thickness wall. The self-piercing rivet extends through the upper substrate and into the preformed interior cavity of the lower substrate.

The invention is related to an energy absorber which is suitable to be mounted into a bumper having metal parts and is produce from weight reduced composite material, characterized in that it comprises at least two external curvatures forming the front undulating surface, an internal curvature in connection with said external curvatures, at least a rear surface, two side surfaces, a bumper beam made of composite material having an inner support that forms three grooves between the external surfaces, the internal surface, the two side surfaces and rear surface, at least two crash boxes which absorb the energy transferred from the bumper beam during a collision, a bumper beam coupling part which enables to fix the bumper beam with each crash box, and a chassis coupling part which enables to fix each crash box to the vehicle chassis.

A drawer release is described. The drawer release includes a handle portion pivotally or rotatably engaged to a fixed portion, and the fixed portion is attached to or connected to a drawer. The handle portion includes at least one engaging member that engages a lever or actuator of a drawer-slide of the drawer to open or release the drawer. The drawer release provides for the one-handed opening of the drawer.

A drawer release is described. The drawer release includes a handle portion pivotally or rotatably engaged to a fixed portion, and the fixed portion is attached to or connected to a drawer. The handle portion includes at least one engaging member that engages a lever or actuator of a drawer-slide of the drawer to open or release the drawer. The drawer release provides for the one-handed opening of the drawer.