Control arm with tunable fracture features
US11072375B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D27/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A control arm includes a wheel side end, a body side end, a first connecting member extending between the wheel side end and the body side end, a second connecting member extending between the wheel side end and the body side end, and having a reduced section portion, and a fracture zone extending through the first and second connecting members in a substantially fore-aft direction of the vehicle, the reduced section portion being within the fracture zone. A thickness of the reduced section portion is tunable to establish a controlled fracturing during a small overlap rigid barrier impact event where: (i) an initial fracture of the first connecting member occurs within the fracture zone, and (ii) a secondary fracture of the second connecting member occurs within the fracture zone at the reduced section portion, to thereby provide a desired rearward trajectory of the wheel assembly during the impact event.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.