Breakaway automotive steering tie rod for controlled wheel motion during crash
US11964719B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 2020 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 27, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D25/08
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is a vehicle having a breakaway tie rod. The tie rod has a longitudinal axis oriented substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and includes a rod portion and a receiver portion. The rod portion includes a proximal ball joint disposed at the proximal end and a male coupling section disposed at the distal end. The receiver portion includes a female coupling section disposed at the proximal end, a distal ball joint disposed at the distal end, and a narrowing feature disposed between the proximal end and distal end. The male coupling section of the rod portion is received into the female coupling section of the receiver portion, forming a connection, and the distal end of the rod portion is disposed proximate to the narrowing feature. The narrowing feature is configured to fracture when subjected to a threshold force substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.