Vehicle dynamic side impact system
US5954390A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D25/025
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A cross-car beam extends laterally between a pair of upwardly directed B-pillars on opposite sides of a vehicle passenger compartment and is structurally and functionally interconnected with each of the B-pillars. The cross-car beam provides the sole support for the rearward bottom portion of the front seat assemblies and preferably the hand brake, thus eliminating the need for stanchions supporting these assemblies. The cross-car beam is spaced above the floor of the passenger compartment and has a rearwardly and upwardly sloped portion of its lower surface, thus providing greatly enhanced foot space for rear seat passengers. In an alternate embodiment, the cross-car beam protrudes into at least a portion of each B-pillar assembly and can also be used to temporarily locate and support the body side aperture assembly prior to its being welded in its final location on the assembly line.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.