Reinforced door frame for a motor vehicle

US6575525B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Daimlerchrysler AG · US

Inventors

• Margaret E Traister · Troy, US
• Shing Lo · Ann Arbor, US
• Frederick G Schwarze · Lake Orion, US
• Paul J Raona · Auburn Hills, US
• Michael K Slota · Macomb Township, US
• Stephen J. Mitchell · Aguanga, US
• John M Sweier · Rochester Hills, US
• Sheila A. Wright · Bloomfield Hills, US
• Daniel Warner · Grand Blanc, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 12, 2001
• Grant date: Jun 10, 2003
• Expiry date: Jan 12, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60J5/0433
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The present invention provides a reinforced door assembly for a motor vehicle including a vehicle frame. The motor vehicle includes a B-pillar and a hinge pillar incorporating a hinge assembly. The reinforced door includes a door frame with a hinge shut face and a latch shut face. The door frame is attached to the hinge pillar of the motor vehicle by the hinge assembly which is attached to an outer side of the hinge shut face of the door frame. The reinforced door assembly further includes an offset intrusion beam with a first end and a second end. The first end of the offset intrusion beam is attached to an inner side of the hinge shut face by fasteners which also attach the hinge assembly to the outer side of the hinge shut face. The second end of the offset intrusion beam is attached to a reinforcement bracket which is attached to an inner side of the latch shut face through suitable fasteners. In the event of a frontal offset impact, the force of the impact causes the offset intrusion beam to protrude through the latch shut face so as to make contact with the B-pillar.