Structure for controlled deformation of body side structure

US6834912B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. · JP

Inventors

• Peter J. Cardimen · Powell, US
• Robert Zummallen · Marysville, US
• Skye Malcolm · Upper Arlington, US
• Henry DiCato · Columbus, US
• Kerry Stephen McClure · Dublin, US
• Kengo Ishibashi · Kasai, JP

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 10, 2003
• Grant date: Dec 28, 2004
• Expiry date: Oct 10, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D25/025
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A frame and support assembly for a vehicle lacking a conventional, separate B-pillar includes first and second frame members and a plurality of support assemblies. Each support assembly includes a plurality of bulkheads, a pair of outriggers, and a cross member. The bulkheads are incorporated into first and second side sill assemblies. The outriggers extend between the side sill assemblies and the first and second frame members. The cross members extend between the first and second first frame members. The strength of the bulkheads, outriggers, and cross members is selected such that the cross member is stiffer than the outriggers, and the outriggers are stiffer than the bulkheads so that the support assemblies progressively crush during a side impact.