Double cell crushable joint for automotive front end
US7341299B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 6, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D21/152
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A structural joint is formed between the upper frame rail, which bends downwardly to define a generally vertically extending portion, and a generally fore-and-aft extending lower frame rail that can increase bending resistance without sacrificing crash energy management of the horn section of the lower frame rail. The structural joint is reinforced with a crushable tubular reinforcement member formed in a clamshell configuration that includes a forwardly extending support arm positioned beneath the horn section to lower the center of gravity of a downwardly angled horn section to prevent premature bending thereof when encountering crash energy from a frontal impact. The horn section is formed in a pre-folded configuration to enhance the crash energy management of the horn section. The tubular reinforcement provides a double cell structural configuration adjacent the structural joint to provide a crushable structural joint that enables an effective management of crash energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.