Tubular structural joint for automotive front end
US7441819B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D21/08
- 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 be tuned to manage the flow of crash energy during an impact situation. The upper frame rail is formed as a conventional four-sided tube, but is reformed at the intersection with the lower frame rail into a multiple-sided configuration that defines a mating surface for connection to the lower frame rail. The size of the mating surface has a fore-and-aft width dimension of between 20 and 40 millimeters and can be tuned to selectively control the management of crash forces encountered during an impact. The welded connection between the upper and lower frame rails forming this structural joint provides adequate stiffness and rigidity for the function of an automotive frame, yet presents a reduced shear strength in the fore-and-aft direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.