Energy distributing side structure for vehicle side impact occupant protection
US8007032B1 · kind B1 · utility
39Cited by
6References
20Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 2010 |
| Grant date | Aug 30, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D25/025
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An energy distributing side structure for a vehicle is disclosed. The side structure includes a B-pillar having a wide base and an internal reinforcing tube, a rocker having an internal bulkhead, a rear rocker, and at least one cross-member extending vehicle-inward from the rocker. The cross-member may extend to the vehicle tunnel and may be attached to a tunnel brace. One or more additional cross-members may be provided which also extend vehicle-inward from the rocker and define secondary load paths. By this arrangement loading is transferred to the floor and cross-members of the vehicle during a lateral impact event.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.