Patent · US Active

Front-end structure of a motor vehicle

US8251438B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by

6References

12Claims

0Family size

Assignee

Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

Bernd Linden · Neunkirchen, DE
Bert Niessen · Heimbach, DE
Joergen Hilmann · Leverkusen, DE

Key dates

Filing date	Jan 13, 2012
Grant date	Aug 28, 2012
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Jan 13, 2032

Classification

Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
CPC primaryB60R19/34
WIPO fieldTransport
WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Forward structure of a motor vehicle includes a frame structure, a bumper beam disposed forward of and connected to the frame structure, and a radiator frame disposed forward of the frame structure and behind the bumper beam. First and second swing arms are connected to the radiator frame at respective first and second forward pivot axes and are connected to the frame structure at respective first and second rear pivot axes. The four pivot axes are substantially parallel to one another and substantially transverse to the vehicle, such that a frontal impact urging the bumper beam rearward against the radiator frame causes the radiator frame to pivot about the swing arms. Forward-most portions of the frame structure, immediately adjacent to the bumper beam, may take the form of deformation elements or crush cans that are designed to yield in a manner to absorb crash energy.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.