Variable width platform vehicle body structure and method

US9505439B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• Vladimir Vladimirovich Bogachuk · Beverly Hills, US
• Monica Blair · Ann Arbor, US
• Maria Heirtzler · Northville, US
• Shawn Michael Morgans · Chelsea, US
• Steve William Gallagher · Mountain View, US
• Joshua Jacob Clement · Dearborn, US
• Eric L. Stratten · Plymouth, US
• Jon A. Wilcox · Menlo Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 15, 2015
• Grant date: Nov 29, 2016
• Expiry date: May 15, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D25/02
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of varying vehicle width on a single platform includes providing a plurality of vehicles, where each vehicle includes a side sill extending longitudinally along a lower portion of a vehicle body. The side sill defines a door opening interface on each opposing side of the vehicle body. Each of the plurality of vehicles also includes a floor panel extending laterally across a width of each vehicle. The floor panel is joined at a lateral edge to the side sill. The method also includes maintaining a common lateral position of the joint between the floor panel and the side sill across each of the plurality of vehicles. The method further includes positioning the door opening interface at first lateral position corresponding to a first one of the plurality of vehicles and at a second lateral position corresponding to a second one of the plurality of vehicles.