Method and apparatus for reinforcing a vehicle floor pan to prevent separation in a side impact

US9789907B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• Herbert Yang · Ann Arbor, US
• Zhenyan Gao · Northville, US
• Pratt Kamath · Plymouth, US
• John Michael McGuckin · Ann Arbor, US
• Senthilkum Mahadevan · Sterling Heights, US
• Sean Timothy Ryan · Farmington Hills, US
• Michael Luchtman · Canton, US
• Bhimaraddi Venkaraddi Alavandi · Canton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 27, 2015
• Grant date: Oct 17, 2017
• Expiry date: Jul 27, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D65/02
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A side impact protective structure is provided for a vehicle floor pan. Right and left rear rails are attached, respectively, to right and left lateral sides of the floor pan. A kick-up cross member extends transversely between the right and left rocker assemblies. A right reinforcement is welded to the floor pan, the right rear rail, and the kick-up cross member. A left reinforcement is welded to the left rear rail, to the floor pan and the kick-up cross member. An assembly method includes the steps of selecting a thin mild steel floor pan between a thicker HSLA steel structural member and a thicker corner reinforcement and welding the components together with three thickness welds.