Abstract: A front side member having a single body formed from a tubular body having a closed cross section has a front portion which extends in the fore and aft direction of a vehicle body, a sloping portion which is continuous with the front portion and slopes downwards along a dash panel, and a rear portion continuous with the sloping portion and extending along the bottom surface of a floor panel joined to the dash panel. A portion of the front portion is an unquenched portion which has not undergone quenching treatment and the remainder is a high frequency quenched portion which has undergone high frequency quenching. The sloping portion is a high frequency quenched portion. A portion of the rear portion is an unquenched portion which has not undergone quenching and the remainder other than that portion is a high frequency quenched portion which has undergone high frequency quenching.

Abstract: A strengthening member for an automotive vehicle comprises an eight-cornered cross section including sides and corners. The sides comprise four straight sides and four curved sides. A length of each straight side ranges from about 10 mm to about 200 mm and a length of each curved side is about 10 mm to about 200 mm.

Abstract: A subassembly of a vehicle assembly is provided. The subassembly of the vehicle assembly includes at least one beam, at least one beam support having a plurality of holes, wherein the at least one beam and the at least one beam support are connected and reinforced by an overmolded joint. The overmolded joint includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and at least one load bearing wall. An end of the at least one beam support contacts the at least one beam, and the at least one load bearing wall abuts the at least one beam.

Abstract: A frame member for use in a two-wheeled vehicle and an all-terrain vehicle that includes a plurality of Al members each made of a 7000 series Al alloy having a high strength is provided in which weld crack sensitivity is reduced and a weld joint having an excellent strength is provided. The alloy composition of the 7000 series Al alloy, which provides the Al member, containing Cu: 0.01 to 0.50%, Mg: 0.5 to 2.1%, and Zn: 4.0 to 8.5%, with the balance being Al and inevitable impurities. Further, in the production of the frame member, the plurality of Al members are integrated by welding using a filler metal containing Mg: 5.5 to 8.0%, Cr: 0.05 to 0.25%, Ti: 0.25% or less, Si: 0.4% or less, Fe: 0.4% or less, Cu: 0.1% or less, Zr: 0.05% or less and Zn: 0.25% or less, and with the balance being Al and inevitable impurities.

Abstract: A modifiable structural assembly comprising an active material based insert positioned within a hollow structural member, wherein the insert defines a first insert dimension, is configured, when activated, to change the first insert dimension to a second insert dimension, and selectively achieving the first or second dimension facilitates positioning the insert, or changes a characteristic of the assembly, such as the stiffness, damping effect, or energy absorption rate, once the insert has been positioned.

Abstract: A modular vehicle includes a base body having a frame, driver compartment, chassis, motor and wheels, a removable modular component adapted to be locked and unlocked therefrom, and locks that fasten the removable modular component within the base body. The removable modular component provides added structural rigidity to the frame when installed, and can comprise at least 20 percent of the overall volume and at least 20 percent of the overall weight of the entire vehicle. Locks permit the modular component to be removed and replaced with another removable modular component when said locks are unlocked. Various modular components can be directed toward medical, weapons, fire equipment, rescue equipment, hunting supplies, reconnaissance, command center, outback vehicle, or a survival camper. A triangular truss support system provides increased support and protection for the underside of the vehicle, such as for when the vehicle runs over an IED or other destructive device.

Abstract: A one-piece shotgun is configured to absorb impact energy when a front of the vehicle is impacted. The shotgun comprises an upper portion, a mid portion, and a lower portion, the upper portion having an end configured to connect to a hinge pillar; and a Z-trigger formed by two indentations and being located adjacent the upper portion end. The indentations of the Z-trigger are located on an outer side and an inner side of the shotgun to cause substantially lateral bending when sufficient force is applied to the shotgun.

Abstract: A longitudinal beam, which is provided for a chassis of a motor vehicle, has a curved section of a tubular member part horizontal reinforcement element. The reinforcement element is directly associated with the highest body of a lower horizontal limb of the tubular member part and is connected to an upper horizontal limb of the tubular member part. This draws the curved section in a crash of the vehicle a high degree of stability.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling a vehicle frame from hydro-formed tubular metal components. Each hydro-formed component has a surface feature that is complementary to a surface feature on an adjacent component. The complementary surface features allow the hydro-formed components to be interlocked together. The components are permanently joined by a plurality of welds. A front hoop, a rear hoop and right and left side hoops may be assembled and joined together to form the passenger compartment portion of the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A chassis for a vehicle is disclosed which combines rigidity, speed of manufacture, and a small environmental footprint. Such a chassis comprises a framework of Interconnected tubular sections (14, 18) and at least one composite sheet (50) bonded to the framework, at least part of the composite sheet being of unidirectional fibres. The sheet can be non-flat, and is preferably a concave geometry such as a tub. It can be composed of a plurality of sections (78, 80). The part of the composite sheet that Is of unidirectional fibres extends obliquely rearwardly from a tubular section on one side of the chassis toward a further tubular section on another side of the chassis, the fibres also being oriented obliquely rearwardly In the same sense. A further similar part extends in the opposite direction/symmetrically, overlapping as necessary.

Abstract: Joints are formed for articles of manufacture such as transportation vehicles (e.g., automotive vehicles). The joints typically include a connector that is adhered to a first member and a second member with a structural adhesive, which may be a foam.

Abstract: A protector includes: a protector main body covering the lower portion of the vehicle body and a fixing plate for fixing the protector main body to the vehicle body. The protector main body has a surface portion and a recessed portion recessed from the surface portion to the vehicle body. The fixing plate has a plurality of the first insertion holes through which the fastening members for securing the protector main body to the vehicle body are passed. The recessed portion has second insertion holes through which fastening members are passed. The fixing plate is disposed in the recessed portion. The plurality of the first insertion holes are formed apart from one another.

Abstract: A strength member for an automobile body such as a side member or a pillar which has a bent portion which is bent two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally and which has an ultrahigh strength with a tensile strength exceeding 1100 MPa is provided. The strength member for an automobile body has a tubular body which has a closed cross section which does not have an outwardly-extending flange and which has a bent portion which is bent two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally, a portion to be cut or punched, and a portion to be welded.

Abstract: A vehicle body component having a body portion and male and female dovetail portions. The male and female dovetail portions have substantially trapezoidal cross sections.

Abstract: A vehicle body front part structure having a front side frame including a compressive load bearing frame member extending longitudinally of a vehicle body, and a bending load bearing frame member branched from a longitudinally central portion of the compressive load bearing frame member and curved inwardly toward a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle body as extending rearwardly of the vehicle body. The compressive load bearing frame member has a rear end portion curved inwardly toward the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle body, and reinforcement beads formed on a sidewall of the rear end portion of the compressive load bearing frame member.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle including a frame having longitudinally-spaced ends defining a first longitudinal axis, and an engine supported by the frame. The engine includes a crankshaft defining a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A vehicle frame includes a plurality of hollow tubular members welded together. An opening in a side wall of the frame which receives a door or window of the vehicle is bordered by at least two hollow tubular members which are interconnected by a non-tubular, reinforcing corner member. The reinforcing corner member includes a pair of solid parallel plates spaced apart by a perpendicular cross-member. Each plate of the reinforcing corner member has integral first and second elongated portions extending on either side of a continuous curve therebetween which has a substantially constant radius of curvature such as to define a smooth transition between the integral first and second elongated portions of the plate. The reinforcing corner member distributes stress away from the curved corner and to the tubular members, thereby preventing stress concentration at a joint between the two tubular members surrounding the opening in the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle body has a central tunnel with an open tunnel region which contains profiled closing parts which are disposed spaced apart from one another in the vehicle longitudinal direction and which are arranged and fastened between longitudinally running turned-out portions of the central tunnel. The central tunnel is fastened to a vehicle base.

Abstract: The vehicle frame for a work vehicle includes a cabin frame that is assembled into a substantially box form. A base frame is welded to the cabin frame. The cabin frame includes left and right side frames, each of which is formed into a loop. The cabin member includes a plurality of cross members for connecting the left and right side frames. Each of the side frames is formed with a single one-piece pipe material having a first end and a second end with the first end connected to the second end such that a tangential direction extending along a region of the first end coincides with a tangential direction extending along a region of the second end. The pipe material has an irregular shape having a recess formed along the entire length between the first end and the second end of the pipe material.

Abstract: A polygonal cross-sectional frame has an L closed cross-sectional shape such that the frame has an inwardly recessed section. A rear vehicle body structure includes a depressing member provided, along the lower surface of a rear frame extending rearward from a floor of a passenger compartment, in opposed relation to a predetermined vehicle-body-mounted component part disposed beneath the depressing member. As a rear section of the rear frame deforms due to a load input to the rear end of the rear frame, the depressing member deforms downward to depress and displace the predetermined vehicle-body-mounted component part.

Abstract: A metal automobile frame including a number of extruded, constant-section linear bars welded to one another at structural nodes defined by connecting bodies with pockets for housing the linear bars. A pierced linear bar includes a number of tabs, each of which is located inside the pierced linear bar, extends perpendicularly from a side of the pierced linear bar, and is sized so as not to interfere with the opening in the pierced linear bar.

Abstract: Dashboard panel, partitioning between an engine compartment and a passenger compartment, includes a reinforcing frame structure or connection member that extends, through the interior space of the dashboard panel, to linearly interconnect a horizontal rear end portion of each of left and right front side frames and a front end portion of a corresponding one of left and right side sills.

Abstract: Some embodiments comprise an integrated reinforcing crossmember having a carrier with an expansible material adhered to at least a portion of the exterior surface of the carrier. The carrier is comprised of a center section and two end sections, each section comprised of external lateral walls and internal ribs joined by cross walls and horizontal connecting walls. The crossmember is inserted into a cavity of a corresponding structural member, and the expansible material is activated and expands, securing the crossmember in place within the cavity.

Abstract: A member is characterized by an external form, a length, and a boxed cross-section having a substantially uniform shape along the length of the member. The member includes a single joining portion arranged along the length of the member to maintain each of the external form and the boxed cross-section. The member additionally includes two fastening portions, each of the fastening portions arranged proximate to each end of the length, and each fastening portion configured for attachment to one of two substantially parallel rails spaced apart by a distance. The member is configured such that the length is sufficient to span the distance. Additionally, the member is formed out of high-grade steel by a process that enables the use of high-grade steel without employing a re-strike operation to alleviate material spring-back.

Abstract: A rear frame for a motor vehicle has a profile part manufactured from cast metal. The profile part has two legs, which are connected to one another via a cover element, and an attachment element. In this way, the rear frame has a particularly high stability and may be manufactured particularly cost-effectively.

Abstract: A frame for a vehicle to accommodate a large-sized accessory, such as a fuel tank, to be mounted downwardly of a rear pipe without having to lower a rear sub-pipe. A large-sized accessory, such as a fuel tank, can be inserted into a space under a rear pipe by removing a second rear sub-pipe from a main frame and the rear pipe. The second rear sub-pipe can be fixed to the main frame and the rear pipe by simply tightening bolts. Similarly, by simply loosening the bolts the second rear sub-pipe can be removed from the main frame and the rear pipe and the large-sized accessory can be removed onto an outside in a vehicle width direction. This facilitates mounting and helps reduce the number of man-hours involved in mounting the accessory.

Abstract: A one-piece shotgun is configured to absorb impact energy when a front of the vehicle is impacted. The shotgun comprises an upper portion, a mid portion, and a lower portion, the upper portion having an end configured to connect to a hinge pillar; and a Z-trigger formed by two indentations and being located adjacent the upper portion end. The indentations of the Z-trigger are located on an outer side and an inner side of the shotgun to cause substantially lateral bending when sufficient force is applied to the shotgun.

Abstract: A lengthwise extended component contains of a support that possesses flow channels in the direction of its longitudinal axis. The support additionally possesses external surfaces that are offset to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis as well as a lateral external surface. These external surfaces are provided with a layer of a thermally expansible and curable composition. Reinforcing components of this type are suitable for stiffening and/or reinforcing hollow supports, such as the A-, B- or C-pillars, the roof edges or the rocker panels of vehicles, especially passenger cars.

Abstract: A vehicle body includes hollow left and right side sill. Front ends of the side sills are formed into closed cross sections and substantially inverted-L shapes. The front end of the right side sill is bilaterally symmetrical to the front end of the left side sill. Rear ends of the left and right side sills are formed into substantially square-shaped cross sections. Portions from the front ends to the rear ends of the side sills are formed into closed cross sections which change smoothly from the inverted-L shaped cross sections to the square-shaped cross sections.

Abstract: A chassis (10) for a vehicle is disclosed which combines rigidity, speed of manufacture, and an small environmental footprint. Such a chassis comprises a framework of interconnected tubular sections (12,14,16,18, 20, 22, 28) and at least one sheet (50) bonded to the framework. Laser cutting, CNC bending, and computer-controlled welding mean that the required production time can be kept to 120 seconds and the rigidity of the structure as a whole is sufficient. Such a chassis also has an exceptionally low carbon footprint. The sheet can be metallic, such as Aluminium or Aluminium honeycomb, or it can be a composite material such as one comprising a paper-based core and a fibre-reinforced plastics coating. The sheet can be non-flat, and is preferably a concave geometry such as a tub. It can be composed of a plurality of sections, ideally joined by a method allowing a positional tolerance so that any tolerance in the construction of the framework can be accommodated.

Abstract: An A-pillar joint configuration where the front end frame rail members are welded to the A-pillar eliminates the seals at the interface between the front end frame rail members and the A-pillars. The front flange of the A-pillar is also eliminated in the hydroformed configuration while the hydroformed frame rail members are formed with rearward ends that mate with the shape of A-pillar to positioned flattened ends against the exterior vertical side of the A-pillars for welding thereto. The resulting joint configuration eliminates the openings in the A-pillar for the passage of the front end frame rail members requiring seals to insulate the passenger compartment from engine and road noises.

Abstract: A connecting arrangement (1) is provided for connecting a stiffening beam (2) to a bracket (3) in a motor vehicle. The stiffening beam (2) and the bracket (3) having mounting sections (4, 5) that can be plugged into one another. The mounting sections (4, 5) each have two slots (6, 7) situated opposite one another. The slots (6, 7) at least partially overlap in pairs and are offset from one another by a predetermined angle (?) in the mounted position of the mounting sections (4, 5) to facilitate the insertion of a fastening element (12) into the slot pairs (6, 7). The connecting arrangement (1) simplifies the mounting of the fastening element (12) and enables an even retroactive correction or alignment of the connecting arrangement (1) in the plugging-together direction (13) of the mounting sections (4,5).

Abstract: A connection structure for hollow members, which is highly durable and can be produced at low cost, is provided. An insertion hole 12 is formed in at least one wall portion 11 of a pair of opposed wall portions 11 and 11 of a first hollow member 10. A sleeve 30 for preventing biting of a peripheral edge portion 12a of the insertion hole 12 into the outer peripheral surface of a second hollow member 20 is fixed to the first hollow member 10 with the sleeve 30 inserted in the insertion hole 12. A peripheral wall portion 22 of the second hollow member 20 inserted in the sleeve 30 is expanded with the second hollow member 20 inserted in the sleeve 30, so that the peripheral wall portion 22 of the inserted portion of the second hollow member 20 is pressed against and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve 30.

Abstract: Rigidity of a frame of a working vehicle is improved by a simple structure and production costs are reduced by reducing the number of parts of a working vehicle. Pipes 66 are provided on both left and right sides at the center in the front-rear direction of a side frame 62, and each pipe 66 has a rectangular cross-section and penetrates an intermediate partition in the front-rear direction from a mast section 64 up to a transmission section. Tie-down holes are formed in a front face plate 61 to which the front end of a frame 9 is connected, and a plate 64b connected to a side frame 62 is provided at the bottom surface of each mast section 64 protruding outward from the side frame 62. Tanks installed on the working vehicle are suspended from the plate bodies 64b, and a lift arm installation boss provided at each mast section 64 is supported at both ends. A U-shaped reinforcement member 81 connects the upper surface of mast partition plate of a mast section 64 and left and right bosses.

Abstract: A vehicle frame sub-assembly including a hinge pillar assembly and A-pillar assembly. A high strength hinge pillar reinforcement and A-pillar reinforcement are provided to increase the support in roof crush tests. Collision impact loads are transferred through an upper load path, lower load path, upper intermediate load path, and lower intermediate load path. A back-up rail receives loads from the front rail. The back-up rail transfers loads to the rocker and through a back-up rail extension to the hinge pillar assembly. An upper intermediate load path transfers loads from the upper rail through a fork rail to the hinge pillar assembly.

Abstract: A roof apparatus for a vehicle includes a pair of guide rails adapted to be mounted and extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle along both sides of an opening provided at a vehicle roof, the pair of guide rails supporting a movable panel for opening and closing the opening and a frame extending in a width direction of the vehicle and connected with the guide rails, the frame made of a light alloy material and having a closed cross sectional shape when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a length direction thereof, the frame including a joining surface portion connected with each guide rail, an opposing surface portion opposing with the joining surface portion; and a hollow portion located between the joining surface portion and the opposing surface portion.

Abstract: A vehicular reinforcing bar structure includes: a reinforcing bar fixedly fastened at its opposite end portions to a pair of opposed vehicle body frame members, the reinforcing bar having a uniform closed sectional shape from one of the end portions to the other; collars fitted in the respective opposite end portions of the reinforcing bar for imparting fastening force to the end portions; and mounting brackets provided in corresponding relation to the opposite end portions, each of the mounting brackets being formed in a closed section and fixedly fastening the corresponding end portion by sandwiching the end portion with the corresponding vehicle body frame member.

Abstract: A first split-bracket is joined to a first tube-shaped frame by lazar welding. A second split-bracket is joined to an end portion of a second tube-shaped frame by the lazar wielding. The second tube-shaped frame equipped with the second split-bracket is assembled to the first tube-shaped frame equipped with the first split-bracket. A second flange of the first split-bracket and a second flange of the second split-bracket are joined temporarily by spot welding. The second flange of the first split-bracket and the second flange of the second split-bracket are joined by continuous welding with lazar welding. Accordingly, the tube-shaped frames can be connected properly without forming any hole at a wall of the tube-shaped frame, ensuring the rigidity of the connection portion of the tube-shaped frames.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure having improved roof support characteristics is provided. The structure includes a roof rail integral to an A-pillar and a support pillar. The structure further includes a cross member. The A-pillar includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a wall therebetween. The roof rail extends downwardly at a front end of the roof rail and extends downwardly at a rear end of the roof rail. The roof rail is integral to a one piece hollow A-pillar at the front end of the roof rail. The support pillar also includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a wall therebetween. The support pillar also includes a tubular lower section that extends upwardly from the rocker. The upper section of the support pillar is integral to the rear end of the roof rail.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement for a hollow member comprising a rigid reinforcing member having a shape that substantially conforms to the cross section of the hollow member to be reinforced with an expandable adhesive material over at least a portion of the surface of the structural reinforcement having one or more extensions on its external surface which control and direct the direction in which the adhesive material expands to bond the reinforcing member to the internal surface of the hollow member, some of the extensions also provide improved reinforcement.

Abstract: Provided is a side part structure of a vehicle body capable of reliably dispersing a collision load applied from the side of a vehicle. A bulkhead (5) arranged in a rocker (3) has an outer bulkhead (5A) joined to an outer rocker (3A) and an inner bulkhead (5B) joined to an inner rocker (3B). Facing walls (6A, 6B) of the outer bulkhead (5A) and the inner bulkhead (5B) are provided with proximity portions (7) which are engageable with each other. This allows a collision load at a side collision to be reliably transmitted from the outer rocker (3A) to the inner rocker (3B) via the proximity portions (7) formed on the mutually facing walls (6A, 6B), thereby reliably dispersing the collision load from the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method is provided for filling a hollow structure with metal foam. A mixture is made of a metal powder and a foaming agent. An electric resistance heating wire is provided and the mixture is consolidated into a solid preformed charge with the wire embedded in the charge and extending from the ends thereof. The preformed charge is placed into the hollow structure and electric current is applied to the resistance heating wire so that the metal powder is melted and the foaming agent foams the melted metal to fill the hollow structure.

Abstract: A method of forming a space frame for a cab, including forming each of a pair of hydroformed, longitudinally extending inner side rails, a hydroformed connecting member, a hydroformed first upper cross member, each of a pair of hydroformed upper longitudinal members, and each of a pair of hydroformed A-pillar members. The method including, providing a tubular metallic blank having a tubular metallic wall. The method also including placing the tubular metallic blank into a die cavity of a die assembly, the die cavity having die surfaces, and providing a high pressure fluid into an interior of the blank to expand the metallic wall of the central portion of the blank outwardly into conformity with the surfaces of the die cavity to define the respective hydroformed member.

Abstract: A cross-member for a trailer frame and a frame incorporating the same. The cross-member extends between longitudinally aligned rails designed to pivotally support a dumping body thereon. The cross-member includes a cylindrical tube having a wall defining a bore therethrough. A planar member is received within the bore and is axially aligned therewith. The tube includes one or more axially aligned openings proximate a central region thereof. The planar member is disposed intermediate the openings and is aligned axially with the openings. The cross-member is substantially rigid under tension and at least a portion thereof is flexible under torsion.

Abstract: The structure (1) comprises a frame (2) including a plurality of extruded profiled members (11-33, 37), of essentially box cross-section, connected together directly or by means of joining members (19, 24).

Abstract: An automobile vehicle compartment includes an octagonal frame having side sills that extend in the vehicle body fore-and-aft direction, a dashboard lower cross member and middle cross member that extend in the vehicle width direction, and four inclined members, and it is therefore possible to ensure that there is sufficient rigidity both for a collision load from the vehicle body fore-and-aft direction and from the side of the vehicle body, thereby minimizing deformation of the vehicle compartment. Furthermore, since front side frames and a front bumper beam form a U-shaped frame that curves in a U-shape toward the vehicle body fore-and-aft direction in front of the vehicle compartment, it is possible by crushing of the high rigidity U-shaped frame to absorb effectively a collision load from the vehicle body fore-and-aft direction, including an offset collision, thereby preventing more effectively deformation of the vehicle compartment.

Abstract: A structure formed by welding one component member and other component member through a connection member, the connection member which includes: a one side connection end portion including a junction portion having a shape matching an outer surface of the one component member, the one side connection end portion being contacted to the one component member, being freely moved along an axial direction of the one component member, and being welded to the one component member, and an other side connection end portion including an engaging portion that is fitted into the other component member and can be relatively freely moved along a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the one component member, and being welded to the other component member.

Abstract: A hollow-bodied component, which includes at least two die-cast shell elements (1, 2), is suitable in particular for use as a steering component in motor vehicle running-gear assemblies. The hollow-bodied component has a connection zone (5, 6, 18, 19) configured on the shell elements (1, 2) to be interconnected. One connection zone (5) has one first contact area (7) with an essentially U-shaped cross-section that is located on the respective shell element (1) and the other connection zone has at least one strut-type second contact area (8) that engages in the space in the U-shaped first contact area (7) and that is located on the respective other shell element (2). The connection zones (5, 6, 18, 19) are joined in a force fit in a cold welding process that uses a contact pressure (F1, F2), whose value is a multiple of the separating force components (Fr) that act on the connection zones (5, 6, 18, 19) during operation. A method is provided for producing the component.

Abstract: A cross-shaped chassis frame (1) formed by abutting and connecting the end parts of side members (12) to the outer face of a front end cross member (11), wherein the side members (12) are formed of hollow pipes, the end parts of the side members (12) are gradually expanded to form joined parts (20) expanded in flare skirt shape, and the outer edges of the joined parts (20) are allowed to abut on and welded to the outer face of the front end cross member (11), whereby the side members (12) can be jointed to the outer face of the front end cross member (11).

Abstract: A utility vehicle having a cabin-frame assembly coupled to the vehicle body so as to cover rows of seats is provided. Typically, the assembly includes a main frame extended in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle substantially arcuately over the rows of seats, and an intermediate frame extended substantially arcuately and laterally across the vehicle body between the seat rows to support the main frame.