Abstract: A vehicle structure includes a body panel, a first spring anchor, a second spring anchor; and an elongated spring having a first end disposed at a first spring anchor and a second end disposed at a second spring anchor. The spring is preloaded when assembled to form an apex between the first end and the second end. The apex is disposed adjacent to the body panel to provide an outward force on the body panel.

Abstract: A vehicle structure includes a body panel, a first spring anchor, a second spring anchor; and an elongated spring having a first end disposed at a first spring anchor and a second end disposed at a second spring anchor. The spring is preloaded when assembled to form an apex between the first end and the second end. The apex is disposed adjacent to the body panel to provide an outward force on the body panel.

Abstract: A cross-brace structure for a police interceptor SUV includes a front member and a rear member, coupled through a connecting element. The front member has its two ends mounted over the rear floor of the vehicle, and the rear member has a first end and a second end, mounted on the left side rail and the right side rail of the vehicle, respectively. During an impact from the rear side, the crash load gets transferred to the non-impacted rear side through the rear bumper of the vehicle, and eventually, through the left and right rear side rails, towards the rear member of the cross-brace structure. The rear member transfers the crash load towards the front member, and further, towards the front portions of the vehicle, through the front sections of the left side rail and the right side rail.