Abstract: A reinforcement frame (1) for a battery pack (2) of an electric or hybrid vehicle (37), the battery pack including a plurality of battery cells lying on and secured to a shield element, the reinforcement frame including at least: a reinforcement frame fastening portion (3) provided to be secured to both the battery pack and the body of the vehicle, and a reinforcement frame hollow portion (4) provided to surround at least the battery cells.

Abstract: The projection weld element can include a barrel having a first axial end and a second axial end, a central axial bore being defined through the barrel from the first axial end towards the second axial end, and at least a portion of the central axial bore including an attachment structure, such as internal threads. A radial flange can extend from the second axial end of the barrel, with the flange including a distal axial face on a side of the flange facing away from the first axial end of the barrel and a proximal axial face on a side of the flange facing toward the first axial end of the barrel. The flange can include an annular projection weld ring formed along the proximal axial face of the flange on the same side of the flange as the barrel that extends from the flange. A method for joining a working piece with a weld element can include joining a working piece with the above-described weld element and heating the structures to effect a projection welding between the working piece and the weld element.

Abstract: An attachment structure system is disclosed for attaching a damper to a vehicle. The attachment structure system can include a stiffener body that has a central portion connected to a damper. The stiffener body can be connected to both the vehicle's frame and a vehicle body portion, such as the wheel housing, to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness from being transmitted to the driver of the vehicle, and to provide other structural and ride characteristic benefits to the vehicle.

Abstract: An attachment structure system is disclosed for attaching a damper to a vehicle. The attachment structure system can include a stiffener body that has a central portion connected to a damper. The stiffener body can be connected to both the vehicle's frame and a vehicle body portion, such as the wheel housing, to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness from being transmitted to the driver of the vehicle, and to provide other structural and ride characteristic benefits to the vehicle.

Abstract: A projection weld element can include structure that prevents gases or other contaminants from passing through or around the weld element before, during or after attachment to a workpiece such as a vehicle body part. The projection weld element can include a barrel having a first axial end and a second axial end, a central axial bore being defined through the barrel from the first axial end towards the second axial end, and at least a portion of the central axial bore including an attachment structure, such as internal threads. A radial flange can extend from the second axial end of the barrel, with the flange including a distal axial face on a side of the flange facing away from the first axial end of the barrel and a proximal axial face on a side of the flange facing toward the first axial end of the barrel. The flange can include an annular projection weld ring formed along the proximal axial face of the flange on the same side of the flange as the barrel that extends from the flange.

Abstract: A frame and support assembly for a vehicle lacking a conventional, separate B-pillar includes first and second frame members and a plurality of support assemblies. Each support assembly includes a plurality of bulkheads, a pair of outriggers, and a cross member. The bulkheads are incorporated into first and second side sill assemblies. The outriggers extend between the side sill assemblies and the first and second frame members. The cross members extend between the first and second first frame members.

Abstract: A frame and support assembly for a vehicle lacking a conventional, separate B-pillar includes first and second frame members and a plurality of support assemblies. Each support assembly includes a plurality of bulkheads, a pair of outriggers, and a cross member. The bulkheads are incorporated into first and second side sill assemblies. The outriggers extend between the side sill assemblies and the first and second frame members. The cross members extend between the first and second first frame members. The strength of the bulkheads, outriggers, and cross members is selected such that the cross member is stiffer than the outriggers, and the outriggers are stiffer than the bulkheads so that the support assemblies progressively crush during a side impact.

Abstract: A frame and support assembly for a vehicle lacking a conventional, separate B-pillar includes first and second frame members and a plurality of support assemblies. Each support assembly includes a plurality of bulkheads, a pair of outriggers, and a cross member. The bulkheads are incorporated into first and second side sill assemblies. The outriggers extend between the side sill assemblies and the first and second frame members. The cross members extend between the first and second first frame members.

Abstract: A frame and support assembly for a vehicle lacking a conventional, separate B-pillar includes first and second frame members and a plurality of support assemblies. Each support assembly includes a plurality of bulkheads, a pair of outriggers, and a cross member. The bulkheads are incorporated into first and second side sill assemblies. The outriggers extend between the side sill assemblies and the first and second frame members. The cross members extend between the first and second first frame members. The strength of the bulkheads, outriggers, and cross members is selected such that the cross member is stiffer than the outriggers, and the outriggers are stiffer than the bulkheads so that the support assemblies progressively crush during a side impact.