Abstract: A disengagement apparatus for a subframe of a vehicle includes an inclined wall having an inclined surface, two sidewalls, and a top wall. The inclined surface has a structural feature that may include a rib. The disengagement apparatus is configured to couple to the subframe and a subframe stay. The subframe may include an aluminum material, and the disengagement apparatus may include a steel material. Further, a front frame structure for a vehicle includes a vehicle body, and a subframe structure coupled to the vehicle body that includes a subframe, a subframe stay, and a disengagement apparatus. The subframe structure is configured to decouple from the vehicle body in the event of a frontal impact and deflect in a rearward and downward direction relative to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A disengagement apparatus for a subframe of a vehicle includes an inclined wall having an inclined surface, two sidewalls, and a top wall. The inclined surface has a structural feature that may include a rib. The disengagement apparatus is configured to couple to the subframe and a subframe stay. The subframe may include an aluminum material, and the disengagement apparatus may include a steel material. Further, a front frame structure for a vehicle includes a vehicle body, and a subframe structure coupled to the vehicle body that includes a subframe, a subframe stay, and a disengagement apparatus. The subframe structure is configured to decouple from the vehicle body in the event of a frontal impact and deflect in a rearward and downward direction relative to the vehicle body.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a duct assembly for cooling a brake assembly of a vehicle. The duct assembly can include a hollow inlet section that is disposed at the vehicle sub-frame and configured to capture air from beneath the vehicle sub-frame; and a hollow intermediate section that communicates with the inlet section so as to form a contiguous channel therewith. The intermediate section can be disposed entirely within the vehicle sub-frame. A hollow outlet section can communicate with the intermediate section so as to form a contiguous channel between the inlet, intermediate and outlet sections. The outlet section can be disposed and configured to direct the air captured by the inlet section to the front end of the brake assembly to thereby cool at least a portion of the brake assembly.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a duct assembly for cooling a brake assembly of a vehicle. The duct assembly can include a hollow inlet section that is disposed at the vehicle sub-frame and configured to capture air from beneath the vehicle sub-frame; and a hollow intermediate section that communicates with the inlet section so as to form a contiguous channel therewith. The intermediate section can be disposed entirely within the vehicle sub-frame. A hollow outlet section can communicate with the intermediate section so as to form a contiguous channel between the inlet, intermediate and outlet sections. The outlet section can be disposed and configured to direct the air captured by the inlet section to the front end of the brake assembly to thereby cool at least a portion of the brake assembly.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a vehicular energy management apparatus that includes a lower frame that defines a raised portion disposed longitudinally between a vehicular power source and fuel system components. The raised portion can include an inclined portion defining an acute angle relative to the longitudinal direction, and disposed to guide movement of the power source upwardly in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and away from the components of the fuel system upon movement of the power source in the longitudinal direction. A mount assembly that mounts the power source to the lower frame is configured to fail and thereby detach the power source from the lower frame upon application of a predetermined threshold impact energy being transmitted to the power source, thereby enabling the power source to move in the longitudinal direction and resulting in dissipation of at least a portion of the impact energy.

Abstract: According to a further embodiment, an automotive vehicle including a body frame having opposed side frames and a subframe having opposed side members is disclosed. The subframe includes a stabilizer bar connection assembly comprised of generally U-shaped recess formed in each of the opposed side members and a generally U-shaped bushing disposed within the recesses. The opposed side frames overlie the opposed side members adjacent the recesses and secure the bushings within their respective recess.

Abstract: According to a further embodiment, an automotive vehicle including a body frame having opposed side frames and a subframe having opposed side members is disclosed. The subframe includes a stabilizer bar connection assembly comprised of generally U-shaped recess formed in each of the opposed side members and a generally U-shaped bushing disposed within the recesses. The opposed side frames overlie the opposed side members adjacent the recesses and secure the bushings within their respective recess.

Abstract: A front subframe for a vehicle body structure includes left and right longitudinal members which extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. A front cross member extends in a transverse direction of the body so as to extend between front ends of these longitudinal members. A rear cross member extends in the transverse direction of the body so as to extend between rear ends of the left and right longitudinal members. An engagement member as part of the front subframe is provided at each front end of the left and right longitudinal members. The engagement member is adapted to be engaged by an associated object during a narrow offset frontal collision and direct crash forces into the front subframe and vehicle body structure.

Abstract: A front subframe for a vehicle body structure includes left and right longitudinal members which extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. A front cross member extends in a transverse direction of the body so as to extend between front ends of these longitudinal members. A rear cross member extends in the transverse direction of the body so as to extend between rear ends of the left and right longitudinal members. An engagement member as part of the front subframe is provided at each front end of the left and right longitudinal members. The engagement member is adapted to be engaged by an associated object during a narrow offset frontal collision and direct crash forces into the front subframe and vehicle body structure.

Abstract: An integrated steering gear, frame structure and engine mount base for a vehicle includes an elongate, generally hollow housing having at least one mounting portion at each of opposing ends. A steering gear including a steering gear input and a pair of opposingly-oriented tie rods is assembled within the hollow housing such that the steering gear input and the tie rods extend from the interior of the housing. An engine mount base is integrated into the housing. The integrated steering gear, frame structure and engine mount base is mountable to a vehicle support frame to function as a subframe member of the support frame.

Abstract: An integrated steering gear, frame structure and engine mount base for a vehicle includes an elongate, generally hollow housing having at least one mounting portion at each of opposing ends. A steering gear including a steering gear input and a pair of opposingly-oriented tie rods is assembled within the hollow housing such that the steering gear input and the tie rods extend from the interior of the housing. An engine mount base is integrated into the housing. The integrated steering gear, frame structure and engine mount base is mountable to a vehicle support frame to function as a subframe member of the support frame.