Patents by Inventor Zohir Molhem
Zohir Molhem has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 11731703Abstract: An energy dissipation system for a frame of a vehicle includes a frame rail including a crushable region and a non-crushable region. An energy dissipation device includes an energy transfer portion arranged partially in the crushable region and partially in the non-crushable region and configured to move in response to a vehicle impact on the frame rail. An energy dissipation portion is arranged within the non-crushable region, connected to the energy transfer portion. The energy dissipation device includes a first region connecting the energy dissipation portion to the non-crushable region, and a second region connecting the energy dissipation portion to the energy transfer portion. The first region of the energy dissipation portion is stiffer than the second region of the energy dissipation portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: John E. Howard, Bradley Leier, Zohir Molhem
-
Patent number: 11633997Abstract: Systems are provided for suspensions that deliver desirable wheel kinematics at prescribed conditions. A system includes a vehicle body structure with an engine cradle, and an associated wheel assembly. A suspension system links the wheel assembly with the engine cradle, and includes a link coupled with the engine cradle and coupled with the wheel assembly. A joint at the link includes a flange that has an opening, an edge, and at least one undercut defined in edge of the flange. The joint allows release of the wheel assembly from the engine cradle by designed tearing between the opening and the at least one undercut. The release is initiated only under loads above a select threshold at the joint, to provide select kinematics of the wheel assembly for specific operational cases.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2021Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Sung-ling Twu, Ferdous M Z Ghazi, Fred M. Marquardt, Zohir Molhem, Leonid Peschansky, Dean Matthew Perelli
-
Patent number: 11628700Abstract: Suspension systems are provided where the lower control arm is allowed to separate from the engine cradle at prescribed conditions to deliver the proper wheel kinematics for select cases while maintaining structural integrity for all other load cases. A system includes a vehicle body structure, a wheel assembly, and a suspension system linking the wheel assembly to the engine cradle. The suspension system includes a link coupled with the engine cradle through a first joint and coupled with the wheel assembly through a second joint. The first joint is configured to release the link from the engine cradle under loads above a threshold force and above a threshold angle of the threshold force at the second joint, to provide the desired kinematics.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2021Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Sung-ling Twu, Ferdous M Z Ghazi, Fred M Marquardt, Zohir Molhem
-
Publication number: 20230053025Abstract: Systems are provided for suspensions that deliver desirable wheel kinematics at prescribed conditions. A system includes a vehicle body structure with an engine cradle, and an associated wheel assembly. A suspension system links the wheel assembly with the engine cradle, and includes a link coupled with the engine cradle and coupled with the wheel assembly. A joint at the link includes a flange that has an opening, an edge, and at least one undercut defined in edge of the flange. The joint allows release of the wheel assembly from the engine cradle by designed tearing between the opening and the at least one undercut. The release is initiated only under loads above a select threshold at the joint, to provide select kinematics of the wheel assembly for specific operational cases.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2021Publication date: February 16, 2023Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Sung-ling Twu, Ferdous M Z Ghazi, Fred M. Marquardt, Zohir Molhem, Leonid Peschansky, Dean Matthew Perelli
-
Publication number: 20230038254Abstract: Suspension systems are provided where the lower control arm is allowed to separate from the engine cradle at prescribed conditions to deliver the proper wheel kinematics for select cases while maintaining structural integrity for all other load cases. A system includes a vehicle body structure, a wheel assembly, and a suspension system linking the wheel assembly to the engine cradle. The suspension system includes a link coupled with the engine cradle through a first joint and coupled with the wheel assembly through a second joint. The first joint is configured to release the link from the engine cradle under loads above a threshold force and above a threshold angle of the threshold force at the second joint, to provide the desired kinematics.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2021Publication date: February 9, 2023Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Sung-ling Twu, Ferdous M Z Ghazi, Fred M Marquardt, Zohir Molhem
-
Patent number: 11492043Abstract: A structural arrangement for a vehicle includes a vehicle frame including a first frame member and a second frame member coupled to the first frame member. The vehicle frame extends along a vehicle body axis. The vehicle frame includes a suspension component including a control arm, a bushing, a bolt coupling the suspension component to the second frame member, and a load member coupled to the first frame member at a first attachment point and coupled to the second frame member at a second attachment point. The load member extends generally longitudinally along the vehicle body axis. The suspension component is coupled to the second frame member at the second attachment point and is detachable from the second frame member upon application of a load to the vehicle due to an impact event.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Manoj Marella, Bradley W. Enyeart, Zohir Molhem
-
Publication number: 20220340204Abstract: An energy dissipation system for a frame of a vehicle includes a frame rail including a crushable region and a non-crushable region. An energy dissipation device includes an energy transfer portion arranged partially in the crushable region and partially in the non-crushable region and configured to move in response to a vehicle impact on the frame rail. An energy dissipation portion is arranged within the non-crushable region, connected to the energy transfer portion. The energy dissipation device includes a first region connecting the energy dissipation portion to the non-crushable region, and a second region connecting the energy dissipation portion to the energy transfer portion. The first region of the energy dissipation portion is stiffer than the second region of the energy dissipation portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2021Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventors: John E. HOWARD, Bradley LEIER, Zohir MOLHEM
-
Publication number: 20220153350Abstract: A structural arrangement for a vehicle includes a vehicle frame including a first frame member and a second frame member coupled to the first frame member. The vehicle frame extends along a vehicle body axis. The vehicle frame includes a suspension component including a control arm, a bushing, a bolt coupling the suspension component to the second frame member, and a load member coupled to the first frame member at a first attachment point and coupled to the second frame member at a second attachment point. The load member extends generally longitudinally along the vehicle body axis. The suspension component is coupled to the second frame member at the second attachment point and is detachable from the second frame member upon application of a load to the vehicle due to an impact event.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2020Publication date: May 19, 2022Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Manoj Marella, Bradley W. Enyeart, Zohir Molhem
-
Patent number: 11299206Abstract: A load impact management system for an automotive vehicle includes a load member extending from a first vehicle frame rail to a second vehicle frame rail and perpendicular to each of the first and second vehicle frame rails and to a vehicle body axis. The load member is coupled to the first vehicle frame rail at two attachment points and coupled to the second vehicle frame rail at two attachment points. The load member defines a load path between a first side of the automotive vehicle to a second side of the automotive vehicle opposite the first side and the load member is forward of a passenger compartment of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Andre T. Matsumoto, Zohir Molhem, Terry A. Swartzell, Michael T. Quaggiotto, Mark. T. Dingman
-
Publication number: 20210078636Abstract: A load impact management system for an automotive vehicle includes a load member extending from a first vehicle frame rail to a second vehicle frame rail and perpendicular to each of the first and second vehicle frame rails and to a vehicle body axis. The load member is coupled to the first vehicle frame rail at two attachment points and coupled to the second vehicle frame rail at two attachment points.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2019Publication date: March 18, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Andre T. Matsumoto, Zohir Molhem, Terry A. Swartzell, Michael T. Quaggiotto, Mark. T. Dingman
-
Publication number: 20200114849Abstract: A vehicle body structure deflector system for small overlap frontal impact includes a first shock tower and a second shock tower. A cross member is positioned between each of the first shock tower and the second shock tower. A first deflector is connected to the first shock tower and a second deflector is connected to the second shock tower. If one of the first deflector or the second deflector is contacted by a barrier during forward travel of the vehicle a portion of an energy of impact with the barrier is transferred through one of the first shock tower or the second shock tower, through the cross member and into the other shock tower. The portion of the energy of impact with the barrier generates a vehicle lateral displacement to dissipate the portion of the energy of impact.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2018Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventors: Amlanjyoti Barman, Andre T. Matsumoto, Zohir Molhem, Andrew W. White
-
Patent number: 10618484Abstract: A vehicle body structure deflector system for small overlap frontal impact includes a first shock tower and a second shock tower. A cross member is positioned between each of the first shock tower and the second shock tower. A first deflector is connected to the first shock tower and a second deflector is connected to the second shock tower. If one of the first deflector or the second deflector is contacted by a barrier during forward travel of the vehicle a portion of an energy of impact with the barrier is transferred through one of the first shock tower or the second shock tower, through the cross member and into the other shock tower. The portion of the energy of impact with the barrier generates a vehicle lateral displacement to dissipate the portion of the energy of impact.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2018Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Amlanjyoti Barman, Andre T. Matsumoto, Zohir Molhem, Andrew W. White
-
Patent number: 10081245Abstract: A mount assembly for attaching a cradle to a vehicle frame includes an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve defines an inner sleeve aperture having a first aperture portion having a first diameter and a second aperture portion having a second diameter. The mount assembly also includes a bushing having a bushing body and configured to extend through the first aperture portion. The mount assembly additionally includes a fuse fixed to the bushing body to separate the first and second aperture portions. The mount assembly also includes a fastener configured to extend through the bushing body and an aperture in the vehicle frame for attaching the cradle to the frame. The fuse is configured to separate from the bushing body under a predetermined load to permit the fastener to shift from the first aperture portion to the second aperture portion and the cradle to shift relative to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2016Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Balbir S. Sangha, Zohir Molhem, Frederick M. Marquardt, Michael A. Ray, Oday F. Hassan
-
Publication number: 20170368930Abstract: A mount assembly for attaching a cradle to a vehicle frame includes an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve defines an inner sleeve aperture having a first aperture portion having a first diameter and a second aperture portion having a second diameter. The mount assembly also includes a bushing having a bushing body and configured to extend through the first aperture portion. The mount assembly additionally includes a fuse fixed to the bushing body to separate the first and second aperture portions. The mount assembly also includes a fastener configured to extend through the bushing body and an aperture in the vehicle frame for attaching the cradle to the frame. The fuse is configured to separate from the bushing body under a predetermined load to permit the fastener to shift from the first aperture portion to the second aperture portion and the cradle to shift relative to the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2016Publication date: December 28, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Balbir S. Sangha, Zohir Molhem, Frederick M. Marquardt, Michael A. Ray, Oday F. Hassan
-
Patent number: 9688315Abstract: A vehicle includes an underbody and a cradle assembly. The assembly includes a cradle body and a flange extending to a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes a platform having at least one side and defining an aperture spaced from the side. A fastener is disposed through the aperture and in engagement with the underbody when the cradle body is in a first position. The platform defines a void and has a portion of material disposed adjacent to the void to present a release pathway. The cradle body is configured to move from the first position to a second position which separates the flange of the cradle body from the underbody by moving the fastener out of the aperture, through the void and the portion of material along the release pathway, and out the side of the platform when the cradle body moves to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2015Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, F.tech R&D North America, Inc.Inventors: Len V. Peschansky, Xiao Yu, Balbir S. Sangha, Zohir Molhem, Bikramjit Sarkaria, Joseph K. Moore
-
Patent number: 9616931Abstract: A releasable joint configured to attach a cradle to an underbody of a vehicle subjectable to an external force includes a fastener, an attachment portion of the cradle, and a partial sleeve. The fastener attaches the cradle to the underbody. The attachment portion of the cradle encircles the fastener and includes a breakaway portion that fractures when the external force exceeds a threshold force. The partial sleeve is attached to and disposed within the attachment portion of the cradle and partially encircles the fastener so as to form an opening that provides a horizontal pathway for the fastener to move through to exit the cradle when the breakaway portion fractures. The cradle may separate from the underbody at the releasable joint with no vertical motion of the cradle relative to the underbody when the external force exceeds the threshold force.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Balbir S. Sangha, Zohir Molhem, Frederick M. Marquardt, Munho Kim
-
Publication number: 20170073009Abstract: A releasable joint configured to attach a cradle to an underbody of a vehicle subjectable to an external force includes a fastener, an attachment portion of the cradle, and a partial sleeve. The fastener attaches the cradle to the underbody. The attachment portion of the cradle encircles the fastener and includes a breakaway portion that fractures when the external force exceeds a threshold force. The partial sleeve is attached to and disposed within the attachment portion of the cradle and partially encircles the fastener so as to form an opening that provides a horizontal pathway for the fastener to move through to exit the cradle when the breakaway portion fractures. The cradle may separate from the underbody at the releasable joint with no vertical motion of the cradle relative to the underbody when the external force exceeds the threshold force.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Balbir S. Sangha, Zohir Molhem, Frederick M. Marquardt, Munho Kim
-
Publication number: 20160375939Abstract: A vehicle includes an underbody and a cradle assembly. The assembly includes a cradle body and a flange extending to a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes a platform having at least one side and defining an aperture spaced from the side. A fastener is disposed through the aperture and in engagement with the underbody when the cradle body is in a first position. The platform defines a void and has a portion of material disposed adjacent to the void to present a release pathway. The cradle body is configured to move from the first position to a second position which separates the flange of the cradle body from the underbody by moving the fastener out of the aperture, through the void and the portion of material along the release pathway, and out the side of the platform when the cradle body moves to the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicants: F.TECH R&D NORTH AMERICA, INC., GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Len V. Peschansky, Xiao Yu, Balbir S. Sangha, Zohir Molhem, Bikramjit Sarkaria, Joseph K. Moore
-
Patent number: 8985630Abstract: A cradle assembly for a vehicle having an underbody is provided. The cradle assembly includes a cradle body attachable to the underbody of the vehicle by at least one fastener. The cradle body may define at least one pathway, which may have a first pathway portion and a second pathway portion between which the at least one fastener is movable. The at least one fastener may be positioned in the first pathway portion to enable the cradle body to be secured to the underbody, and in the second pathway portion to enable the cradle body to be separated from the underbody. The cradle body is configured to move with respect to the at least one fastener when an applied load on the vehicle is at or above a threshold magnitude.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Balbir S. Sangha, Joseph K. Moore, Zohir Molhem, Dmitriy V. Mazur, Michael A. Ray, Qiang Xu, Jintaek Kwon, Jongmin B. Park
-
Publication number: 20150021891Abstract: A cradle assembly for a vehicle having an underbody is provided. The cradle assembly includes a cradle body attachable to the underbody of the vehicle by at least one fastener. The cradle body may define at least one pathway, which may have a first pathway portion and a second pathway portion between which the at least one fastener is movable. The at least one fastener may be positioned in the first pathway portion to enable the cradle body to be secured to the underbody, and in the second pathway portion to enable the cradle body to be separated from the underbody. The cradle body is configured to move with respect to the at least one fastener when an applied load on the vehicle is at or above a threshold magnitude.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2013Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Balbir S. Sangha, Joseph K. Moore, Zohir Molhem, Dmitriy V. Mazur, Michael A. Ray, Qiang Xu, Jinteak Kwon, Jongmin B. Park