Offset Patents (Class 296/187.1)
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Patent number: 9004216Abstract: An airbag system mitigates intrusion in the event of an offset rigid barrier impact to a forward corner of a motor vehicle. An airbag is attached proximate a distal end of a front rail. When in the inflated condition, the airbag has an angular leading edge. An impact detection sensor generates a signal upon a corner impact event, whereby a controller processes the signal generated by the detection sensor and electrically actuates an inflator upon a predetermined impact severity. The angular leading edge of the airbag in the inflated condition acts against the offset rigid barrier to generate a lateral force against the offset rigid barrier to push the motor vehicle away from the barrier and thereby redirect impact energy by lateral movement of the motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Ping Chen, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Jialiang Le, James Chih Cheng
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Publication number: 20150097394Abstract: A front-end assembly including a deflector and a catcher bracket. The V-shaped deflector is attached to a bumper of a vehicle, a rear leg of the deflector has a distal end disposed adjacent to the frame rail. In a collision, the distal end of the rear leg engages the catcher bracket to reduce intrusion into the passenger compartment of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2013Publication date: April 9, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Bhimaraddi Venkaraddi Alavandi, Morteza Tanbakuchi
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Patent number: 8991903Abstract: A front-end assembly including a deflector and a catcher bracket. The V-shaped deflector is attached to a bumper of a vehicle, a rear leg of the deflector has a distal end disposed adjacent to the frame rail. In a collision, the distal end of the rear leg engages the catcher bracket to reduce intrusion into the passenger compartment of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Bhimaraddi Venkaraddi Alavandi, Morteza Tanbakuchi
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Publication number: 20150084373Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a toe board panel that extends in a width direction of the vehicle body rotatably supporting wheels of the vehicle and that divides the vehicle body into a front compartment and a passenger compartment, and an A-pillar connected with the toe board panel in a part corresponding to a front corner or a rear corner of the passenger compartment in a side part of the vehicle body. The toe board panel has an inner flange provided on an end thereof in the width direction. The A-pillar has an outer flange. The toe board panel and the A-pillar are joined such that a joined section joining the inner flange and the outer flange is bent outward in the width direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventor: Isamu NAGASAWA
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Patent number: 8985258Abstract: A body on frame vehicle includes a vehicle frame having a small offset impact load management system including upper and lower rear blocker structures and a reinforcement blocker structure for managing impact loads applied to the wheel and tire of the vehicle from being directed further toward the body. The reinforcement blocker structure includes a base member welded to openings in the frame side rail and extending angularly outwardly and located rearward and distal the wheel and tire and proximal a longitudinal cross frame member for transferring the small offset impact loads transferred by the wheel and tire in a cross vehicle direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Djamal Eddine Midoun, Jamil M. Alwan, Jonatan Leff Yaffe, Joe L. Buchwitz, David Burgess
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Publication number: 20150076862Abstract: There is provided a vehicle front structure including: a power unit disposed at a front part side of the vehicle; a front side member disposed at an outer side of the power unit in a vehicle width direction the front side member extending along a vehicle front-rear direction; a protruding member provided on an outer wall of the front side member, the protruding member protruding to an outer side in the vehicle width direction relative the outer wall of the front side member; and an inclined wall formed in the protruding member, the inclined wall extending from an outer end portion of the protruding member in the vehicle width direction to an inner side in the vehicle width direction and a vehicle body rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction in a plain view.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masatoshi ABE, Takashi TAGAITO, Junki NIIMOTO
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Patent number: 8979174Abstract: A countermeasure assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a front side rail extending in a generally longitudinal direction; a bumper having a main bumper member and a bumper extension forming an end portion of the bumper; and a pivot link having front and rear mounting portions. The front mounting portion is pivotably engaged with the bumper extension member to define a front pivot joint, and the rear mounting portion is pivotably engaged with the front side rail to define a rear pivot joint. The rear pivot joint is located rearward and inward from the front pivot joint. The bumper extension is bolted to the forward end of the front side rail. The bumper extension has a front member and a rear member, of which the rear member is bolted to the front side rail. The front member and the rear member of the bumper extension define a hollow box structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Naipaul D. Ramoutar, Taichi Yamashita
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Publication number: 20150069785Abstract: When a collision load is transmitted to a gusset, the load is transmitted to an inner side in a vehicle width direction via an inclined wall. Accordingly, moment that causes a front side member to be projected and bent inward to the inner side in the vehicle width direction with an intersection being a starting point acts on the front side member. Then, the front side member, which has been projected and bent inward, collides with a power unit that is disposed in an engine compartment from an outer side in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, a lateral force to the inner side in the vehicle width direction can be obtained for a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kosuke SAKAKIBARA, Tomoyuki Kuriyama, Akihiro Tamaoki, Kenjiro Yamada, Shintaro Kitakata, Yasuyuki Hihara, Yasutaka Hasegawa
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Publication number: 20150061320Abstract: In a vehicle body frame structure, a bumper beam extending in the vehicle width direction, and lower members extending forwardly from the front ends of upper members, are connected to the front ends of bumper beam extensions, which are made of a fiber-reinforced resin and extend forwardly from front ends of front side frames, and the front end faces of the pair of left and right bumper beam extensions, and the front face of the bumper beam are curved into a U-shape pointing toward the front of the vehicle body. Thus, is it possible to reduce the weight of the vehicle body frame in the front part of the motor vehicle, to transmit to the bumper beam extensions a collision load inputted even into the bumper beam or inputted even into the front parts of the lower members, and to reduce the dimensions of the vehicle body front part.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2012Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: Honday Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomoya Yabu, Shigeto Yasuhara
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Patent number: 8967701Abstract: A shotgun rail, or deflector, is provided as part of a front end structure of a vehicle. The shotgun rail includes a triangular shaped bulkhead having a front surface disposed at an oblique angle relative to the front of a vehicle and a rear surface that is disposed at an oblique angle relative to the rear of the vehicle. A laterally facing surface of the bulkhead is attached to a frame rail. Loads resulting from an impact with a small offset rigid barrier are distributed between longitudinal load paths and lateral load paths through the shotgun rails, frame rails, and sub-frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Saeed David Barbat, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Rahul Arora, Saied Nusier
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Publication number: 20150048649Abstract: A vehicle front end structure including a fender support rail that includes a plurality of slots defined by an outer wall of the rail that facilitates bending the rail in a transverse vehicle direction. A plurality of circular holes may be provided that are defined in the rail adjacent a bend in the rail to facilitate fracturing the rail in a collision event. A bracket is attached to the rail adjacent the circular holes to inhibit the rail in that area from bending in an outboard direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dragan Stojkovic, Leonard Anthony Shaner, Charles Ko, Robert Hasse, Mark Keller
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Publication number: 20150048650Abstract: A vehicle frame component for limiting the movement of the wheel of the vehicle toward the cab of a cab on frame vehicle including a base member welded to openings in the frame side rail and extending outwardly and located proximal the wheel structure. In one embodiment the vehicle frame component is located forward of the wheel and includes a tire puncture device to deflate the tire during an offset front impact and in a second embodiment the vehicle frame component is located rearward of the wheel. The vehicle frame component has particular utility during an offset front impact where the offset is less than approximately twenty-five percent (25%) of the width of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ajay Kumar Gupta, Narayana Venugopal, John Charles Caris, Mark Wlotkowski, Charles Ko, Leonard Anthony Shaner
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Publication number: 20150042124Abstract: In a vehicle front structure, a spacer protruding outwardly in a vehicle width direction from a front end of a side rail portion of a suspension member is extended toward a vehicle-width outer side relative to a front side member. Accordingly, when a vehicle has a short overlap collision with a barrier, it is possible to disperse a collision load from the barrier to the suspension member via the spacer. Besides, since the side rail portion of the suspension member is placed on the vehicle-width outer side relative to the power unit, it is possible to disperse the collision load to a power-unit side via the suspension member.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Hiroki Hyodo, Kenta Nomura, Motoyuki Tanaka
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Publication number: 20150035316Abstract: According to a vehicle-body front structure, when a collision load caused at the time of a front end collision is input into a front part of a connecting member fixed to a front end of an apron upper member, a protruding member protruding outwardly in a vehicle width direction from a front part of a side-member main body is able to interfere with the front part of the connecting member from a vehicle rear side. This makes it possible to improve a transmission efficiency of the collision load between the connecting member and the front side member. Besides, the front part of the connecting member is reinforced by a bulk head, thereby making it possible to restrain the front part from being deformed by the collision load.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Tomoyuki Kuriyama, Kosuke Sakakibara, Akihiro Tamaoki, Masanobu Ohmi, Tatsuya Ayukawa
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Publication number: 20150028606Abstract: A motor vehicle structure is disclosed which includes a cross member, at least one side member connected to the cross member via a crash box. At least one strut supports a lateral region of the cross member, and the strut is connected to a molded part which is connected to the crash box and/or the side member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Uwe Eckert, Ronald Scheer
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Publication number: 20150014084Abstract: A vehicle-body front structure includes: a front side member which has a closed section by joining an inner panel placed on a vehicle-width inner side to an outer panel placed on a vehicle-width outer side, the front side member being placed in a vehicle-body front portion along a vehicle-body front-rear direction and being provided with an energy absorption portion that is provided on a vehicle-body front side of the front side member; and a reinforcing member provided on an inner-panel side in an offset manner toward the vehicle-width inner side from a vehicle-width outer end of a rear end of the energy absorption portion in a plane view.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshiki IWAMA, Hayato KANEKO, Hiroshi MIZUO
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Publication number: 20150001880Abstract: A front structure of a vehicle includes two side members extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle and a bumper beam located in front of the side members and extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle. The bumper beam is fixed to the side members and includes outer sections located outward in the lateral direction from the corresponding side members. A transfer portion extends generally rearward in the front-rear direction from at least one of the outer sections. An insertion portion is inserted into the at least one of the outer sections.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yuji MATSUO, Kenta Nomura
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Patent number: 8919868Abstract: The invention relates to a front end for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, which has diametrically opposed A pillars (12) in the vehicle transverse direction (y), of which each A pillar (12) is constructed with an internal sheet metal molded part (31) and an external sheet metal molded part (29) which are connected to each other, in particular welded, via edge flange joints (35), the A pillar additionally being connected to at least one tension element (37) whose outer end (39) in the vehicle transverse direction (y) is connected, in particular, to a hinge element (45) mounted on the external sheet metal molded part (29) and whose inner end (43) is connected to the internal sheet metal molded part (31). According to the invention, the inner end (43) of the tension element (37) is fastened between the internal sheet metal molded part (31) of the A pillar (12) and a counter-holder (55) in at least one three-layer structure (57).Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventors: Ansgar Nortmann, Thorben Bösche
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Publication number: 20140375082Abstract: A front portion structure (2) of a vehicle body (1) includes: a pair of front side frames (11) that extend along a vehicle body front-rear direction on both sides in a vehicle width direction; a lower member (12) that extends along the vehicle body front-rear direction on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the front side frame (11); a bumper beam (13) provided in the front of the front side frame (11) and extending along the vehicle width direction; a bumper beam extension (14) provided between the front side frame (11) and the bumper beam (13); and a gusset (23) that connects a front end portion of the front side frame (11) and a front end portion of the lower member (12) and that is formed in a protrusion protruding forwardly, wherein the bumper beam (13) is configured to have a concave shape opening rearwardly and to be capable of fitting the gusset (23).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2013Publication date: December 25, 2014Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasunori Watanabe
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Publication number: 20140375081Abstract: A vehicle-body front structure includes a front side member and a wheel house. The front side member is arranged at a side part of the vehicle-body front portion so as to extend in a vehicle front-rearward direction, and configured such that a front wheel is arranged at an outer side of the front side member in a vehicle width direction. The wheel house covers the front wheel from an upper side in a vehicle up-down direction, and is curved along a circumferential direction of the front wheel. The wheel house includes a closed-section portion having a closed-shaped section when viewed from the vehicle front-rearward direction, the closed-section portion being formed at least in an intermediate part of the wheel house in the vehicle front-rearward direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Tomoyuki Kuriyama, Akihiro Tamaoki, Masanobu Omi, Kosuke Sakakibara
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Publication number: 20140354008Abstract: A vehicle body front portion structure includes a front side member arranged such that its lengthwise direction coincides with a vehicle front-rearward direction, the front side member being arranged to offset to a vehicle width directional one side; a bumper reinforcement arranged such that its lengthwise direction coincides with the vehicle-width direction and arranged in front of the front side member in the vehicle front-rearward direction such that one side end portion of the bumper reinforcement in the vehicle-width direction extends outwardly in the vehicle width-direction from the front side member; and a crash box interposed between a front end portion of the front side member and the bumper reinforcement and configured such that a vehicle-width directional outer side of the crash box is lower in strength against a load from a frontward direction of the vehicle than a vehicle width directional inner side of the crash box.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kosuke Sakakibara, Tomoyuki Kuriyama, Masanobu Omi, Akihiro Tamaoki
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Patent number: 8888167Abstract: A dash panel has an impact absorption portion formed therein. A suspension tower is connected to the impact absorption portion, so that support stiffness thereof can be ensured. In addition, the suspension tower can be rotated around the front pillar due to an impact, so that an amount of backward movement of the dash panel toward a vehicle interior can be reduced. Thus, a brake booster cannot substantially be moved backward, so that a brake pedal and a steering column can be prevented from being displaced in an upward and backward projecting direction. As a result, a vehicle interior can be protected.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Toyota Shatai Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Satoshi Kubo, Yasuo Imai, Yoshinobu Itou, Daisuke Oozawa, Kenji Ishii, Jun Inagaki, Takahiro Tatsuno, Kazuhiko Katou
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Patent number: 8888168Abstract: There is provided a front vehicle body structure. The structure includes a front-side frame which is disposed on each side of a power unit in a vehicle width direction, and extends in a fore-and-aft direction; and a load-transfer member disposed outside in the width direction, near a front-end of the front-side frame, a rear end of the load-transfer member being fixed to a certain position of a outer lateral side of the front-side frame in the width direction, the certain position being located forwardly of a center of the power unit in the fore-and-aft direction, a front-end of the load-transfer member being disposed forwardly and outwardly of the rear end. A load to the front-end of the load-transfer member in a rearward direction of the vehicle causes a vicinity area of the fixed position to be displaced in a direction in which the vicinity area approaches the power unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mitsumasa Kuwabara, Hiroyuki Matsuda, Yutaka Miyata, Yusuke Takagi, Tomohiro Hosokawa
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Patent number: 8882181Abstract: The invention relates to a crash structure having adjustable rigidity for a deformation element for a vehicle, wherein the crash structure comprises a continuously adjustable rigidity, in that at least one blocking element (SR) moves in a plane rotated by an angle relative to the vehicle longitudinal axis with respect to a profile (MW), so that the rigidity is adjusted by a position of the at least one blocking element reached by the motion.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Bernd Goetzelmann, Thomas Friedrich
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Patent number: 8876194Abstract: A vehicle front body structure includes a front side member, an A-pillar and a strut tower. The front side member extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The A-pillar is coupled to the front side member. The strut tower is positioned forward of the A-pillar and has an inboard side fixedly attached to an outboard section of the front side member. The strut tower also defines a force receiving surface extending between the inboard side and an outboard side. The force receiving surface of the strut tower is configured and arranged to receive a force directed rearward in the vehicle longitudinal direction and redirect at least a portion of the force in a vehicle lateral direction toward the front side member.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2013Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery Dix, Ryan Corby, Joyce Lam
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Publication number: 20140312652Abstract: A motor vehicle body has a structure defining a passenger compartment, two primary longitudinal struts, and two secondary longitudinal struts; the primary struts are arranged in lower positions and more inwards with respect to the secondary struts and are provided with front end portions adapted to support a front end of the motor vehicle; such front end portions are joined to the secondary struts by means of respective connection devices having respective intermediate portions extending along respective directions which are substantially symmetric with respect to a vertical centerline plane and diverge, extending backwards.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Flat Group Automobiles S.p.A.Inventors: Sebastian Favaloro, Giuseppe Antonio Soddu
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Patent number: 8857902Abstract: On each of left and right sides of a vehicle body, a gusset is provided spaced in a rearward direction of a vehicle body from the distal end of a front side frame by a predetermined distance, a tension member extends between and interconnects the distal end of the front side frame and an outer end portion of the gusset so as to prevent the gusset from peeling off the front side frame, and a mounting plate spans between and interconnects the respective front ends of an inner bumper beam extension extending forward from the front end of the front side frame and an outer bumper beam extension extending forward from the front end of an upper member. A bumper beam is joined to the mounting plates on the left and right sides of the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomohide Sekiguchi, Yoshinori Taguchi, Takanori Konishi
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Patent number: 8851520Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2013Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Adam Corley Goellner, Stephen G. Rosepiler, Naoki Munekata, Grant G. Foreman, Eric M. Heitkamp, Ryan A. Miller, Rajendra Kakarla
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Publication number: 20140292028Abstract: A vehicle front body structure includes a front side member, an A-pillar and a strut tower. The front side member extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The A-pillar is coupled to the front side member. The strut tower is positioned forward of the A-pillar and has an inboard side fixedly attached to an outboard section of the front side member. The strut tower also defines a force receiving surface extending between the inboard side and an outboard side. The force receiving surface of the strut tower is configured and arranged to receive a force directed rearward in the vehicle longitudinal direction and redirect at least a portion of the force in a vehicle lateral direction toward the front side member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2013Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery DIX, Ryan CORBY, Joyce LAM
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Publication number: 20140291053Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a main frame, an upper frame disposed in an upward direction and an outward direction of the main frame, an engine, and a reinforcing unit different from an upper suspension holder for supporting an upper suspension.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Isamu NAGASAWA, Takeshi ABE, Takatomo WATAMORI
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Patent number: 8844988Abstract: An energy absorber system for a vehicle includes a brace assembly having a front end. The system includes an energy absorber attachable to the assembly and having an inner wedge and an outer wedge. The inner wedge is attachable to the front end, defines a cavity, and has a primary side, a secondary side, a proximal side, and a distal side. The outer wedge is attachable to the inner wedge to cover the cavity, and has a first side configured for contacting and covering the primary side, a second side configured for contacting and covering the secondary side, a third side configured for contacting and covering the proximal side, a fourth side extending from the third side at an angle of less than or equal to 90 degrees and having a deflection surface and an interior surface, and a plurality of bulkheads projecting from the inner surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Syed R. Albeez
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Publication number: 20140265441Abstract: A vehicle front end structure includes an engine cradle including an engine mounting structure and a force receiving member. The force receiving member is fixedly attached to the engine cradle. The force receiving member includes a force receiving surface extending rearward from a front corner of the engine cradle in a laterally outbound direction at an inclined angle with respect to a vehicle longitudinal direction. The force receiving member is arranged with respect to the engine cradle to receive a longitudinally directed rearward force on the force receiving surface. The force receiving member is configured with respect to the engine cradle to redirect at least a portion of the longitudinally directed rearward force laterally to the engine cradle at the engine mounting structure which is located rearward of the front corner.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicants: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD., NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Kenneth AMELOOT, Ramkrishna Jayaram CHUNDURI, Takaomi MAKINO, Takuya YAMASHITA
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Publication number: 20140265442Abstract: A vehicle front end structure includes an engine cradle, an engine assembly and a lateral energy transfer member. The engine cradle includes a side engine cradle member with an engine mounting structure, which is located rearward of a front corner of the engine cradle. The engine assembly is fixedly attached to the engine mounting structure of the side engine cradle member. The lateral energy transfer member is fixedly attached to the side engine cradle member between the front corner and the engine mounting structure. The lateral energy transfer member has an engine contact surface positioned adjacent an engine structure of the engine assembly with a prescribed lateral gap between the engine contact surface and the engine structure. The prescribed lateral gap is dimensioned to transfer lateral energy to the engine assembly from a lateral force applied to the side engine cradle member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicants: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD., NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Takaomi MAKINO, Takuya YAMASHITA, Ramkrishna Jayaram CHUNDURI, Kenneth AMELOOT, Ryan CORBY
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Patent number: 8827356Abstract: An inflatable member, or deflector, is attached to the frame of the vehicle. The deflector in the expanded condition at least partially fills a space defined by a bumper beam, a portion of the frame, a front tire and a portion of the vehicle body. A sensor provides a signal to a controller to actuate an inflator. The sensor may be a contact sensor, such as an accelerometer or an electro-resistive sensor, or the sensor may be a predictive sensor, such as a radar sensor or a machine vision sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Saied Nusier, Jialiang Le
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Publication number: 20140246880Abstract: A shotgun rail, or deflector, is provided as part of a front end structure of a vehicle. The shotgun rail includes a triangular shaped bulkhead having a front surface disposed at an oblique angle relative to the front of a vehicle and a rear surface that is disposed at an oblique angle relative to the rear of the vehicle. A laterally facing surface of the bulkhead is attached to a frame rail. Loads resulting from an impact with a small offset rigid barrier are distributed between longitudinal load paths and lateral load paths through the shotgun rails, frame rails, and sub-frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2013Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Saeed David Barbat, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Rahul Arora, Saied Nusier
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Patent number: 8807632Abstract: A frontal impact countermeasure assembly for an automotive vehicle, the countermeasure assembly comprising: a front side rail extending in a generally longitudinal direction and having a forward end; a bumper extending generally laterally to the longitudinal direction of the front side rail and having an outboard end; and a pivot link having outer and inner mounting portions, the outer mounting portion being pivotably engaged with the bumper in a region of the outboard end to define a front pivot joint, the inner mounting portion being pivotably engaged with the front side rail to define a rear pivot joint, the rear pivot joint being located rearward and inward relative to the front pivot joint.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Naipaul D. Ramoutar, Taichi Yamashita
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Patent number: 8801083Abstract: A front vehicle body structure includes: a front side member that is arranged on a side portion of a front vehicle body longitudinally in a vehicle front-rear direction; a bumper reinforcement that is arranged longitudinally in a vehicle width direction, that is connected directly or indirectly to a front end of the front side member, and that includes a protruding portion that protrudes more outward in the vehicle width direction than the front side member; and a high-strength member that is formed with a higher strength than the protruding portion, that is mounted to a rear-surface side of the protruding portion, and that is formed such that a dimension in the vehicle front-rear direction is increased as the high-strength member extends more outward in the vehicle width direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshiya Miyashita
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Patent number: 8801081Abstract: An apparatus for reducing injury to a passenger' feet during an offset crash reduces impact energy generated during the offset crash and solve existing problems by eliminating a conventional fourfold welding structure in such a manner that, instead of a conventional reinforced front side rear lower member (member F), a vertical reinforcing member (member Q) of a new structure is fixedly welded to a horizontal reinforcing member (member E), and the bottom of the vertical reinforcing member is spaced apart from a bottom member (member D) to provide an impact absorbing space.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Do Hoi Kim
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Patent number: 8789874Abstract: There is provided a front vehicle body structure. A radiator panel lower is mounted between front ends of side frames, crash boxes at the front ends of the side frames, and a bumper beam between front ends of the crash boxes. The radiator panel lower includes a bracket offset toward the inside in the vehicle width direction from the side frame. Upon an offset front collision, a shock load is absorbed by an axial compression deformation of one of the crash boxes and a drag of the side frames. Upon a full-overlap front collision, the right and left crash boxes are subjected to the axial compression deformation, and the shock load is input to the bracket, thereby bending the side frames. Accordingly, and a sufficient axial compression deformation of the crash boxes is secured, and the shock load is absorbed by the reduction in the drag of the side frames.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignees: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Jyunya Okamura, Takehisa Tsukada, Kouichi Imamura, Takatomo Watamori, Shinya Inoue
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Publication number: 20140159420Abstract: A vehicle body front structure includes: a front side member arranged in a vehicle body longitudinal direction at an outer side of a vehicle body front in a vehicle width direction; a protrusion member provided on or to an outer wall of the front side member so as to protrude outward of the outer wall in the vehicle width direction, a rear end portion of the protrusion member being located to a vehicle body rear side of a vehicle body front-side end portion of a power unit arranged to an inner side of the front side member in the vehicle width direction in plan view; and a coupling member having one end portion connected to the rear end portion of the protrusion member and the other end portion connected to the outer wall of the front side member to a vehicle body rear side of the rear end portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Syouta HASHIMOTO, Hiroshi Kato, Shintaro Kitakata, Atsushi Mikuni, Satoshi Funabashi, Harutoshi Motojima
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Patent number: 8733823Abstract: A bumper system for a motor vehicle includes a bumper cross member which is arranged transversely to a travel direction and has two attachment zones for connection to two side rails arranged in parallel relationship to the travel direction. The bumper cross member has a center portion extending between the attachment zones and two end zones to close off the bumper cross member to vehicle sides. A deformation element is arranged behind each of the end zones and constructed to support in the event of a head-on collision with slight overlap the end zone which undergoes a buckling as a result of the head-on collision. At least one belt element at least partly surrounds a circumference of the deformation element and is secured to at least one of the side rails.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventors: Franz Ulrich Brockhoff, Stefan Grottke, Stefan Schmitz, Holger Diersmann
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Publication number: 20140117717Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame rail and an impact beam attached to an axial end of the frame rail. A body panel mount is attached to the frame rail. The body panel mount is axially spaced from the impact beam a distance along a longitudinal axis. A load transferring member includes a first axial end attached to one of the impact beam and the body panel mount, and a second axial end disposed adjacent to and a pre-defined distance from the other of the impact beam and the body panel mount. The load transferring member is disposed outboard of the frame rail. The load transferring member extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis between the impact beam and the body panel mount.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Magdalena M. Parkila, Eduardo Barjud Bugelli
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Publication number: 20140097640Abstract: A connecting structure for a fender apron may include a fender apron; a cowl side member that has the same cross-sectional shape as a part of the fender apron and is coupled with the fender apron; and an A-pillar of which the inside is coupled with the cowl side member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2012Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hee Seouk Chung
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Publication number: 20140091593Abstract: A vehicle structure, comprising a front wheelhouse covering a front wheel, the front wheel comprising a rear face and a slant face which slants forward and inward from an inward end portion, in a vehicle width direction, of the rear face, a footrest, on which a passenger's foot is placed, the footrest being arranged near and on an inward side of the slant face of the front wheelhouse in a plan view of a vehicle, and a gusset connected to the rear face of the front wheelhouse and extending inward from a connection portion thereof to the rear face, wherein an inward end portion, in the vehicle width direction, of the gusset is arranged in the vicinity of a front-side portion of the footrest such that the footrest is restrained from moving forward by contacting the inward end portion of the gusset in a vehicle collision.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Akihiro OBAYASHI, Masanori FUKUDA, Ryohei MIYAHARA, Tomoshi MITSUNARI
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Publication number: 20140091585Abstract: An automotive vehicle support structure assembly includes a bumper extending across the front of the vehicle, a longitudinal side member extending rearwardly from the bumper, and a link member extending between the end of the bumper and the side member. The link member is mounted to the side member and bumper via a pair of hinged connections. In the event of a small overlap collision, the link member is configured to contact a colliding barrier and pivot rearwardly in response while maintaining contact with the barrier to transfer the force of the collision inwardly toward the side member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Naipaul D. Ramoutar, Taichi Yamashita
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Publication number: 20140077527Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle body, in particular for electric motor vehicles, having a left-hand and a right-hand front region and at least one first longitudinal member extending in one of the front regions in the longitudinal direction, wherein in the front region at least one second longitudinal member is provided, which is arranged outside the horizontal plane of the first longitudinal member and the direction of extension of which extends angularly to the direction of extension of the first longitudinal member at least in horizontal projection. The invention also concerns the use of such a vehicle body for producing a motor vehicle without a combustion engine, in particular an electric motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AGInventors: Markus Zörnack, Lothar Patberg
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Publication number: 20140062129Abstract: An impact deflection and absorption structure for a vehicle having a vehicle body that includes a passenger compartment and an under-hood compartment. The impact deflection and absorption structure includes a frame having a frame rail configured to support the vehicle body. The impact deflection and absorption structure also includes a bumper assembly secured to the frame rail. The bumper assembly includes an impact beam arranged substantially transverse to the frame rail and a lateral member secured to the impact beam. The lateral member projects away from the impact beam and is configured to counteract impact energy that is directed substantially parallel to the frame rail into the frame rail and away from the under-hood compartment and the passenger compartment. A vehicle employing the impact deflection and absorption structure is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Sajid H. Syed, Patrick H. Clark, Bhushan W. Dandekar, Sigit P. Santosa, Jeffrey S. McCormick
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Patent number: 8628139Abstract: In order to optimize the transmitting of force and in order to keep the longitudinal member undamaged in the event of a low impact speed, for example in the event of an accident involving a pedestrian, and in order to permit easy exchangeability of the longitudinal member, it is proposed that, in a normal position, the lower longitudinal member is held spaced apart in the direction of travel from an associated transverse link and can be brought by the frontal impact into a crash position in which the longitudinal member acts on the transverse link in a manner transmitting force.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2011Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dirk van Oirschot, Georg Giazitzis
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Patent number: 8608231Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle structural frame with an overlap-barrier-impact deformation scheme, the frame has: a rail defining a first longitudinal axis; a first energy absorption device defining a second longitudinal axis outside of the first longitudinal axis with respect to a vehicle; and a connector extending between the rail and the first energy absorption device.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Andres Gonzalez Mendivil, Bhimaraddi Venkaraddi Alavandi, Adrian Diaz, Ranny Hamameh, Kirk D. Rasmussen
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Publication number: 20130320706Abstract: An apparatus for reducing injury to a passenger' feet during an offset crash reduces impact energy generated during the offset crash and solve existing problems by eliminating a conventional fourfold welding structure in such a manner that, instead of a conventional reinforced front side rear lower member (member F), a vertical reinforcing member (member Q) of a new structure is fixedly welded to a horizontal reinforcing member (member E), and the bottom of the vertical reinforcing member is spaced apart from a bottom member (member D) to provide an impact absorbing space.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Do Hoi Kim