Abstract: A multi-piece applique for a pillar (e.g., B-pillar) or other suitable structure of a vehicle. An applique is a decorative member which is fastened to a vehicle surface (e.g., to a door frame structure adjacent a pillar) in order to add styling and/or to functionally cover unsightly portions of the vehicle. In certain embodiments of this invention, the applique includes multiple pieces. Optionally, different pieces may be painted different colors (e.g., a first piece red or green, and a second piece black or silver). In such a manner, a multi-color applique is provided that is easy to mount on a vehicle and is aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: A personal conveyance is herein disclosed wherein a space frame or roll cage of an integral passenger and engine compartment is fabricated from at least two (2), preferably elliptical, roll bars that are directly or indirectly associated with a floor pan. In each case, at least one (1) roll bar is integral with and supportive of the perimeter of the floor pan and preferable permanently bonded (e.g. welded) thereto. A second, (and possible multiple roll bars), is then arranged inboard of said horizontal roll bar, in a linear array along the length of the vehicle, and at an inclined angle relative to the plane of the floor pan. The horizontal roll bar is affixed to the inclined roll bar at each point of intersection or coincidence thereof, so as to form an essential unitary structure or roll cage sufficient to accommodate both passenger and power plant compartments.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a motor vehicle, the illustrated embodiment including forward and rearward modules each comprising a pair of first and second longitudinally extending, laterally spaced tubular hydroformed side rail members and a tubular hydroformed U-shaped member. Each U-shaped member including a pair of leg portions extending integrally from opposite ends of a cross portion thereof. Each leg portion being connected to and extending upwardly from a respective side rail member and the respective cross portion being generally vertically spaced above and extending laterally with respect to its respective side rail members. A rearward wall structure being connected between each pair of leg portions of the U-shaped members. The modules being capable of being assembled to one another such that a forward end portion of each rearward side rail member is connected to a rearward end portion of a respective forward side rail member.

Abstract: An instrument panel for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The instrument panel has a cross-car beam which provides structural support for the instrument panel and a retainer for securing a wire harness to the cross-car beam. The present invention provides a means to easily secure a wire harness to an instrument panel. Moreover, the retainer shields the wire harness thereby protecting the wire harness from damage.

Abstract: A rear end cross member reinforcement structure of automobile constructed to have respective members forming a rear end cross member join together to form a closed cross-sectional shape such that an external force applied from outside can be effectively diffused, and to have a structure at a joined portion between both tip end portions of the rear end cross member and a quarter panel changed to reinforce a structural strength relative to the rear end cross member, such that the rear end cross member can fully withstand an external force when the external force such as torsion or the like is applied thereto, the rear end cross member reinforcement structure of automobile having a rear body including a rear end cross member arranged crosswise of the body and a quarter panel joining both tip end portions of the rear end cross member, wherein each tip end of an upper rear end cross member, a lower rear end cross member and an outer rear end cross member which form the rear end cross member is joined together to f

Abstract: A vehicle interior material is provided that efficiently dampens impact forces with ribs protruding into a limited space enclosed by a vehicle panel and a facer, and that reduces the protrusion height of the ribs, thereby curbing the amount that the vehicle interior material bulges into the space of the vehicle interior. The vehicle interior material includes a facer (2) with a substantially C-shaped cross-section covering a panel ridge (7) extending in a longitudinal direction on the vehicle compartment side of a vehicle panel, a space (4) being provided between the panel ridge and the facer; and a plurality of plate-shaped ribs (3) which are arranged independently from one another, bridging side walls of the facer, the ribs protruding from a rear face of the facer (2) opposite the vehicle panel into the space (4) and arranged at substantially right angles with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle panel.

Abstract: In order to increase the robustness and reliability of the vehicle, reduce the time taken to manufacture it, to enable certain stages of such manufacture to be performed by robots, and to be able easily to adapt the appearance of the vehicle on demand, the body is of hybrid structure comprising an aluminum or aluminum alloy “frame assembly”, an aluminum or aluminum alloy “roof assembly”, and two “fitted-out face assemblies” of composite material each fixed both to the frame assembly and to the roof assembly. The invention is particularly suitable for manufacturing cars for trains.

Abstract: A linear cold connection with connecting places contains a first and a second structural component to join first and second construction elements of a frame for road or rail bound vehicles. First construction elements are attached to the first structural component and second construction elements are attached to the second structural component. The first and second structural components are joined together via a pair of first and second joint faces. The joint faces form a length of arc of a circular cylinder with a common circular-cylinder axis. The first structural element is joined to the second structural element via a bolt-type connection penetrating openings in the first and second joint faces.

Abstract: The vehicle body structure includes a suspension attachment member (1), a suspension housing member (5) and a hood-ridge upper member (3) all formed into one casting body of light metal, constituting a suspension attachment structure (S). In the structure (S), the suspension attachment member (1) is attached to a suspension suspended from a vehicle body to carry a vehicle wheel. The housing member (5) has an upper part joined to the suspension attachment member (1) and the lower part connected to a side member (7) constituting a lower framework of the vehicle body. The hoodridge upper member (3) is combined with the upper part of the housing member (5), on its outer side in the vehicle's width direction, constituting an upper framework of the vehicle body. Further, the hood-ridge upper member (3) has an upper wall (3c), a lower wall (3d) and a longitudinal wall (3e) positioned inside in the vehicle's width direction, having a cross section opening outward in the vehicle's width direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a front frame reinforcement structure of a vehicle including a front column including an inner panel and an outer panel coupled to each other to form a closed structure, a side frame welded at one end thereof to one end of the front column, a reinforcement panel welded at one end thereof to the one end of the front column, the reinforcement panel being welded at the other end thereof to the other end of the side frame so that it defines a closed structure enclosing the front column, together with the side frame, and a dash panel welded at one end thereof to the other end of the reinforcement panel. This front frame reinforcement structure provides an enhancement in the bending and torsion rigidity of a vehicle body, thereby being capable of suppressing an injure of occupants when impact is applied to the front part of the vehicle due to a collision accident.

Abstract: A motor vehicle structural energy absorbing member (12) is light weight and is made in a manner to produce random or directionally oriented, elongated pores or voids (16) in a structural matrix (14) in a manner that permits tailoring of impact energy absorption in one or more direction(s) to provide an integral energy absorbing region.

Abstract: A roof structure 2 is divided into three roof constituent parts, i.e., a front portion 2F, a center portion 2C and a rear portion 2R, and they are formed by casting and connected to each other and sub-assembled into the roof structure 2. Each of left and right body side structures 3 are divided into three roof constituent parts, i.e., a front portion 3F, a center portion 3C and a rear portion 3R, and they are formed by casting and connected to each other and sub-assembled into the body side structure 3. The roof structure 2 and the left and right body side structures 3 are assembled and connected to each other on a main line, thereby constituting an upper body 1.

Abstract: A reinforcing member for a structural component such as a rail or channel of a vehicle is provided which includes a carrier and a thermally expansible structural reinforcing material element which is fastened to the carrier by mechanical fixation or an adhesive. The mechanical fixation may be provided by a flange or other mechanical connection on the carrier or by a fastener such as a push pin extending through aligned holes and openings in the carrier and foamable material. The push pins are preferably of a synthetic resin material which more closely approximates the heat conductivity of the foamable material when the latter is activated by heat, and is sufficiently yieldable to absorb impacts to the foamable material during installation.

Abstract: Front structure in a vehicle, comprising a pair of spaced longitudinal box-shaped lateral beams (2), to which explosive charges (10) are fixed. With the aid of retardation sensors (20), a control unit (21) and detonators (22), the explosive charges are triggered in a collision after a certain crumpling deformation distance of the front portion of the beams to weaken the beams and prevent buckling and thus extend the crumpling deformation distance to the beam section lying therebehind. The controlled unit is arranged to compare the signals from the retardation sensors and activate the detonators only if the difference between the signals is below a predetermined value indicating relatively symmetrical frontal collision.

Abstract: A stiff torque box is used with frame rail segments to compose a vehicle frame. The stiff torque box is used to cross-link the left hand and right hand sides of a vehicle frame and is made up of an extruded aluminum skeleton which forms a number of internal cavities, as well as connecting tabs. The connecting tabs are used to fix the frame rail segments to the stiff torque box. Implementing stiff torque boxes in vehicle frame construction allows for more rigid vehicle frames with the advantage of additional weight savings. This construction is ideal for aluminum frame, front wheel drive and body on frame vehicles. Because of the characteristics of such a vehicle frame, opportunities arise to implement other weight conservative vehicle components.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body including inner and outer body panels. The inner body panel and the outer body panel form at least one cavity therebetween. A structural cross woven fiber material is applied to the cavity formed between the inner and outer body panels in order to increase rigidity of the motor vehicle body. The cross woven or unidirectional fiber is fiberglass carbon fiber or other structural fibers which, in combination with resin (in fiber or powder form), becomes an integral part of the motor vehicle body structure when heat is applied.

Abstract: Material characteristics that a foamed filler material (s) to be filled in a frame cross section (fr) should have are discussed. By using a material complying with the characteristics, the energy absorbability of the frame (fr) is effectively enhanced. In a frame structure (fr) for vehicle bodies in which a filler material is filled in at least part of the cross section of a frame, the filler material is set to a mean compressive strength of not less than 4 MPa and/or a maximum bending strength of not less than 10 MPa. More particularly, the filler material is set to a mean compressive strength of not less than 5 MPa and/or a maximum bending strength of 60 MPa.

Abstract: A specialty vehicle is provided with first and second rails on opposite lateral sides of the vehicle that extend from the front portion of the vehicle above the passenger compartment to a rear portion of the vehicle. The first and second rails have a plurality of grooves on an inwardly facing side thereof for receiving a windshield, a sun visor and a sun shade in a sliding relationship to permit repositioning. A key hole slot is provided for receiving a seatbelt retractor, grab handle, side view mirror or other accessory on a downwardly facing side of the first and second rails. The sun shade is preferably retained on a roll. The sun shade is a flexible web reinforced by a plurality of longitudinally spaced ribs and a front roof bar. The sun visor may be formed in two parts and retained between a center track and one of the rails. A linearly driven reciprocating windshield wiper is provided on the rails.

Abstract: An integral body and frame arrangement for an automobile has hollow supporting members which are made out of pressed sheet metal parts and are assembled by at least one joining technique to provide a torsion-proof construction. In one arrangement, at least two U frames are positioned one behind the other in a longitudinal direction of the automobile. The base parts of the U frames are in a floor region of the vehicle body and leg parts of the U frames extend from the floor region to an essentially vertical sidewall vehicle column and/or also extend up to the vehicle roof area. In addition, the U frames are joined directly to each other at least in the region of the free ends of the leg parts or are joined by a flat sidewall part which is mounted on at least one portion of the U frames.

Abstract: A torque box for use in a vehicle having a front rail and rocker is comprised of a single casting. The torque box includes a first projection shaped to connect to the front rail, a second projection shaped to connect to the rocker, and a connector connecting the first projection to the second projection.

Abstract: A load-carrying structure for a vehicle body, the structure extending radially to the longitudinal axis of the body and being suitable for being associated with structural elements parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, the load-carrying structure constituting a flat frame member and including at least one flat strip, wherein the structural elements are suitable for being inserted in said frame member by a mechanism of notches for receiving them. The device also relates to a segment of body structure and to a vehicle body including such structures.

Abstract: A pillar, in particular a B-pillar, for a vehicle body, in particular a passenger car body, comprises a hat profile beam that has its crown towards the interior of the body. A lower hat profile beam has its own crown located within the crown of the beam and the flanges of the two beams are spot welded together. The hinges of the rear door are fixed to the beam. The front edge of the rear door swings into the crown of the beam when the door is opened. Thus, the beam has a high crown and utilizes the available space efficiently.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a reinforcement structure for a rear pillar of automobiles. In this structure, a reinforcing panel, forming the upper portion of the rear pillar, is integrated with the welded junction between an inside upper quarter panel and a rear lower roof rail, thus forming a closed cavity within the rear pillar while maximizing the structural strength of rear roof rails. This structure thus allows the top edge of the body's rear portion, formed by the rear roof rails, to effectively and stably support a rear hatch and effectively intercepts noise transmitted from tires of wheels into the passenger compartment through the rear pillars during operation of the automobile. The reinforcing panel extends in a space defined between the inside upper quarter panel and a side panel and is integrated with the lower end of the inside upper quarter panel at its lower end. This reinforcing panel is also integrated with the upper end of the side panel at its upper end portion.

Abstract: A fluid formed node is provided to connect structure in an automotive vehicle. Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of forming a structural interconnection including the steps of placing a first member, having an internal cavity in a die pressurizing the internal cavity to form a node integral with and protruding from the first member, disposing the node within an aperture of a second member, and coupling the second member to the node.

Abstract: A support piece for bodywork elements is fixed to the chassis of a motor vehicle and placed beside a compartment of the motor vehicle and includes, adjacent to the bodywork elements, a reinforced structure whose envelope matching substantially the inside shapes of the bodywork elements for supporting the bodywork elements, and adjacent to the compartment, arrangements for receiving items that are housed inside the compartment.

Abstract: A vehicle construction includes a body with a base, a roof, two longitudinal walls joining the base and the roof and at least four wheels connected to the base, which base, roof and longitudinal walls comprise sandwich panels which are jointed to one another at their longitudinal edges. The thickness of the sandwich panel forming the base is of the same order of magnitude as the thickness of the roof or sandwich panel forming a longitudinal wall and the sandwich panels of base, roof and longitudinal walls form a bending- and torsion-resistant tube.

Abstract: Methods for casting thin-walled structural elements made of alloy for automobile bodies using the diecasting, thixocasting, or thixoforming methods, as well as corresponding structural elements are described. In order to produce by these methods in particular body side wall parts including the A, B and C pillars, the castings are cast in several casting slices. The casting slices of a casting are cast, staggered timewise in succession using the same method and from the same alloy but in different casting molds or different parts of a casting mold. At the seams, the casting slices are cast together along a defined shapewise contour. The casting slices can be case together indirectly with interposition of a separate seam strip. However, they can also be cast onto one another, with an already cast first casting slice being placed in a second casting mold and cast together therein with the second casting slice.

Abstract: A space frame including at least two elongate structural frame elements arranged side by side and being interconnected by a plurality of elongate struts spaced along the length of the elements, each structural frame element comprising an elongate hollow body having one or more strut connection nodes located along its length at predetermined positions, each connection node being in the form of a socket extending internally of the element, the socket comprising a socket wall depending from one side wall of the hollow body, the socket wall defining a socket recess and being formed by hydro-forming from said one side wall of the hollow body, each opposite end of each strut being in the form of a plug received within the socket defined by a co-operating respective connection node. The hydro-forming process may include the use of any type of pressurised hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: In an automotive vehicle body structure, including a longitudinal member having a first portion and a second portion connected in series to provide a controlled reaction force at the time of a vehicle crash, the second portion is adapted to undergo a buckling or collapsing deformation whereby the second portion demonstrating a substantially higher deformation initiating load than a plastic deformation load; and the first portion is adapted to collapse at a deformation initiating load which is substantially lower than the deformation initiating load of the second portion, but substantially higher than the plastic deformation load of the second portion. Thus, the vehicle body demonstrates a high reaction load during an early phase of a vehicle crash, and a low reaction load during a final phase of the crash so that peak acceleration of the vehicle occupant who is restrained by a seat belt involving a certain amount of resiliency can be minimized.

Abstract: A reinforcing member for receiving thereon a thermally expansible reinforcing material includes a tubular carrier and a fastener mechanically affixing the reinforcing material to the carrier. The tubular carrier preferably has a continuous arcuate wall with the reinforcing material received on the exterior thereof. The reinforcing material may be provided as a plurality of longitudinally spaced annular elements, an elongated sleeve, or a plurality of prism-shaped elements. Upon heating, the reinforcing material expands and bonds the carrier to the structural member to provide additional strength and stiffness.