U.S. patent application number 13/633406 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-03 for small overlap frontal impact counter-measure.
This patent application is currently assigned to Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Naipaul D. Ramoutar, Taichi Yamashita. Invention is credited to Naipaul D. Ramoutar, Taichi Yamashita.
Application Number | 20140091585 13/633406 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50384472 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140091585 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ramoutar; Naipaul D. ; et
al. |
April 3, 2014 |
SMALL OVERLAP FRONTAL IMPACT COUNTER-MEASURE
Abstract
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.
Inventors: |
Ramoutar; Naipaul D.; (Ann
Arbor, MI) ; Yamashita; Taichi; (Northville,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ramoutar; Naipaul D.
Yamashita; Taichi |
Ann Arbor
Northville |
MI
MI |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Toyota Motor Engineering &
Manufacturing North America, Inc.
Erlanger
KY
|
Family ID: |
50384472 |
Appl. No.: |
13/633406 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
293/133 ;
296/187.09; 296/187.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 19/24 20130101;
B60R 2019/247 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
293/133 ;
296/187.09; 296/187.1 |
International
Class: |
B60R 19/26 20060101
B60R019/26 |
Claims
1. A support structure assembly for an automotive vehicle, the
support structure assembly comprising: a pair of side member
extending in a generally longitudinal direction and having a
forward end; a link member having a generally fixed shape and
having outer and inner mounting portions, the inner mounting
portion being mounted to the side member via an inner hinged
connection; a bumper extending between and being attached to the
side members and extending generally transverse and lateral to the
longitudinal direction of the side members, wherein a first end
portion of the bumper is mounted to the outer mounting portion of
the link member via an outer connection and the first end portion
deflects upon impact.
2. The support structure assembly of claim 1, wherein the bumper
comprises a main bumper member and a bumper extension member
extending laterally from the main bumper member, and the bumper
extension member includes the first end portion of the bumper
member.
3. A support structure assembly for an automotive vehicle, the
support structure assembly comprising: a pair of side member
extending in a generally longitudinal direction and having a
forward end. a link member having a generally fixed shape and
having outer and inner mounting portions, the inner mounting
portion being mounted to the side member via an inner hinged
connection; a bumper extending between the side members and
generally transverse and lateral to the longitudinal direction of
the side members, the bumper having a first end portion that is
mounted to the outer mounting portion of the link member via an
outer connection; wherein the link member has first, second, and
third major side surfaces extending between the inner and outer
mounting portions of the link member, the first major side surface
facing the bumper, the second major side surface facing the side
member, and the third major side surface facing away from the
bumper.
4. The support structure assembly of claim 3, wherein the first
major side surface is substantially flat.
5. The support structure assembly of claim 1, wherein the side
members each comprise a front portion, a rear portion, and an
intermediate portion therebetween.
6. The support structure assembly of claim 5, wherein the front
portions of the side members are mounted to the bumper.
7. The support structure assembly of claim 5, wherein the inner
mounting portion of the link member is mounted to the intermediate
portion via the inner hinged connection.
8. The support structure assembly of claim 7 wherein the link
member includes a hole extending through the inner mounting
portion, and the inner hinged connection comprises a hinge pin
extending through the hole.
9. The support structure assembly of claim 7 wherein the outer
connection comprises a flange of the first end portion being
connected to the outer mounting portion of the link wherein the
flange deflects upon impact.
10-11. (canceled)
12. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the side member
includes an upper wall portion, lower wall portion, inner wall
portion, and outer wall portion, each wall portion at least
partially defining a cavity within the side member, and further
comprising an opening in the outer wall portion, and a bulkhead
mounted at the opening and received within the side member
cavity.
13. The support structure assembly of claim 12 wherein the inner
mounting portion of the link member at least partially extends
through the opening.
14. The support structure assembly of claim 11, wherein the side
member inner wall portion and outer wall portion each include
indentations configured to allow the side member to become
compressed in response to a force acting rearwardly thereon.
15. The support structure assembly of claim 12, wherein the side
member includes a tapered portion for allowing the side member to
buckle inward in response to a force acting inwardly on the side
member.
16. The support structure assembly of claim 2, wherein the bumper
extension includes forward and rearward wall portions each having
outboard ends, the rearward wall portion is mounted between the
side member front end and the main bumper member, and the outer
hinged connection comprises the outboard ends fixedly mounted to
the outer portion of the link member.
17. The support structure assembly of claim 1, wherein the link
member is configured to pivot about the inner hinged connection
from a first position to a second position, where the outer
mounting portion is disposed further forward in the first position
than in the second position.
18. The support structure assembly of claim 17, wherein the link
member inner mounting portion is disposed further inward and
rearward in the second position than in the first position.
19. The support structure assembly of claim 17, further comprising
a third position, wherein the outer mounting portion is further
rearward and inward in the third position than in the second
position, and the link member is configured to pivot from the first
position to the second position and thereafter to the third
position.
20. An automotive vehicle comprising: a bumper member at the front
of the vehicle extending across a centerline of the vehicle, the
bumper member having first and second ends; a first side member
extending rearwardly from the bumper member; a second side member
extending rearwardly from the bumper member; a first bumper
extension extending from the first end of the bumper member in an
outward direction from the centerline; a second bumper extension
extending from the second end of the bumper member in an outward
direction from the centerline; a first link member having outer and
inner mounting portions, the outer mounting portion mounted to the
first bumper extension, and the inner mounting portion mounted to
the first side member via a first hinged connection, the first link
member further having a major side surface extending between the
inner and outer mounting portions, the major side surface of the
first link member being oriented obliquely relative to an axis
drawn between the inner mounting portion and the outer mounting
portion of the first link member; a second link member having outer
and inner mounting portions, the outer mounting portion mounted to
the second bumper extension, and the inner mounting portion mounted
to the second side member via a second hinged connection, the
second link member further having a major side surface extending
between the inner and outer mounting portions, the major side
surface of the second link member being oriented obliquely relative
to an axis drawn between the inner mounting portion and the outer
mounting portion of the second link member; and wherein the first
and second link members have a generally fixed shape.
21. The support structure assembly of claim 3, wherein the first
and second major side surfaces are immediately adjacent.
22. The support structure assembly of claim 3, wherein the first
major side surface generally faces forward toward the bumper and
inward toward the side member.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a structural
assembly in a vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to
a structural assembly that responds to a frontal impact, such as a
small overlap impact, to limit the frontal impact force on the
vehicle cabin.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Automotive vehicles are often constructed at their front
ends to include various support structure for the engine, wheels,
suspension, bumper, and related components. These support
structures can include longitudinal members that are generally
aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, or lateral
members that run in a generally transverse direction relative to
the longitudinal members.
[0005] The support structures surrounding and supporting the engine
compartment are ultimately connected to various structures that
define the vehicle cabin. These cabin support structures can
include a generally vertical door hinge pillar, the A-pillar that
extends from the door hinge pillar to the roof of the vehicle, a
cross beam and floor pan running laterally across the width of the
vehicle, and rocker member extending rearwardly from the bottom of
the hinge pillar.
[0006] These support structures provide support for the various
vehicle components, as well as exterior structure, that are mounted
thereto. Examples of vehicle components include the engine,
transmission, radiator, suspension, wheels, and the like. Examples
of exterior structure include the doors, roof, windshield, floor
panels, hood, and the like. In addition to providing support for
the various vehicle parts, the support structure also operates to
protect the vehicle occupants in the event of a collision, such as
a frontal impact collision.
[0007] One type of frontal impact collision is a small overlap
impact. A small overlap impact is an impact where the majority of
loading due to the impact occurs outside of the major longitudinal
support structures of the vehicle. A small overlap impact can occur
in variety of ways, such as a head on collision with a tree or
post, a vehicle to vehicle oblique collision, or a vehicle to
vehicle collinear or head-on collision.
[0008] Because the majority of the loading is outside the
longitudinal support structures, the impacting body or "barrier"
can result in the longitudinal support structure slipping off the
barrier. Put another way, the vehicle longitudinal support
structures may deform laterally inward relative to the barrier or
provide limited interaction with the barrier. The barrier could
continue to exert a longitudinal force toward the vehicle, with the
force generally aligned with the wheel of the vehicle due to the
relative lateral translation. Upon impact with the wheel, the force
may be transmitted further toward the rear of the vehicle and
toward the passenger cabin. The barrier and wheel would then exert
a force upon the hinge pillar, the rocker, the A-pillar, the
floorpan, and cross beam, each of which are at least partially
aligned with the barrier during this type of collision. These
structures can ultimately deform due to the collision with the
barrier, resulting in encroachment of the structures upon the
passenger cabin.
[0009] A solution to these issues of cabin encroachment has been to
reinforce the longitudinal support structure, the hinge pillar, the
A pillar, the rockers, and other support structures that surround
the cabin so as to limit deformation of the structures and
encroachment upon the cabin. However, the additional reinforcement
can result in substantial increases in vehicle mass and material,
which are undesirable in terms of cost and fuel mileage.
SUMMARY
[0010] In overcoming the enumerated drawbacks and other limitations
of the know art, the present invention provides a support structure
assembly for an automotive vehicle, the support structure assembly
comprising a side member extending in a generally longitudinal
direction and having a forward end, and a link member having a
generally fixed shape and having outer and inner mounting portions.
The inner portion is mounted to the side member via an inner hinged
connection. The support structure assembly further includes a
bumper having first and second end portions and extending generally
transverse and lateral to the longitudinal direction of the side
member. The first end portion of the bumper is mounted to the outer
portion of the link member via an outer hinged connection.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention, the bumper comprises a
main bumper member and a bumper extension member extending
laterally from the main bumper member, and the bumper extension
member includes the first end portion of the bumper member.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention, the link member has
first, second, and third major side surfaces, the first major side
surface faces the bumper, the second major side surface faces the
side member, and the third major side surface faces away from the
bumper and extends between the inner and outer mounting portions of
the link member.
[0013] In another aspect of the invention the first major side
surface is substantially flat.
[0014] In another aspect of the invention, the side member
comprises a front portion, a rear portion, and an intermediate
portion therebetween.
[0015] In another aspect of the invention, the side member front
portion is mounted to the bumper.
[0016] In another aspect of the invention, the inner portion of the
link member is mounted to the intermediate portion via the inner
hinged connection.
[0017] In another aspect of the invention, the link member includes
a hole extending through the inner or outer mounting portion, and
the inner or outer hinged connection comprises a hinge pin
extending through the hole.
[0018] In another aspect of the invention, the outer or inner
hinged connection comprises a living hinge.
[0019] In another aspect of the invention, a spacer member is
mounted to an inner surface of the side member.
[0020] In another aspect of the invention, the side member includes
an upper wall portion, lower wall portion, inner wall portion, and
outer wall portion, each wall portion at least partially defining a
cavity extending along the side member.
[0021] In another aspect of the invention, the support structure
assembly further comprises a an opening in the outer wall portion,
a patch member mounted across the opening, and a bulkhead mounted
to an inner surface of the patch member and received within the
side member cavity.
[0022] In another aspect of the invention, the support structure
assembly further comprises a bracket mounted to an outer surface of
the patch member, wherein the inner mounting portion of the link
member is mounted to the bracket via the inner hinged
connection.
[0023] In another aspect of the invention, the side member inner
wall portion and outer wall portion each include indentations for
allowing the side member to become compressed in response to a
force acting rearwardly thereon.
[0024] In another aspect of the invention, the side member includes
a tapered portion for allowing the side member to buckle inward in
response to a force acting inwardly on the side member.
[0025] In another aspect of the invention, the bumper extension
includes forward and rearward wall portions each having outboard
ends, the rearward wall portion is mounted between the side member
front end and the main bumper member, and the outer hinged
connection comprises the outboard ends fixedly mounted to the outer
portion of the link member.
[0026] In another aspect of the invention, the link member is
configured to pivot about the inner hinged connection from a first
position to a second position, where the outer mounting portion is
disposed further forward in the first position than in the second
position.
[0027] In another aspect of the invention, the link member inner
mounting portion is disposed further inward and rearward in the
second position than in the first position.
[0028] In another aspect of the invention, the support structure
assembly further comprises a third position, wherein the link
member outer mounting portion is further forward and inward in the
third position than in the first position, and the link member is
configured to pivot from the first position to the third position
to the second position.
[0029] In one aspect of the invention, an automotive vehicle
comprises a bumper at the front of the vehicle extending across a
centerline of the vehicle. The bumper has first and second ends.
The vehicle further comprises a first side member extending
rearwardly from the bumper first end and a second side member
extending rearwardly from the bumper second end. The vehicle
further comprises a first bumper extension extending from the first
end of the bumper member in an outward direction from the
centerline and a second bumper extension extending from the second
end of the bumper member in an outward direction from the
centerline. The vehicle further comprises a first link member
having outer and inner mounting portions, the outer mounting
portion is mounted to the first bumper extension, and the inner
mounting portion is mounted to the first side member via a first
hinged connection. The vehicle further includes a second link
member having outer and inner mounting portions, the outer mounting
portion is mounted to the second bumper extension, and the inner
mounting portion is mounted to the second side member via a second
hinged connection. The first and second link members have a
generally fixed shape.
[0030] Further objects, features and advantages of this invention
will become readily apparent to persons skilled in the art after a
review of the following description, with reference to the drawings
and claims that are appended to and form a part of this
specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a support structure
assembly;
[0032] FIG. 1A is an exploded view of the support structure
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the support structure
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIGS. 3-8 are top plan views of the support structure
assembly of FIG. 1 showing various states of the support structure
assembly during a collision with a barrier;
[0035] FIGS. 9-12 are top plan views of the support structure
assembly of FIG. 1 showing an alternative state of the support
structure assembly during a collision with a barrier; and
[0036] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the support structure assembly
of FIG. 1 showing the progression of the support structure assembly
during a collision.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a support
structure assembly 10 that includes a bumper 12, a longitudinal
side member 14, and a link member 16 for an automotive vehicle. For
reference, the assembly 10 includes an x-axis X that is generally
parallel to a fore-and-aft centerline CL of the vehicle, and a
y-axis Y that extends laterally across the centerline CL. The
support structure assembly 10 is disposed at the front of the
vehicle and generally surrounds the engine E (see FIG. 3), with the
vehicle wheels being disposed outboard of the assembly 10. For
purposes of discussion, the terms "inward" or "inboard" generally
refer to a direction toward the centerline CL of the vehicle, and
the terms "outward" or "outboard" refer to a direction away from
the centerline CL of the vehicle. The bumper 12 is located at the
front of the vehicle and extends laterally across the front of the
vehicle in a manner known in the art. The longitudinal side member
14 is mounted to and extends rearwardly from the bumper 12,
generally along the x-axis X. The link member 16 is mounted to both
the bumper 12 and the longitudinal side member 14 so that a force
acting on the bumper 12 will be transferred directly from the
bumper 12 to the longitudinal side member 14 and also indirectly
through the link member 16.
[0038] The bumper 12 can include a main bumper member 18 and bumper
extension 20. The main bumper member 18 includes a left end portion
18a and a right end (not shown). For purposes of illustration and
discussion, the left side of the support structure assembly 10 will
be described, but it will be appreciated that the descriptions for
the left side apply similarly to the right side, with the right
side being a generally mirror image of the left side. The bumper
extension 20 extends outwardly and rearwardly from the left end
portion 18a of the bumper main bumper member 18. As shown in FIG.
1, the bumper extension 20 can have a generally bent shape,
although the extension 20 could also have a more straight shape,
curved shape, or other suitable shape. In one form, the bumper
extension 20 is mounted to the bumper 12 via a mechanical
connection using bolts, screws, or the like; however, other
attachment methods could also be used.
[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional plan view of the main
bumper member 18, the bumper extension 20, the link member 16, and
the longitudinal side member 14. With reference to FIG. 2, in one
form, the bumper extension 20 comprises a forward wall portion 20a
and a rearward wall portion 20b. The forward and rearward wall
portions 20a and 20b cooperate with top and bottom wall portions
20c and 20d to form the bumper extension 20 and create a generally
hollow form or cavity 20e. The hollow form of the bumper extension
20 reduces its weight but maintains a sufficient tensile strength.
Additionally, the hollow form of the bumper extension 20 allows the
bumper extension 20 to be deformed during a collision while
maintaining a connection to the main bumper member 18 and link
member 16.
[0040] The bumper extension 20 includes an outboard flange portion
21 formed from the ends of the forward and rearward wall portions
20a and 20b. The flange portion 21 extends rearwardly and inwardly
from the bumper extension 20 toward the longitudinal side member
14, so that the flange portion 21 wraps around the link member 16.
The flange portion 21 can be configured for mounting the link
member 16 thereto. In one form, the flange portion 21 includes one
or more mounting holes 21a through which a mechanical fastener,
such as a bolt, screw, or the like, can pass for mounting the link
member 16, which is further described below.
[0041] The link member 16 has a generally fixed body portion 21
having at least first, second, and third major side surfaces: inner
surface 22, forward surface 24, and outer surface 26, as well as
upper and lower surfaces 28 and 30. The link member 16 has a
generally fixed and solid construction, so that in the event of a
collision, the link member 16 can better withstand a force exerted
against it and transmit a reaction force therethrough, in contrast
to the hollow form construction of the bumper extension 20. Inner
surface 22 generally faces inwardly. Outer surface 26 generally
faces rearwardly and outwardly. Forward surface 24 generally faces
forward and inwardly toward the bumper 12. These orientations
reference the link member 16 being in a nominal position
pre-collision. In the event of a collision, the link member 16 may
be caused to rotate or pivot, so that the orientations of the
various surfaces may be different when in a collision state, which
is described in further detail below.
[0042] The link member 16 can include outer and inner mounting
portions 30 and 32. The outer mounting portion 30 is the region of
the link member 16 where the forward surface 24 and outer surface
26 intersect. The outer mounting portion 30 is mounted to the
bumper extension 20 at the flange portion 21 via an outer hinged
connection 36. In one form, the outer mounting portion 30 has one
or more holes 30a extending generally horizontally therethrough.
The outer hinged connection 36 can thereby be in the style of a
living hinge, where one or more mechanical fasteners 34 extend
through the holes 21a of the flange portion 21 and into the holes
30a of the outer mounting portion 30. Alternatively, rather than
being a living hinge style connection, the hinged connection 36
could be in the form of a pin and bushing type connection, similar
in style to the connection for the inner mounting portion 32, which
is described in further detail below for the connection between the
longitudinal side member 14 and the link member 16.
[0043] With reference to FIGS. 1, 1A, and 2, the longitudinal side
member 14 extends rearwardly from the bumper 12 generally along the
x-axis X. The longitudinal side member 14 has a generally hollow
construction similar to the bumper extension 20. The hollow nature
of the side member 14 can allow it to become deformed in the
direction of the x-axis X or buckle along the direction of the
y-axis Y in the event of a collision force acting thereon. The side
member 14 can be comprised from an inner wall portion 14a, outer
wall portion 14b, upper wall portion 14c, and lower wall portion
14d, which combine to define a side member cavity 14e extending
along the length of the side member 14. For the sake of discussion,
each of these wall portions will be described as being a unitary
piece. However, it will be appreciated that each of these wall
portions may be formed from multiple connected pieces. For example,
the inner wall portion 14a may be made from multiple pieces mounted
together.
[0044] The longitudinal side member 14 includes three longitudinal
portions: a front portion 40, an intermediate portion 42, and a
rear portion 44. The front portion 40 is mounted to the bumper 12
generally at the interface between the main bumper member 18 and
the bumper extension 20. The front portion 40 is mounted to the
bumper 12 via a mechanical connection such as bolts, screws, or the
like. In one form, the rear portion 20b of the bumper extension 20
can be sandwiched between the main bumper member 18 and the side
member front portion 40 for mounting therebetween. The front
portion 40 can also include sidewall indentations 40a, reducing the
compressive strength for helping to allow and control the
deformation, more specifically the crushing, of the front portion
40 during a collision.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the front portion 40 transitions
to the intermediate portion 42 at a forward interface region 48.
The intermediate portion 42 extends rearwardly from the interface
region 48 and is located generally adjacent the vehicle wheel W
when in the nominal position. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the
intermediate portion 42 includes a tapered portion 42a that tapers
to a smaller width relative to the front portion 40. The tapered
portion helps to allow the intermediate portion 42 to buckle inward
during a collision.
[0046] The intermediate portion 42 transitions to the rear portion
44 at a rearward interface region 50. The rear portion 44 is
ultimately mounted to the passenger cabin via various complementary
support structure known in the art. Thus, the longitudinal side
member 14 ultimately extends from the bumper 12 to the passenger
cabin support structure.
[0047] With reference to FIGS. 1, 1A, and 2, the link member 16 is
mounted to the longitudinal side member 14 at the forward interface
region 48. More specifically, the link member 16 is mounted via an
inner hinged connection 60. The inner hinged connection 60 includes
a hinge bracket 62 mounted to the outer wall portion 14b of the
longitudinal side member 14. More specifically, the outer wall
portion 14b includes an opening 60a. A patch member 60b is mounted
to the opening 60a. A bulkhead member 60c is mounted to the inner
surface of the patch member 60b so that the bulkhead member 60c is
received within the cavity 14e of the side member 14. The hinge
bracket 62 is mounted to the outer surface of the patch member 60b.
The components of the inner hinged connection 60 are mounted
together using mechanical fasteners such as screws, bolts, or the
like.
[0048] With reference to FIGS. 1A and 2, the bracket 62 includes a
hinge pin 64 extending in a generally vertical direction and
mounted between upper and lower hinge support tabs 62a and 62b in a
manner known in the art. The inner mounting portion 32 of the link
member 16 includes a hole 66 extending vertically therethrough
acting as a bushing that receives the pin 64. This hinged
connection 60 permits the link member 16 to pivot relative to the
side member 14 in response to a force acting thereon, thereby
allowing a reaction force in the link member 16 to be transferred
to the side member 14.
[0049] With reference to FIG. 3, in one form, the assembly 10
includes a spacer member 70 mounted to the inner wall portion 14a
of the longitudinal side member 14. The spacer member 70 has a
generally solid construction with an inboard end 72 being larger
than the outboard end 74. The outboard end 74 is mounted to the
longitudinal side member 14, with the inboard end 72 being disposed
generally adjacent the engine E. As described above, the bulkhead
60c is disposed inside the longitudinal side member 14. The spacer
member 70 is mounted adjacent the location of the bulkhead 60c. The
inner mounting portion 32 of the link member 16 is generally
aligned with the bulkhead 60c and the spacer 70, so that a force
acting on the link member 16 will be transferred onto the spacer
70. Thus, a force transmitted in the y-direction at that location
would cause the bulkhead 60c to transfer that force toward the
spacer member 70, which would transfer that force toward the engine
E, which will be described further below.
[0050] When assembled, the bumper 12, longitudinal side member 14,
and link member 16 provide a skeleton around the engine
compartment, along with various other support members that support
the vehicle suspension, engine components, or the like, as is known
in the art. The front wheels W of the vehicle are disposed outboard
of the intermediate portion 42, rearward from the link member 16
and bumper extension 20, and forward from vehicle cabin structure C
(see FIGS. 7 and 8).
[0051] Having described the support structure assembly 10, the
operation of the assembly 10 during a collision will now be
described, with reference to FIGS. 3-13. The bumper 12, link member
16, and longitudinal side member 14 are coupled to each other as
described above. The function of the system 10 will be described
with reference to a barrier 100 approaching the system 10 along the
x-axis X toward the vehicle to create a small overlap collision;
however, it will be appreciated that a vehicle including this
system may be in motion itself and may strike a stationary
structure, stationary vehicle, moving vehicle, or the like, and
that the force might not be applied in a directly longitudinal
manner.
[0052] With reference to FIG. 3, the barrier 100 is shown collided
with the bumper 12 in a small overlap fashion, with the barrier 100
colliding in the area of the bumper extension 20. As shown, a
curved corner 102 of the barrier is generally aligned with the
longitudinal side member 14. At impact, the longitudinal side
member 14 may be crushed in a region adjacent the bumper extension
20, resulting in a crushed portion 114. Additionally, the impact
between the barrier 100 and the bumper extension 20 causes the
bumper extension 20 to become partially flattened at the contact
point of the collision. The rearward force on the bumper extension
20 causes the link member 16 to pivot outwardly at an angle A1
about the inner hinged connection 60. The outer hinged connection
36 permits the link member 16 and bumper extension 20 to bend
relative to each other.
[0053] With reference now to FIG. 4, the barrier 100 has continued
its encroachment on the system 10. The crushed portion 114 has
become crushed even further, and the barrier 100 will force the
bumper extension 20 against the link member 16, causing further
outward rotation of the link member 16 about the hinged connection
60. The link member 16 will also pivot about the outer hinged
connection 36 relative the bumper extension 20, which has become
deformed relative to its nominal condition, creating a flattened
portion 120. The link member 16 pivots about the inner hinged
connection 60, with the link member 16 having rotated rearward at
an angle of rotation A2 from its nominal position in response to
the collision. The forward surface 24 of the link member is
generally flat against a front surface 104 of the barrier 100, with
the bumper extension flattened portion 120 sandwiched therebetween.
As the barrier 100 continues to exert a force against the bumper
extension 20 and the link member 16, the engagement between the
barrier 100 and the forward surface 24 of the link member 16 is
maintained, causing the force from the barrier 100 to be translated
through the link member 16 toward the hinged connection 60 and the
longitudinal side member 14.
[0054] With reference now to FIG. 5, the barrier surface 104
maintains engagement with the link member front surface 24, and the
inward force transferred by the link member 16 toward the
longitudinal side member 14 causes the side member 14 to buckle
inwardly at the side member intermediate portion 42. The bulkhead
60c, located adjacent the hinged connection 60, is forced inwardly
as the longitudinal side member 14 is buckling. The bulkhead 60c
transmits the inward force onto the spacer member 70. The spacer
member 70 may then contact the engine components E of the vehicle,
forcing the vehicle in the y-direction laterally away from the
small overlap collision. The buckling of the intermediate portion
42 also results in the link member 16 translating rearwardly a
distance X1 while maintaining generally flat contact with the
barrier 100 and maintaining the pivoted angle A2 due to the
maintained contact.
[0055] Turning now to FIG. 6, the crushed portion 114 of the front
portion 40 is crushed further, the intermediate portion 42 is
further buckled inwardly, and the barrier 100 has advanced
rearwardly enough so that the rear surface 26 of the link member 16
will make contact with the vehicle wheel W. This condition can
cause the wheel W to change position relative to the barrier 100
prior to the barrier 100 contacting the wheel W. Additionally, the
buckling of the intermediate portion 42 has caused the spacer 70 to
be forced further inward. The link member 16 and barrier 100 are
still in contact during this condition, generally maintaining the
angle A2. The link member 16 has also translated further rearward
so it is at a distance X2 from its nominal position.
[0056] With reference to FIG. 7, the barrier 100 has moved further
to the rear of the vehicle while maintaining contact with the link
member 16, which has encroached into the wheel W. The side member
14 has become additionally buckled.
[0057] With reference to FIG. 8, the barrier 100 has now progressed
far enough toward the rear that the flat contact between the link
member 16 and the barrier 100 ceases. The barrier 100 has pushed
the bumper extension 20 rearwardly enough that the bumper extension
20 pushes the link member 16 inwardly. Additionally, the link
member 16 slides off of the barrier 100, and the inward force on
the link member 16 causes the intermediate portion 42 to buckle
further. The barrier 100 forces the wheel W rearwardly, which makes
contact with the cabin structure C positioned rearwardly therefrom.
The barrier 100 will continue to slide across the front surface 24
of the link member 16, thereby directing the barrier 100 outwardly
and away from the vehicle.
[0058] The above described function of the system maintains the
connection between the barrier 100 and the link member 16 while the
longitudinal side member 14 is being crushed and buckled, thereby
allowing the longitudinal side member 14 to receive a large amount
of the impact force caused by the barrier 100, which in turn limits
the amount of the impact force that the barrier 100 transfers to
the vehicle cabin C. The above structure can thus reduce the amount
of force received by the cabin structure C in a small overlap
collision.
[0059] Given the unpredictable nature of vehicle collisions, the
system 10 can also function to absorb a greater amount of force
even if the barrier 100 slides off of the longitudinal side member
14 at the initial stages of a collision, which will be further
described below.
[0060] With reference to FIG. 9, the barrier 100 initially collides
with the vehicle in a smaller overlap condition. However, unlike
the situation described above, the front portion 40 does not
initially absorb a large amount of the force and become crushed.
Rather, because the overlap condition is smaller, the front portion
40 slides off of the barrier 100 and moves inwardly. The bumper 12
and bumper extension 20 are pushed and pulled inwardly,
respectively, which in turn pulls the outer mounting portion 30 of
the link member 16 inwardly. The link member 16 maintains its
connection to the bumper extension 20 due to the hinged connection
36, causing the link member 16 to pivot about its inner hinge
connection 60 inwardly toward the front portion 40 of the side
member 14. The link member 16 pivots at an angle A3 inwardly
relative to its nominal position. The bumper extension 20 pulling
on the link member 16 will cause it to continue to pivot inwardly
until the barrier 100 has moved rearwardly enough to indirectly
engage the link member 16, which is shown in FIG. 10.
[0061] With reference to FIG. 10, the barrier 100 has indirectly
engaged the link member 16 and the front portion 40 of the side
member 14 has shifted inwardly. The bumper extension 20 has become
flattened and generally corresponds with the shape of the barrier
100.
[0062] Turning now to FIG. 11, after the barrier 100 engages the
link member 16, the barrier forces the link member 16 to pivot
rearwardly (the direction of pivoting indicated by arrow R) toward
the tire, to a condition similar to the condition shown in FIG. 4,
except the front portion 40 of the side member 14 is buckled inward
in FIG. 11 instead of being crushed or collapsed. The front surface
24 of the link member 16 will then engage the barrier 100 in a
manner similar to the above. Similar to the above, the force from
the barrier 100 will be transferred through the link member 16
toward the intermediate portion 42 of the longitudinal side member
14.
[0063] With reference to FIG. 12, the barrier 100 continues to
maintain its engagement with the link member 16, forcing the link
member 16 rearwardly a distance X1 from its nominal position. The
force from the link member 16 is transferred to the longitudinal
side member 14, causing it to start buckling inwardly near the
inner hinged connection 60. Similar to the above, the spacer member
70 is forced inwardly as well.
[0064] At this point of the collision, the system acts in generally
the same manner as described above with reference to FIGS. 6-8. The
early and maintained engagement between the barrier 100 and the
link member 16, with the force being transferred to the
longitudinal side member 14, causes more of the collision to be
absorbed by the longitudinal side member 14 due to the crushing
and/or buckling, thereby limiting the amount of force that may
ultimately be transferred to the cabin C.
[0065] Thus, even if the barrier slides off the front side member
14 initially, the link member 16 makes early contact with the
barrier 100. The link member 16 then transfers the force of the
impact to the longitudinal side member 14, which will subsequently
buckle.
[0066] FIG. 13 illustrates the path that the barrier 100 takes
relative to the vehicle and the system 10 with the link member 16
coupled to the bumper 12 and longitudinal side member 14. With the
link member 16 installed, the barrier 100 is gradually moved away
from the vehicle along path P, while maintaining engagement with
the link member 16. The maintained engagement with the link member
16 causes the force from the collision to be transferred and
absorbed by the longitudinal side member 14. Moreover, the inward
buckling of the intermediate portion 42 of the longitudinal side
member 14 moves the spacer 70 inwardly, impacting the vehicle
engine E and forcing the vehicle laterally away from the barrier
100. Likewise, the barrier 100 moves laterally away from the
vehicle. Thus, the barrier 100 can be directed away from colliding
with the cabin C, while the system 10 absorbs a large amount of the
impact in the crushing and buckling of the longitudinal side member
14.
[0067] FIG. 13 also illustrates the movement of the various
components throughout the collision. As shown in FIG. 13, the link
member 16 moves rearwardly relative to the nominal position upon
being contacted by the barrier 100, as well as pivoting in the
counter-clockwise direction. Further encroachment of the barrier
100 causes the link member 16 to pivot and translate further.
Similarly, the bumper 12, including the bumper extension 20, is
forced rearwardly, with the bumper extension 20 becoming flattened,
while maintaining its connection with the link member 16. In FIG.
13, the progression of the link member 16 is shown progressing from
the link member 16 being in the nominal position, to the position
of link member 16' in an intermediate position, to the position of
link member 16'' indicating a subsequent position. The progression
of the other components is indicated similarly.
[0068] As a person skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the
above description is meant as an illustration of implementation of
the principles this invention. This description is not intended to
limit the scope or application of this invention in that the
invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change,
without departing from spirit of this invention, as defined in the
following claims.
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