US20050046235A1 - Structural reinforcement system for an automotive vehicle - Google Patents
Structural reinforcement system for an automotive vehicle Download PDFInfo
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- US20050046235A1 US20050046235A1 US10/822,901 US82290104A US2005046235A1 US 20050046235 A1 US20050046235 A1 US 20050046235A1 US 82290104 A US82290104 A US 82290104A US 2005046235 A1 US2005046235 A1 US 2005046235A1
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- automotive vehicle
- vehicle
- attached
- structural
- structural reinforcement
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D25/00—Superstructure or monocoque structure sub-units; Parts or details thereof not otherwise provided for
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
- B60J7/02—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes
- B60J7/04—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes with rigid plate-like element or elements, e.g. open roofs with harmonica-type folding rigid panels
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D21/00—Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted
- B62D21/15—Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted having impact absorbing means, e.g. a frame designed to permanently or temporarily change shape or dimension upon impact with another body
- B62D21/157—Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted having impact absorbing means, e.g. a frame designed to permanently or temporarily change shape or dimension upon impact with another body for side impacts
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D25/00—Superstructure or monocoque structure sub-units; Parts or details thereof not otherwise provided for
- B62D25/02—Side panels
- B62D25/025—Side sills thereof
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D25/00—Superstructure or monocoque structure sub-units; Parts or details thereof not otherwise provided for
- B62D25/20—Floors or bottom sub-units
- B62D25/2009—Floors or bottom sub-units in connection with other superstructure subunits
- B62D25/2036—Floors or bottom sub-units in connection with other superstructure subunits the subunits being side panels, sills or pillars
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R2021/23153—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration specially adapted for rear seat passengers
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to automotive vehicle structure and more particularly to a cross-vehicle structural reinforcement for an automotive vehicle.
- Cross-vehicle body stiffness within automotive vehicles is important in reducing torsional twist and vibration of the body, but also improves the ride and handling of the vehicle. This issue is especially important for convertible vehicles where the removal of the traditional fixed roof structure further decreases vehicle stiffness to the point where four door convertible roof vehicles have been essentially impractical to achieve with conventional body structure.
- U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (“FMVSS”) 214 relates to side impact collision protection for vehicles. This governmental standard employs a moving barrier, equivalent to a truck bumper, which impacts the vehicle generally at and below a belt-line of the front door and B-pillar. FMVSS 214 puts an added premium on cross-vehicle stiffness.
- a structural reinforcement system for an automotive vehicle.
- an upper structural beam is employed which extends in a cross-vehicle direction adjacent to a vehicle belt-line.
- a further aspect of the present invention provides an upper structural beam with a recessed central portion.
- Yet another aspect of the present invention uses a structural reinforcement system in a convertible roof vehicle.
- the present invention is advantageous over conventional constructions, in that the present invention significantly improves cross-vehicle resistance to side impact collisions and provides torsional stiffness sufficient for use with a large four door vehicle, such as one having a convertible roof.
- the present invention further acts as a seat frame attachment thereby reducing parts and saving redundant weight as a multifunctional device.
- the same structure that adds stiffness also retains rear passenger devices such as airbags, entertainment systems and the like. Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be shown and described with reference to the following description and appended figures.
- FIG. 1 is a side elevational view showing a first preferred embodiment automotive vehicle employing a structural reinforcement system of the present invention, with a hard-top convertible roof in a retracted position and with the left side doors removed;
- FIG. 2 a is a side elevational view showing the first preferred embodiment automotive vehicle employing one structural reinforcement system, with the hard-top convertible roof in a raised position and with the left side doors removed;
- FIG. 2 b is a side elevational view showing a second preferred embodiment automotive vehicle employing a structural reinforcement system of the present invention, with a soft-top convertible roof in a raised portion and with the left side doors removed;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view as seen from behind the right rear corner, showing an alternate embodiment automotive vehicle employing a structure reinforcement system of the present invention, with a slidably retracting roof in a raised position;
- FIG. 4 is a partially fragmentary, rear diagrammatic view, as seen from line 4 - 4 of FIG. 1 , showing a first preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system of the present invention
- FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic side view showing the first preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system made by a stamping
- FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic side view showing the second preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system made by a hydroforming
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a fragmentary third preferred embodiment automotive vehicle employing a structural reinforcement system of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic, partially cross-sectional view, taken along line 8 - 8 of FIG. 4 , showing the second preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system;
- FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic, cross-sectional view, taken along line 8 - 8 of FIG. 4 , showing the first preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10 - 10 of FIG. 4 , showing the second preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10 - 10 of FIG. 4 , showing the first preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system
- FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic rear view, as seen from line 4 - 4 of FIG. 1 , showing a third preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system of the present invention
- FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic rear view, as seen from line 4 - 4 of FIG. 1 , showing a fourth preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system of the present invention
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the fourth preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic rear view, as seen from line 4 - 4 of FIG. 1 , showing a fifth preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system of the present invention
- FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic top view showing a second alternate embodiment structural reinforcement system of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic side view showing a third alternate embodiment structural reinforcement system of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic, perspective view showing the first preferred embodiment system of the present invention but with a soft top convertible roof.
- An automotive vehicle has a body, a convertible roof and a structural reinforcement system 19 .
- the convertible roof is a retractable hard-top roof including a front hard-top section 23 , a middle hard-top section 25 and a rear hard-top section 27 .
- the hard-top sections are interconnected by a linkage assembly (not shown) driven by an automatic actuator 29 , such as an electric motor or hydraulic cylinder.
- the convertible roof is movable from a raised and closed position above front passenger seats 31 and rear passenger seats 33 in a passenger compartment 35 , as shown in FIG. 2 , to a retracted and open position within a roof storage compartment 37 , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- Roof storage compartment 32 is a trunk with a dual opening decklid, or a bootwall, forward and separated from a trunk, covered by an automatically openable tonneau cover.
- Such a hard-top roof and linkage assembly is disclosed in U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/245,973, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,386, entitled “Vehicle Retractable Hardtop Roof,” which was invented by Michael T. Willard and filed on Sep. 18, 2002, which is incorporated by reference herein.
- a soft top convertible roof 41 is also usable with the present invention, and is disclosed in U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/403,362, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,385, entitled “Vehicle Convertible Roof,” which was invented by Eric W. Lange and filed on Mar. 31, 2003; this disclosure is incorporated by reference herein.
- Soft top roof 41 includes a top stack mechanism including left and right, front, center and rear side rails, 42 , 43 and 44 , respectively, with four spanning roof bows 45 and multiple linkages 48 .
- An electric motor or hydraulic actuator 46 automatically drives the mechanism and a pliable roof cover 47 is attached to and covers roof bows 45 .
- FIG. 10/403,362 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,385, entitled “Vehicle Convertible Roof,” which was invented by Eric W. Lange and filed on Mar. 31, 2003; this disclosure is incorporated by reference herein.
- Soft top roof 41 includes a top stack mechanism including left and right, front,
- FIG. 3 shows multiple sliding roof panels and a slidably retracting backlite or back window, which are employed with the present invention in a first alternate embodiment.
- This is disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 02/096685 entitled “Automotive Vehicle with Open Air System” which was invented by Doncov et al. and published on Dec. 5, 2002; this disclosure is also incorporated by reference herein.
- structural reinforcement system 19 is made up of multiple cross-vehicle upper and lower beams 51 and 53 , respectively, and interconnected diagonal and vertical beams 55 and 57 , respectively.
- Upper beam 51 is positioned adjacent a beltline 61 of the vehicle and lower beam 53 is attached to a sheet metal floor pan 63 of the vehicle.
- the outboard vertical beams 57 are welded, riveted or otherwise secured to B-pillars 65 of the vehicle.
- Beams are preferably integrally hydroformed as a single steel piece, as shown in FIGS. 4, 6 , 8 , 10 , 12 , 13 and 15 .
- beams are integrally stamped from sheet metal as a single piece, as shown in FIGS. 5, 9 and 11 .
- Gussets 91 are attached to a center tunnel 93 of vehicle and to outboard rocker panels 95 of the unibody vehicle. Alternately, separated created beams can be welded together.
- FIGS. 7 and 8 where a polymeric center, floor trim console 101 extends from a front passenger area 107 , through a recess 103 in upper beam 51 and into a rear seating area 109 , between bucket front seats and bucket rear seats.
- Polymeric trim panels 105 also cover the exterior of structural system 19 .
- Door hinge hardware 121 can be secured directly to reinforcement system 19 by bolts, rivets or welding.
- a decorative B-pillar facia 123 is attached to structural system 19 in an alternate embodiment.
- An electronic entertainment system 141 such as including an audio or video compact disc player, movie player, radio or the like, is located in a central pocket of each side of structural system 19 for use by the rear seat passengers.
- an inflatable air bag system 151 (see FIG.
- roll bars 161 are optionally secured to upper beam 51 on each side of the vehicle's fore-and-aft centerline 163 .
- FIG. 13 illustrates a fourth preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system 19 of the present invention.
- This exemplary structural reinforcement system 19 includes an upper beam 161 , a lower beam 163 , and pairs of crossing diagonal beams 165 and 167 spanning between the upper and lower beams outboard of a middle, recess 169 where upper and lower beams 161 and 163 converge. Ends of upper and lower beams 161 and 163 are directly affixed to, adjacent and generally vertical B-pillars 65 and rocker panels 95 , without supplemental vertical beams.
- a simulated bumper 171 according to FMVSS 214, is shown adjacent to the vehicle beltline which is generally aligned with the intersection between upper beam 161 and B-pillar 65 .
- FIG. 14 shows structural reinforcement system 19 with a floor-mounted, trim console 101 centrally extending in a fore-and-aft centerline direction of the vehicle.
- console 101 extends between bucket front seats 173 and either is interrupted by, passes above or passes below beam recess 169 .
- the rear end of console 101 terminates forward of a bench rear seat 175 .
- a fifth preferred embodiment system 19 is shown in FIG. 15 .
- a generally straight and horizontal upper beam 181 is connected to a lower beam 183 by multiple branching, intermediate beams 185 .
- Lower beam 183 has a raised central segment 187 to circumvent the floor tunnel.
- Beams 181 and 183 are attached to B-pillars 65 and rocker panels 95 .
- a central, component cluster assembly 189 is mounted to system 19 within an aperture between the beams for use by the rear seat passengers.
- Component cluster assembly 189 includes audio and video entertainment systems 191 , heating/ventilating/air conditioning ducts and controls 193 , a storage compartment 195 , communications devices 197 , and the like.
- a second alternate embodiment of a structural reinforcement system 251 includes a structural beam 253 extending in a primarily cross-vehicle direction. Ends 255 of beam 253 are welded or otherwise fastened to B pillars 257 .
- Beam 253 has a pair of arcuately curved segments 259 joining at a forwardly extending central segment 261 which can be optionally secured to a floor panel 263 or fore-and-aft extending tunnel attached thereto, by a generally vertical bracket or gusset.
- a front seat 265 is located forward of each curved segment 259 and each seat back may have a top view curve conforming with the adjacent curved shape of beam 253 .
- a floor mounted, interior trim console (such as that shown in FIG. 14 ) may be provided between seats 265 and can either extend above center segment 261 for use by both front and rear seat passengers, may extend below central segment 261 such that the center portion of beam 253 creates an aesthetic styling element in the vehicle as well as providing a functional reinforcement, or a two-piece console may sandwich central segment 261 of beam 253 .
- the rear view shape of beam 253 can extend straight across the vehicle or may have a central depression such as that shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 .
- FIG. 17 illustrates a third alternate embodiment structural reinforcement system 301 of the present invention.
- a structural beam 303 extends in a generally straight (when viewed from the top and rear) orientation between the B-pillars or other upstanding structural members of the automotive vehicle adjacent the rocker panels.
- Beam 303 is an enclosed and hollow polygon, here shown with four sides when viewed in cross-section, which can be created from and extruded or hydroformed steel.
- Rear sections 305 of metal seat tracks 307 are attached to beam 303 by welded or riveted brackets 309 .
- Front sections 311 of seat tracks 307 are attached to a metal floor panel 313 by welded, riveted or bolted on brackets.
- Front seats 315 , or other passenger seats, and their respective seat movement mechanisms 317 are attached to seat tracks 307 .
- Exemplary seat movement mechanisms 317 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,531 entitled “Vehicle Power Seat Adjuster with End Driven Lead Screw Actuation” which issued to Gauger, et al. on Nov. 19, 1996, and is incorporated by reference herein. Space is provided below beam 303 and the adjacent portion of seat tracks 307 so as to maximize passenger compartment leg room and foot room.
- Beam 303 is secured to the vehicle well below a belt line area but may be useful in trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles and other situations that serve to add the required vibrational stiffness, minimize cross-vehicle and diagonal twisting of the vehicle body, while also improving crashworthiness during side impact.
- beam 303 advantageously serves as a multifunctional part.
- Structural system 19 is preferably employed in a convertible vehicle having four, side passenger doors 213 but may also be used in a stretch limousine having four or more passenger doors and a stationary roof.
- Bullet-proof armor is optionally mounted along a cross-car plane parallel and internal to trim panels 105 . Furthermore, it should be appreciated that alternate beam shapes can be employed. It is intended by the following claims to cover these and any other departures from the disclosed embodiments that fall within the true spirit of the invention.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/499,669, filed on Sep. 3, 2003. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated by reference herein.
- The present invention generally relates to automotive vehicle structure and more particularly to a cross-vehicle structural reinforcement for an automotive vehicle.
- Cross-vehicle body stiffness within automotive vehicles is important in reducing torsional twist and vibration of the body, but also improves the ride and handling of the vehicle. This issue is especially important for convertible vehicles where the removal of the traditional fixed roof structure further decreases vehicle stiffness to the point where four door convertible roof vehicles have been essentially impractical to achieve with conventional body structure. Furthermore, U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (“FMVSS”) 214 relates to side impact collision protection for vehicles. This governmental standard employs a moving barrier, equivalent to a truck bumper, which impacts the vehicle generally at and below a belt-line of the front door and B-pillar. FMVSS 214 puts an added premium on cross-vehicle stiffness.
- U.S. Pat. No. 1,694,546 entitled “Motor Car,” which issued to Lancia on Dec. 11, 1928, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,322 entitled “Body Structure for a Rear Carriage of a Convertible,” which issued to Wolf et al. on Aug. 4, 1998, have both attempted to provide some cross-vehicle structure. It is noteworthy, however, that both constructions are attached to a fixed seat back and/or passenger compartment panel. Furthermore, the Lancia construction appears to lack any cross-vehicle structural support anywhere near the belt-line that would significantly resist side impacts or belt-line torsion, especially for a modern unibody construction vehicle.
- In accordance with the present invention, a structural reinforcement system is provided for an automotive vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, an upper structural beam is employed which extends in a cross-vehicle direction adjacent to a vehicle belt-line. A further aspect of the present invention provides an upper structural beam with a recessed central portion. Yet another aspect of the present invention uses a structural reinforcement system in a convertible roof vehicle.
- The present invention is advantageous over conventional constructions, in that the present invention significantly improves cross-vehicle resistance to side impact collisions and provides torsional stiffness sufficient for use with a large four door vehicle, such as one having a convertible roof. The present invention further acts as a seat frame attachment thereby reducing parts and saving redundant weight as a multifunctional device. Moreover, the same structure that adds stiffness also retains rear passenger devices such as airbags, entertainment systems and the like. Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be shown and described with reference to the following description and appended figures.
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FIG. 1 is a side elevational view showing a first preferred embodiment automotive vehicle employing a structural reinforcement system of the present invention, with a hard-top convertible roof in a retracted position and with the left side doors removed; -
FIG. 2 a is a side elevational view showing the first preferred embodiment automotive vehicle employing one structural reinforcement system, with the hard-top convertible roof in a raised position and with the left side doors removed; -
FIG. 2 b is a side elevational view showing a second preferred embodiment automotive vehicle employing a structural reinforcement system of the present invention, with a soft-top convertible roof in a raised portion and with the left side doors removed; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view as seen from behind the right rear corner, showing an alternate embodiment automotive vehicle employing a structure reinforcement system of the present invention, with a slidably retracting roof in a raised position; -
FIG. 4 is a partially fragmentary, rear diagrammatic view, as seen from line 4-4 ofFIG. 1 , showing a first preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic side view showing the first preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system made by a stamping; -
FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic side view showing the second preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system made by a hydroforming; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a fragmentary third preferred embodiment automotive vehicle employing a structural reinforcement system of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic, partially cross-sectional view, taken along line 8-8 ofFIG. 4 , showing the second preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system; -
FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic, cross-sectional view, taken along line 8-8 ofFIG. 4 , showing the first preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system; -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 ofFIG. 4 , showing the second preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system; -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 ofFIG. 4 , showing the first preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system; -
FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic rear view, as seen from line 4-4 ofFIG. 1 , showing a third preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system of the present invention; -
FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic rear view, as seen from line 4-4 ofFIG. 1 , showing a fourth preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system of the present invention; -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the fourth preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system of the present invention; -
FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic rear view, as seen from line 4-4 ofFIG. 1 , showing a fifth preferred embodiment structural reinforcement system of the present invention; -
FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic top view showing a second alternate embodiment structural reinforcement system of the present invention; -
FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic side view showing a third alternate embodiment structural reinforcement system of the present invention; and -
FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic, perspective view showing the first preferred embodiment system of the present invention but with a soft top convertible roof. - An automotive vehicle according to the present invention has a body, a convertible roof and a
structural reinforcement system 19. In a first preferred embodiment ofvehicle 21, shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , the convertible roof is a retractable hard-top roof including a front hard-top section 23, a middle hard-top section 25 and a rear hard-top section 27. The hard-top sections are interconnected by a linkage assembly (not shown) driven by anautomatic actuator 29, such as an electric motor or hydraulic cylinder. The convertible roof is movable from a raised and closed position abovefront passenger seats 31 and rear passenger seats 33 in apassenger compartment 35, as shown inFIG. 2 , to a retracted and open position within aroof storage compartment 37, as shown inFIG. 1 . Roof storage compartment 32 is a trunk with a dual opening decklid, or a bootwall, forward and separated from a trunk, covered by an automatically openable tonneau cover. Such a hard-top roof and linkage assembly is disclosed in U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/245,973, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,386, entitled “Vehicle Retractable Hardtop Roof,” which was invented by Michael T. Willard and filed on Sep. 18, 2002, which is incorporated by reference herein. - Referring to
FIG. 18 , a soft top convertible roof 41 is also usable with the present invention, and is disclosed in U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/403,362, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,385, entitled “Vehicle Convertible Roof,” which was invented by Eric W. Lange and filed on Mar. 31, 2003; this disclosure is incorporated by reference herein. Soft top roof 41 includes a top stack mechanism including left and right, front, center and rear side rails, 42, 43 and 44, respectively, with four spanningroof bows 45 andmultiple linkages 48. An electric motor orhydraulic actuator 46 automatically drives the mechanism and a pliable roof cover 47 is attached to and coversroof bows 45. Furthermore,FIG. 3 shows multiple sliding roof panels and a slidably retracting backlite or back window, which are employed with the present invention in a first alternate embodiment. This is disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 02/096685 entitled “Automotive Vehicle with Open Air System” which was invented by Doncov et al. and published on Dec. 5, 2002; this disclosure is also incorporated by reference herein. - Returning to the preferred embodiment of
FIGS. 4-6 ,structural reinforcement system 19 is made up of multiple cross-vehicle upper andlower beams 51 and 53, respectively, and interconnected diagonal andvertical beams Upper beam 51 is positioned adjacent abeltline 61 of the vehicle and lower beam 53 is attached to a sheetmetal floor pan 63 of the vehicle. The outboardvertical beams 57 are welded, riveted or otherwise secured to B-pillars 65 of the vehicle. Beams are preferably integrally hydroformed as a single steel piece, as shown inFIGS. 4, 6 , 8, 10, 12, 13 and 15. In another preferred embodiment, beams are integrally stamped from sheet metal as a single piece, as shown inFIGS. 5, 9 and 11.Gussets 91 are attached to acenter tunnel 93 of vehicle and tooutboard rocker panels 95 of the unibody vehicle. Alternately, separated created beams can be welded together. - Reference should be made to
FIGS. 7 and 8 where a polymeric center,floor trim console 101 extends from afront passenger area 107, through arecess 103 inupper beam 51 and into arear seating area 109, between bucket front seats and bucket rear seats. Polymerictrim panels 105 also cover the exterior ofstructural system 19.Door hinge hardware 121 can be secured directly toreinforcement system 19 by bolts, rivets or welding. A decorative B-pillar facia 123 is attached tostructural system 19 in an alternate embodiment. Anelectronic entertainment system 141, such as including an audio or video compact disc player, movie player, radio or the like, is located in a central pocket of each side ofstructural system 19 for use by the rear seat passengers. Furthermore, an inflatable air bag system 151 (seeFIG. 12 ) may be provided in each pocket ofstructural system 19, the beams of which are angled to properly channel the deployment forces into the floor and B-pillars. Moreover, roll bars 161 (seeFIG. 4 ) are optionally secured toupper beam 51 on each side of the vehicle's fore-and-aft centerline 163. -
FIG. 13 illustrates a fourth preferred embodimentstructural reinforcement system 19 of the present invention. This exemplarystructural reinforcement system 19 includes anupper beam 161, alower beam 163, and pairs of crossingdiagonal beams recess 169 where upper andlower beams lower beams pillars 65 androcker panels 95, without supplemental vertical beams. Asimulated bumper 171, according to FMVSS 214, is shown adjacent to the vehicle beltline which is generally aligned with the intersection betweenupper beam 161 and B-pillar 65. -
FIG. 14 showsstructural reinforcement system 19 with a floor-mounted,trim console 101 centrally extending in a fore-and-aft centerline direction of the vehicle. In this variation,console 101 extends between bucketfront seats 173 and either is interrupted by, passes above or passes belowbeam recess 169. The rear end ofconsole 101 terminates forward of a benchrear seat 175. - A fifth
preferred embodiment system 19 is shown inFIG. 15 . In this embodiment, a generally straight and horizontalupper beam 181 is connected to alower beam 183 by multiple branching,intermediate beams 185.Lower beam 183 has a raisedcentral segment 187 to circumvent the floor tunnel.Beams pillars 65 androcker panels 95. A central,component cluster assembly 189 is mounted tosystem 19 within an aperture between the beams for use by the rear seat passengers.Component cluster assembly 189 includes audio andvideo entertainment systems 191, heating/ventilating/air conditioning ducts and controls 193, astorage compartment 195,communications devices 197, and the like. - Referring to
FIG. 16 , a second alternate embodiment of astructural reinforcement system 251 includes astructural beam 253 extending in a primarily cross-vehicle direction.Ends 255 ofbeam 253 are welded or otherwise fastened toB pillars 257.Beam 253 has a pair of arcuatelycurved segments 259 joining at a forwardly extendingcentral segment 261 which can be optionally secured to afloor panel 263 or fore-and-aft extending tunnel attached thereto, by a generally vertical bracket or gusset. Afront seat 265 is located forward of eachcurved segment 259 and each seat back may have a top view curve conforming with the adjacent curved shape ofbeam 253. A floor mounted, interior trim console (such as that shown inFIG. 14 ) may be provided betweenseats 265 and can either extendabove center segment 261 for use by both front and rear seat passengers, may extend belowcentral segment 261 such that the center portion ofbeam 253 creates an aesthetic styling element in the vehicle as well as providing a functional reinforcement, or a two-piece console may sandwichcentral segment 261 ofbeam 253. The rear view shape ofbeam 253 can extend straight across the vehicle or may have a central depression such as that shown inFIGS. 4 and 7 . -
FIG. 17 illustrates a third alternate embodimentstructural reinforcement system 301 of the present invention. In this embodiment, astructural beam 303 extends in a generally straight (when viewed from the top and rear) orientation between the B-pillars or other upstanding structural members of the automotive vehicle adjacent the rocker panels.Beam 303 is an enclosed and hollow polygon, here shown with four sides when viewed in cross-section, which can be created from and extruded or hydroformed steel.Rear sections 305 of metal seat tracks 307 are attached tobeam 303 by welded or rivetedbrackets 309.Front sections 311 of seat tracks 307 are attached to ametal floor panel 313 by welded, riveted or bolted on brackets.Front seats 315, or other passenger seats, and their respectiveseat movement mechanisms 317 are attached to seat tracks 307. Exemplaryseat movement mechanisms 317 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,531 entitled “Vehicle Power Seat Adjuster with End Driven Lead Screw Actuation” which issued to Gauger, et al. on Nov. 19, 1996, and is incorporated by reference herein. Space is provided belowbeam 303 and the adjacent portion of seat tracks 307 so as to maximize passenger compartment leg room and foot room.Beam 303 is secured to the vehicle well below a belt line area but may be useful in trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles and other situations that serve to add the required vibrational stiffness, minimize cross-vehicle and diagonal twisting of the vehicle body, while also improving crashworthiness during side impact. Thus,beam 303 advantageously serves as a multifunctional part. - While various aspects of the structural reinforcement system have been disclosed, it should be appreciated that variations may be made which fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, additional accessories can be attached to any of the structural reinforcement beams disclosed herein such as folding tables, lamps, telephones, computers and the like. Furthermore, the beams can alternately be manufactured from composite materials such as glass-filled polymers, metal inserts molded within polymers, and the like. The cross-vehicle beams and reinforcements can also be employed behind rear seats or in front of instrument panels although various advantageous of the present invention may not be fully achieved.
Structural system 19 is preferably employed in a convertible vehicle having four,side passenger doors 213 but may also be used in a stretch limousine having four or more passenger doors and a stationary roof. Bullet-proof armor is optionally mounted along a cross-car plane parallel and internal to trimpanels 105. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that alternate beam shapes can be employed. It is intended by the following claims to cover these and any other departures from the disclosed embodiments that fall within the true spirit of the invention.
Claims (85)
Priority Applications (12)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/822,901 US20050046235A1 (en) | 2003-09-03 | 2004-04-13 | Structural reinforcement system for an automotive vehicle |
EP04020888A EP1512612A1 (en) | 2003-09-03 | 2004-09-02 | Structural reinforcement system for an automotive vehicle |
US10/979,873 US7413240B2 (en) | 2003-09-03 | 2004-11-02 | Structural system for a convertible automotive vehicle |
US11/021,606 US7413242B2 (en) | 2003-09-03 | 2004-12-23 | Structural seat system for an automotive vehicle |
US11/021,608 US7481486B2 (en) | 2003-09-03 | 2004-12-23 | Structural seat system for an automotive vehicle |
US11/021,595 US7246845B2 (en) | 2003-09-03 | 2004-12-23 | Structural seat system for an automotive vehicle |
EP05000704A EP1593544A3 (en) | 2004-04-13 | 2005-01-14 | Structural seat system for an automotive vehicle |
EP05000699A EP1586494A3 (en) | 2004-04-13 | 2005-01-14 | Structural seat system for an automotive vehicle |
EP05000703A EP1593586A3 (en) | 2004-04-13 | 2005-01-14 | Structural system for a convertible automotive vehicle |
EP05000700A EP1593543A1 (en) | 2004-04-13 | 2005-01-14 | Structrural seat system for an automotive vehicle |
US11/899,141 US7614686B2 (en) | 2003-09-03 | 2007-09-04 | Structural reinforcement system for an automotive vehicle |
US12/045,937 US20080157567A1 (en) | 2003-09-03 | 2008-03-11 | Structural System For An Automotive Vehicle |
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US49966903P | 2003-09-03 | 2003-09-03 | |
US10/822,901 US20050046235A1 (en) | 2003-09-03 | 2004-04-13 | Structural reinforcement system for an automotive vehicle |
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US11/021,595 Continuation-In-Part US7246845B2 (en) | 2003-09-03 | 2004-12-23 | Structural seat system for an automotive vehicle |
US11/021,606 Continuation-In-Part US7413242B2 (en) | 2003-09-03 | 2004-12-23 | Structural seat system for an automotive vehicle |
US11/899,141 Continuation US7614686B2 (en) | 2003-09-03 | 2007-09-04 | Structural reinforcement system for an automotive vehicle |
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US11/899,141 Expired - Fee Related US7614686B2 (en) | 2003-09-03 | 2007-09-04 | Structural reinforcement system for an automotive vehicle |
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US11/899,141 Expired - Fee Related US7614686B2 (en) | 2003-09-03 | 2007-09-04 | Structural reinforcement system for an automotive vehicle |
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US7481476B2 (en) * | 2004-02-18 | 2009-01-27 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Vehicle body |
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US7399036B2 (en) | 2006-12-01 | 2008-07-15 | Sabic Innovative Plastics Ip B.V. | Molded plastic universal seat |
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US20080236378A1 (en) * | 2007-03-30 | 2008-10-02 | Intellectual Property Holdings, Llc | Affixable armor tiles |
US20090085336A1 (en) * | 2007-09-28 | 2009-04-02 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Ag | Stiffening Device |
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US20100282062A1 (en) * | 2007-11-16 | 2010-11-11 | Intellectual Property Holdings, Llc | Armor protection against explosively-formed projectiles |
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EP1512612A1 (en) | 2005-03-09 |
US20090021050A1 (en) | 2009-01-22 |
US7614686B2 (en) | 2009-11-10 |
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