US20050001452A1 - Integral vehicle front assembly - Google Patents
Integral vehicle front assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050001452A1 US20050001452A1 US10/611,367 US61136703A US2005001452A1 US 20050001452 A1 US20050001452 A1 US 20050001452A1 US 61136703 A US61136703 A US 61136703A US 2005001452 A1 US2005001452 A1 US 2005001452A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- vehicle
- body panel
- hood portion
- outer panel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 21
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 21
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 21
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 18
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 18
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005728 strengthening Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008030 elimination Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003379 elimination reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000006096 absorbing agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007596 consolidation process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009957 hemming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003698 laser cutting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000004080 punching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D24/00—Connections between vehicle body and vehicle frame
- B62D24/02—Vehicle body, not intended to move relatively to the vehicle frame, and mounted on vibration absorbing mountings, e.g. rubber pads
-
- 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
- B62D25/08—Front or rear portions
- B62D25/082—Engine compartments
-
- 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
- B62D25/08—Front or rear portions
- B62D25/10—Bonnets or lids, e.g. for trucks, tractors, busses, work vehicles
- B62D25/105—Bonnets or lids, e.g. for trucks, tractors, busses, work vehicles for motor cars
-
- 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
- B62D25/08—Front or rear portions
- B62D25/16—Mud-guards or wings; Wheel cover panels
Definitions
- This invention relates to vehicle body panels that have a hood portion and two fender portions at least partially defined by a unitary inner panel and a unitary outer panel.
- a typical prior art vehicle body includes a hood and two fenders.
- the hood and two fenders are mounted to various vehicle frame members such as upper rails, a cowl bar, and an upper tie bar.
- a body panel for a vehicle has a hood portion and two fender portions.
- a unitary, i.e., one-piece, outer panel at least partially defines the hood portion and the two fender portions.
- a unitary, one-piece inner panel is operatively connected to the outer panel and further defines the hood portion and the two fender portions.
- the inner panel is preferably configured with sufficient strength such that the body panel does not require the use of reinforcement members.
- the body panel is also preferably configured to be a load-bearing vehicle frame portion, reducing or replacing prior art frame members such as upper rails and upper tie bars.
- the body panel would thus replace a significant number of parts, components and subcomponents found in prior art vehicle bodies with a single integrated body panel comprising the unitary inner panel and the outer panel.
- the elimination of frame members reduces the quantity of “hard” locations on a vehicle front end and correspondingly increases the quantity of deformable, energy-absorbing areas.
- the consolidation of fenders and hood into an integrated body panel eliminates the hard points formed at the seams between body panels in some prior art vehicles.
- the body panel also enables the placement of fastening elements such as hinges and/or latches near front hinge pillars instead of along a cowl and upper tie bar.
- a method of manufacturing a body panel includes forming an outer panel and an inner panel using a process selected from the group consisting of sheet hydroforming, superplastic forming, and quick plastic forming, and connecting the inner panel to the outer panel.
- the inner panel and the outer panel each partially define a hood portion and two fender portions of the body panel.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a structural load-bearing body panel in accordance with the invention
- FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an inner panel of the body panel of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle frame in an attachment scenario with the body panel of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is another schematic perspective view of the vehicle frame of FIG. 3 in an attachment scenario with the body panel of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative vehicle frame structure in an attachment scenario with the body panel of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative body panel configuration-pivotably mounted to yet another alternative vehicle frame structure
- FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the body panel of FIG. 1 rigidly mounted to a vehicle frame
- FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative body panel configuration mounted to a substantially flat chassis.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of a body panel assembly 20 having a hood portion 23 configured to extend generally horizontally above and over a vehicle front compartment, and fender portions 26 extending generally vertically from opposite sides of the hood portion 23 .
- the body panel assembly 20 is preferably configured to be a structural load-bearing vehicle frame portion which rigidly mounts to body frame members to transfer loads therebetween.
- the body panel assembly 20 need not be a structural load-bearing member.
- An outer panel 27 partially defines the hood portion 23 and the fender portions 26 .
- the outer panel 27 also defines part of the exterior surface of the body panel assembly 20 and partially defines the exterior surface of a vehicle.
- the outer panel 27 defines two wheel openings 28 along portions of the outer panel peripheral edge 29 .
- the body panel assembly 20 is preferably a preassembled unit and includes a grill 30 and headlights 31 .
- the outer panel 27 is fastened to an inner panel 32 , depicted schematically in FIG. 2 .
- the outer panel 27 and the inner panel 32 preferably substantially continuously abut one another at their respective peripheral edges 29 , 33 .
- “continuously” means “at every point” or “in entirety.”
- substantially every point of the inner panel peripheral edge 33 abuts the outer panel peripheral edge 29 .
- “abut” means to touch or to be closely adjacent without touching.
- fastening techniques that may be used to fasten the outer panel to the inner panel 32 , such as adhesive bonding, laser welding, etc. In the preferred embodiment, hemming is employed to fasten the inner panel to the outer panel.
- the inner panel 32 further defines the hood portion and the fender portions.
- the inner panel 32 serves as a structural member for the body panel assembly.
- the inner panel 32 is characterized by channel-shaped formations 35 configured to provide the inner panel 32 with structural integrity.
- Some of the formations are configured to bear or transfer loads that certain specific frame elements on a vehicle typically bear or transfer; these formations are configured to act as vehicle frame members that are an integral part of the body panel assembly.
- Integral frame member formations include an integral tie bar formation 38 , integral upper rail formations 41 , and an integral cowl bar formation 44 .
- a formation 47 in each of the fender portions is configured to improve the structural rigidity of the fender portion and for bearing loads from front hinge pillars (not shown).
- the integral frame member formations may be used in conjunction with a corresponding non-integral vehicle frame member to assist the non-integral frame member, or the integral frame member may entirely replace the corresponding non-integral frame member.
- the integral upper rail formations 41 may be used with upper rails, facilitating the use of smaller, less prominent upper rails, or the integral upper rail formations may facilitate the elimination of upper rails in a vehicle body by performing the functions of upper rails.
- the formations 35 , 38 , 41 , 44 , 47 are preferably sufficiently configured such that the body panel assembly has suitable structural integrity and rigidity without separate reinforcement members connected to the inner panel or the outer panel. Formations 50 are configured to absorb energy in the event of a frontal impact.
- the inner panel 32 preferably defines holes 52 between formations 35 , 38 , 41 , 44 , 47 where material has been removed to reduce the mass of the panel.
- holes 52 between formations 35 , 38 , 41 , 44 , 47 where material has been removed to reduce the mass of the panel.
- Clinch nuts 53 mounted to the inner panel 32 serve as attachment couplings configured to rigidly mount the body panel assembly 20 to load-bearing frame members on a vehicle.
- Those skilled in the art will recognize a variety of rigid and releasable fasteners and fastening systems that may be employed to enable the body panel assembly 20 to receive and transfer loads to and from the frame members to which it is attached.
- the outer panel and the inner panel are each one piece.
- materials that may be employed within the scope of the claimed invention to form the inner panel and the outer panel, such as metals, plastics, composites, etc.
- forming techniques that may be employed within the scope of the claimed invention to form the contours of the inner panel and the outer panel, such as stamping, injection molding, etc.
- the inner panel and the outer panel are preferably formed using sheet hydroforming, quick plastic forming, or superplastic forming so that their shapes are more complex than shapes that are generally achievable with stamping. Quick plastic forming is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,588, issued Jul.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective illustration of the front and partial left side of a vehicle frame 56 forming part of a vehicle.
- the vehicle frame 56 has a plurality of structural load-bearing body frame members, including upper rails 59 ; mid-rails 62 ; a cowl bar 65 ; an upper tie bar 68 ; front hinge pillars 71 each having a forward edge 72 ; and front wheelhouses 74 having shock towers 75 .
- Some of the load-bearing body-frame members partially form a front compartment 77 .
- a bulkhead 78 separates the front compartment 77 from a passenger space 79 .
- the upper rails 59 extend substantially longitudinally from the front hinge pillars 71 forward to the upper tie bar 68 , and partially define the upper extent of the front compartment 77 .
- the upper tie bar 68 is a cross member that extends substantially transversely and partially defines the upper and forward extent of the front compartment 77 .
- the cowl bar 65 is a cross member that extends substantially transversely and partially defines the upper and rearward extent of the front compartment 77 .
- Mid-rails 62 also referred to as “lower rails,” extend substantially longitudinally at a lower height than the upper rails 59 .
- the mid-rails 62 are inboard of the upper rails 59 to accommodate wheels.
- Front wheelhouses 74 extend from the mid-rails 62 to the upper rails 59 .
- Shock towers 75 house various suspension components (not shown).
- the front compartment 77 may be an “engine compartment” used to house various vehicular components, including steering system components, braking system components, and powerplant components.
- the vehicle may employ any powerplant, such as a conventional internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a fuel cell, a hybrid-electric system, etc.
- the upper rails 59 , front hinge pillars 71 , shock towers 75 , and upper tie bar 68 each include complementary attachment couplings 80 engageable with, and positioned to align with, the attachment couplings 53 on the inner panel.
- the complementary attachment couplings 80 are holes through which threaded bolts (not shown) are placed to engage the clinch nuts 53 on the body panel assembly 20 .
- the attachment couplings 53 , 80 are preferably releasably engageable so that the body panel assembly 20 is removable in the event that vehicular componentry in the front compartment 77 requires repair or replacement.
- the vehicle frame 56 depicted includes complementary attachment couplings 80 on the cowl bar 65 which may be used with a body panel assembly having corresponding clinch nuts.
- the body panel assembly 20 preferably, as depicted, does not include clinch nuts that align with complementary attachment couplings on the cowl bar. It may be preferable for the attachment couplings on the inner panel to be strikers and for the complementary attachment couplings to be latches to facilitate installation and removal of the body panel assembly 20 .
- the body panel is shown in phantom 20 ⁇ rigidly mounted with respect to each of the upper rails 59 , front hinge pillars 71 , shock towers 75 , and upper tie bar 68 such that the body panel assembly 20 , and correspondingly the inner panel and the outer panel, substantially abut the cowl 65 , a lower front cross member 84 that functions as a bumper, and rocker panels 88 .
- the front cross member 84 that functions as a bumper is rigidly attached to the lower rails 62 in the embodiment depicted.
- a “bumper” may be mounted to the frame 56 via energy-absorbers so that the bumper is movable relative to the frame 56 in an impact.
- a movable bumper may be preferable in order to satisfy regulations governing bumper performance.
- the inner panel and the outer panel 27 of the body panel assembly 20 depend generally downwardly from the hood portion 23 to abut the bumper 84 .
- the inner panel and the outer panel extend forward of the bumper 84 to thereby conceal the bumper 84 from view from the exterior of the vehicle.
- the forward edges 72 of the front hinge pillars 71 substantially continuously abut the inner panel and the outer panel of the body panel assembly 20 .
- Each front wheel opening 28 of the vehicle is substantially entirely defined by the outer panel 27 of the body panel 20 , including substantially the entire rearward edge 89 of each wheel opening 28 .
- the body panel assembly 20 is “rigidly mounted” with respect to a frame member if a connection or fastening device fastening the body panel assembly 20 to the frame member is configured to bear and transfer loads and moments between the body panel assembly 20 and the frame member irrespective of load vector.
- the body panel assembly 20 would not be rigidly mounted to a frame member if the only locking or fastening element interjacent the body panel and the frame member is a hinge; by design, a hinge cannot support a moment, and the body panel assembly 20 could pivot relative to the frame member.
- the body panel assembly 20 is preferably rigidly mounted with respect to frame members, it is within the scope of the claimed invention to non-rigidly mount the body panel assembly with respect to frame members.
- hinges may be employed in conjunction with at least one latch to pivotably connect the body panel assembly to the vehicle frame.
- the loads borne by the frame members are smaller than those of conventional vehicles because the load-bearing body panel assembly 20 distributes loads among the frame members.
- the frame members need not be as large or prominent as they are in the prior art.
- the upper rails 59 , cowl bar 65 , and upper tie bar 68 each have an open section form, as opposed to a closed box form found in the prior art.
- FIG. 4 shows the front and partial right side of the vehicle frame 56 and body panel assembly 20 .
- a vehicle frame 56 ′ with an alternative frame configuration is schematically depicted.
- the vehicle frame 56 ′ does not have upper rails or an upper tie bar.
- the body panel assembly 20 ′ is rigidly mounted to the front hinge pillars 71 , shock towers 75 , and upper front mounting brackets 90 (some of the clinch nuts 53 on the body panel assembly 20 , 20 ′ depicted in FIGS. 2-4 are not depicted in FIG. 5 for clarity).
- the body panel assembly 20 ⁇ functions as a structural member, transferring loads between the front hinge pillars 71 , the upper front mounting brackets 90 , and the front wheelhouses 74 , and replaces an upper tie bar and upper rails found in conventional vehicles.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic depiction of yet another vehicle frame 56 ′′ configuration and a body panel assembly 20 ′′.
- the vehicle frame 56 ′′ is characterized by the absence of an upper tie bar and upper rails.
- a latch 92 is mounted at each front hinge pillar 71 .
- the body panel assembly 20 ′′ is substantially similar to the body panel assembly 20 of FIGS. 1-5 , except that body panel assembly 20 ′′ does not include clinch nuts. Rather, body panel assembly 20 ′′ is mounted to the lower front cross member 84 with a pair of hinges 91 so that the body panel assembly 20 ′′ is pivotable about the hinges between a closed position and an open position (shown as 20 ′′′).
- the body panel assembly includes a striker 93 attached thereto and positioned to engage latch 92 when the body panel assembly 20 ′′ is in the closed position.
- the body panel assembly 20 ′′ is operatively connected to the vehicle frame 56 ′′ without the use of any fastening or locking elements at any upper frame components. More specifically, the body panel assembly 20 ′′ is operatively connected to the vehicle frame 56 ′′ at points other than on a cowl bar, upper tie bar or other upper cross member, and upper rails. Rigid fasteners may similarly be employed at the lower front cross member 84 and front hinge pillars 71 to rigidly fasten the body panel assembly 20 ′′ to the vehicle frame 56 ′′.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic depiction of the vehicle frame 56 with the body panel assembly 20 rigidly mounted to frame members.
- the hood portion 23 extends above and across the front compartment, thereby protecting vehicular components contained therein, including a powerplant 94 .
- the powerplant 94 and other underhood vehicular components are preferably designed to perform for a significant amount of time without requiring repair or replacement.
- the powerplant 94 is preferably configured to operate without repair or replacement for the first one hundred thousand miles of vehicle travel.
- the body panel assembly 20 does not exhibit overslam travel because it is rigidly mounted to the vehicle frame members. Since the body panel assembly 20 is rigidly mounted to frame members, access to battery terminals for battery recharging or jump-starts, oil fill, windshield solvent fill, and powerplant coolant fill is preferably provided in a location that does not require the removal of the body panel assembly 20 . For example, access may be provided in a trunk area, or behind a removable or retractable panel in the front of the vehicle.
- FIG. 8 wherein like reference numbers refer to like components from FIGS. 1-7 , an alternative embodiment of the body panel assembly 20 A is mounted with respect to a chassis 96 .
- Body panel assembly 20 A is substantially similar to the body panel assembly 20 depicted in FIG. 1 , but has different attachment couplings.
- the chassis 96 is self-contained and has substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least an energy conversion system, a suspension and wheels, a steering system, and a braking system.
- the chassis has a simplified, and preferably standardized, interface with connection components to which bodies of substantially varying design can be attached. X-by-wire technology is preferably utilized to eliminate mechanical control linkages.
- the chassis 96 is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/205,007, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/202,998, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
- the chassis 96 has a substantially horizontal upper chassis face 97 achieved by distributing chassis systems throughout a chassis structural frame (not shown).
- Load-bearing body-retention couplings 98 are engageable with complementary attachment couplings 102 on a vehicle body or vehicle body part, such as body panel assembly 20 A, and function to physically fasten the vehicle body part 20 A to the chassis 96 .
- the load-bearing body-retention couplings 98 are support brackets with bolt holes
- the complementary attachment couplings 102 are brackets with bolt holes.
- a bolt and nut (not shown) are used to join a load-bearing body-retention coupling 98 and a complementary attachment coupling 102 .
- the front compartment 77 ′ is primarily defined by the body panel assembly 20 A, and may be a portion of an occupiable passenger space if a bulkhead is not employed to close out the front compartment 77 ′.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/305,379 filed on Nov. 26, 2002 entitled “Load-Bearing Body Panel Assembly for a Motor Vehicle”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- This invention relates to vehicle body panels that have a hood portion and two fender portions at least partially defined by a unitary inner panel and a unitary outer panel.
- A typical prior art vehicle body includes a hood and two fenders. The hood and two fenders are mounted to various vehicle frame members such as upper rails, a cowl bar, and an upper tie bar.
- A body panel for a vehicle is provided. The body panel has a hood portion and two fender portions. A unitary, i.e., one-piece, outer panel at least partially defines the hood portion and the two fender portions. A unitary, one-piece inner panel is operatively connected to the outer panel and further defines the hood portion and the two fender portions. The inner panel is preferably configured with sufficient strength such that the body panel does not require the use of reinforcement members.
- The body panel is also preferably configured to be a load-bearing vehicle frame portion, reducing or replacing prior art frame members such as upper rails and upper tie bars. The body panel would thus replace a significant number of parts, components and subcomponents found in prior art vehicle bodies with a single integrated body panel comprising the unitary inner panel and the outer panel.
- The elimination of frame members reduces the quantity of “hard” locations on a vehicle front end and correspondingly increases the quantity of deformable, energy-absorbing areas. The consolidation of fenders and hood into an integrated body panel eliminates the hard points formed at the seams between body panels in some prior art vehicles. The body panel also enables the placement of fastening elements such as hinges and/or latches near front hinge pillars instead of along a cowl and upper tie bar.
- A method of manufacturing a body panel is also provided. The method includes forming an outer panel and an inner panel using a process selected from the group consisting of sheet hydroforming, superplastic forming, and quick plastic forming, and connecting the inner panel to the outer panel. The inner panel and the outer panel each partially define a hood portion and two fender portions of the body panel.
- The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a structural load-bearing body panel in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an inner panel of the body panel ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle frame in an attachment scenario with the body panel ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is another schematic perspective view of the vehicle frame ofFIG. 3 in an attachment scenario with the body panel ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative vehicle frame structure in an attachment scenario with the body panel ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative body panel configuration-pivotably mounted to yet another alternative vehicle frame structure; -
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the body panel ofFIG. 1 rigidly mounted to a vehicle frame; and -
FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative body panel configuration mounted to a substantially flat chassis. -
FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of abody panel assembly 20 having ahood portion 23 configured to extend generally horizontally above and over a vehicle front compartment, andfender portions 26 extending generally vertically from opposite sides of thehood portion 23. Thebody panel assembly 20 is preferably configured to be a structural load-bearing vehicle frame portion which rigidly mounts to body frame members to transfer loads therebetween. However, within the scope of the claimed invention, thebody panel assembly 20 need not be a structural load-bearing member. - An
outer panel 27 partially defines thehood portion 23 and thefender portions 26. Theouter panel 27 also defines part of the exterior surface of thebody panel assembly 20 and partially defines the exterior surface of a vehicle. Theouter panel 27 defines twowheel openings 28 along portions of the outer panelperipheral edge 29. Thebody panel assembly 20 is preferably a preassembled unit and includes agrill 30 andheadlights 31. - The
outer panel 27 is fastened to aninner panel 32, depicted schematically inFIG. 2 . Theouter panel 27 and theinner panel 32 preferably substantially continuously abut one another at their respectiveperipheral edges peripheral edge 33 abuts the outer panelperipheral edge 29. In the context of the present invention, “abut” means to touch or to be closely adjacent without touching. Those skilled in the art will recognize a variety of fastening techniques that may be used to fasten the outer panel to theinner panel 32, such as adhesive bonding, laser welding, etc. In the preferred embodiment, hemming is employed to fasten the inner panel to the outer panel. Theinner panel 32 further defines the hood portion and the fender portions. - The
inner panel 32 serves as a structural member for the body panel assembly. Theinner panel 32 is characterized by channel-shaped formations 35 configured to provide theinner panel 32 with structural integrity. Some of the formations are configured to bear or transfer loads that certain specific frame elements on a vehicle typically bear or transfer; these formations are configured to act as vehicle frame members that are an integral part of the body panel assembly. Integral frame member formations include an integraltie bar formation 38, integralupper rail formations 41, and an integralcowl bar formation 44. Aformation 47 in each of the fender portions is configured to improve the structural rigidity of the fender portion and for bearing loads from front hinge pillars (not shown). - The integral frame member formations may be used in conjunction with a corresponding non-integral vehicle frame member to assist the non-integral frame member, or the integral frame member may entirely replace the corresponding non-integral frame member. For example, the integral
upper rail formations 41 may be used with upper rails, facilitating the use of smaller, less prominent upper rails, or the integral upper rail formations may facilitate the elimination of upper rails in a vehicle body by performing the functions of upper rails. Theformations Formations 50 are configured to absorb energy in the event of a frontal impact. - The
inner panel 32 preferably definesholes 52 betweenformations -
Clinch nuts 53 mounted to theinner panel 32 serve as attachment couplings configured to rigidly mount thebody panel assembly 20 to load-bearing frame members on a vehicle. Those skilled in the art will recognize a variety of rigid and releasable fasteners and fastening systems that may be employed to enable thebody panel assembly 20 to receive and transfer loads to and from the frame members to which it is attached. - The outer panel and the inner panel are each one piece. Those skilled in the art will recognize a variety of materials that may be employed within the scope of the claimed invention to form the inner panel and the outer panel, such as metals, plastics, composites, etc. Those skilled in the art will also recognize a variety of forming techniques that may be employed within the scope of the claimed invention to form the contours of the inner panel and the outer panel, such as stamping, injection molding, etc. However, the inner panel and the outer panel are preferably formed using sheet hydroforming, quick plastic forming, or superplastic forming so that their shapes are more complex than shapes that are generally achievable with stamping. Quick plastic forming is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,588, issued Jul. 3, 2001 to Rashid, et al, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Superplastic forming is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,847, issued Nov. 2, 1999 to Saunders, et al, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
-
FIG. 3 , wherein like reference numbers refer to like components fromFIGS. 1 and 2 , is a schematic perspective illustration of the front and partial left side of avehicle frame 56 forming part of a vehicle. Thevehicle frame 56 has a plurality of structural load-bearing body frame members, includingupper rails 59; mid-rails 62; acowl bar 65; anupper tie bar 68;front hinge pillars 71 each having aforward edge 72; andfront wheelhouses 74 having shock towers 75. Some of the load-bearing body-frame members partially form afront compartment 77. Abulkhead 78 separates thefront compartment 77 from apassenger space 79. - The upper rails 59 extend substantially longitudinally from the
front hinge pillars 71 forward to theupper tie bar 68, and partially define the upper extent of thefront compartment 77. Theupper tie bar 68 is a cross member that extends substantially transversely and partially defines the upper and forward extent of thefront compartment 77. Thecowl bar 65 is a cross member that extends substantially transversely and partially defines the upper and rearward extent of thefront compartment 77. Mid-rails 62, also referred to as “lower rails,” extend substantially longitudinally at a lower height than the upper rails 59. The mid-rails 62 are inboard of theupper rails 59 to accommodate wheels.Front wheelhouses 74 extend from the mid-rails 62 to the upper rails 59. Shock towers 75 house various suspension components (not shown). - The
front compartment 77 may be an “engine compartment” used to house various vehicular components, including steering system components, braking system components, and powerplant components. Within the scope of the claimed invention, the vehicle may employ any powerplant, such as a conventional internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a fuel cell, a hybrid-electric system, etc. - The upper rails 59,
front hinge pillars 71, shock towers 75, andupper tie bar 68 each includecomplementary attachment couplings 80 engageable with, and positioned to align with, the attachment couplings 53 on the inner panel. In the embodiment depicted, thecomplementary attachment couplings 80 are holes through which threaded bolts (not shown) are placed to engage theclinch nuts 53 on thebody panel assembly 20. The attachment couplings 53, 80 are preferably releasably engageable so that thebody panel assembly 20 is removable in the event that vehicular componentry in thefront compartment 77 requires repair or replacement. Thevehicle frame 56 depicted includescomplementary attachment couplings 80 on thecowl bar 65 which may be used with a body panel assembly having corresponding clinch nuts. However, thebody panel assembly 20 preferably, as depicted, does not include clinch nuts that align with complementary attachment couplings on the cowl bar. It may be preferable for the attachment couplings on the inner panel to be strikers and for the complementary attachment couplings to be latches to facilitate installation and removal of thebody panel assembly 20. - The body panel is shown in
phantom 20□ rigidly mounted with respect to each of theupper rails 59,front hinge pillars 71, shock towers 75, andupper tie bar 68 such that thebody panel assembly 20, and correspondingly the inner panel and the outer panel, substantially abut thecowl 65, a lowerfront cross member 84 that functions as a bumper, androcker panels 88. Thefront cross member 84 that functions as a bumper is rigidly attached to thelower rails 62 in the embodiment depicted. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that, within the scope of the claimed invention, a “bumper” may be mounted to theframe 56 via energy-absorbers so that the bumper is movable relative to theframe 56 in an impact. A movable bumper may be preferable in order to satisfy regulations governing bumper performance. - The inner panel and the
outer panel 27 of thebody panel assembly 20 depend generally downwardly from thehood portion 23 to abut thebumper 84. The inner panel and the outer panel extend forward of thebumper 84 to thereby conceal thebumper 84 from view from the exterior of the vehicle. The forward edges 72 of thefront hinge pillars 71 substantially continuously abut the inner panel and the outer panel of thebody panel assembly 20. Each front wheel opening 28 of the vehicle is substantially entirely defined by theouter panel 27 of thebody panel 20, including substantially the entirerearward edge 89 of eachwheel opening 28. - In the context of the present invention, the
body panel assembly 20 is “rigidly mounted” with respect to a frame member if a connection or fastening device fastening thebody panel assembly 20 to the frame member is configured to bear and transfer loads and moments between thebody panel assembly 20 and the frame member irrespective of load vector. For example, thebody panel assembly 20 would not be rigidly mounted to a frame member if the only locking or fastening element interjacent the body panel and the frame member is a hinge; by design, a hinge cannot support a moment, and thebody panel assembly 20 could pivot relative to the frame member. Although thebody panel assembly 20 is preferably rigidly mounted with respect to frame members, it is within the scope of the claimed invention to non-rigidly mount the body panel assembly with respect to frame members. For example, hinges may be employed in conjunction with at least one latch to pivotably connect the body panel assembly to the vehicle frame. - The loads borne by the frame members are smaller than those of conventional vehicles because the load-bearing
body panel assembly 20 distributes loads among the frame members. As a result, the frame members need not be as large or prominent as they are in the prior art. For example, theupper rails 59,cowl bar 65, andupper tie bar 68 each have an open section form, as opposed to a closed box form found in the prior art. -
FIG. 4 , wherein like reference numbers refer to like components fromFIGS. 1-3 , shows the front and partial right side of thevehicle frame 56 andbody panel assembly 20. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , wherein like reference numbers refer to like components fromFIGS. 1-4 , avehicle frame 56′ with an alternative frame configuration is schematically depicted. Thevehicle frame 56′ does not have upper rails or an upper tie bar. Thebody panel assembly 20′ is rigidly mounted to thefront hinge pillars 71, shock towers 75, and upper front mounting brackets 90 (some of theclinch nuts 53 on thebody panel assembly FIGS. 2-4 are not depicted inFIG. 5 for clarity). Thebody panel assembly 20□ functions as a structural member, transferring loads between thefront hinge pillars 71, the upperfront mounting brackets 90, and thefront wheelhouses 74, and replaces an upper tie bar and upper rails found in conventional vehicles. -
FIG. 6 , wherein like reference numbers refer to like components fromFIGS. 1-5 , is a schematic depiction of yet anothervehicle frame 56″ configuration and abody panel assembly 20″. Thevehicle frame 56″ is characterized by the absence of an upper tie bar and upper rails. Alatch 92 is mounted at eachfront hinge pillar 71. Thebody panel assembly 20″ is substantially similar to thebody panel assembly 20 ofFIGS. 1-5 , except thatbody panel assembly 20″ does not include clinch nuts. Rather,body panel assembly 20″ is mounted to the lowerfront cross member 84 with a pair ofhinges 91 so that thebody panel assembly 20″ is pivotable about the hinges between a closed position and an open position (shown as 20′″). The body panel assembly includes astriker 93 attached thereto and positioned to engagelatch 92 when thebody panel assembly 20″ is in the closed position. Thebody panel assembly 20″ is operatively connected to thevehicle frame 56″ without the use of any fastening or locking elements at any upper frame components. More specifically, thebody panel assembly 20″ is operatively connected to thevehicle frame 56″ at points other than on a cowl bar, upper tie bar or other upper cross member, and upper rails. Rigid fasteners may similarly be employed at the lowerfront cross member 84 andfront hinge pillars 71 to rigidly fasten thebody panel assembly 20″ to thevehicle frame 56″. -
FIG. 7 , wherein like reference numbers refer to like components fromFIGS. 1-6 , is a schematic depiction of thevehicle frame 56 with thebody panel assembly 20 rigidly mounted to frame members. Thehood portion 23 extends above and across the front compartment, thereby protecting vehicular components contained therein, including apowerplant 94. Thepowerplant 94 and other underhood vehicular components are preferably designed to perform for a significant amount of time without requiring repair or replacement. Thepowerplant 94 is preferably configured to operate without repair or replacement for the first one hundred thousand miles of vehicle travel. - The
body panel assembly 20 does not exhibit overslam travel because it is rigidly mounted to the vehicle frame members. Since thebody panel assembly 20 is rigidly mounted to frame members, access to battery terminals for battery recharging or jump-starts, oil fill, windshield solvent fill, and powerplant coolant fill is preferably provided in a location that does not require the removal of thebody panel assembly 20. For example, access may be provided in a trunk area, or behind a removable or retractable panel in the front of the vehicle. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , wherein like reference numbers refer to like components fromFIGS. 1-7 , an alternative embodiment of thebody panel assembly 20A is mounted with respect to achassis 96.Body panel assembly 20A is substantially similar to thebody panel assembly 20 depicted inFIG. 1 , but has different attachment couplings. Thechassis 96 is self-contained and has substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least an energy conversion system, a suspension and wheels, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis has a simplified, and preferably standardized, interface with connection components to which bodies of substantially varying design can be attached. X-by-wire technology is preferably utilized to eliminate mechanical control linkages. Thechassis 96 is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/205,007, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/202,998, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. - The
chassis 96 has a substantially horizontalupper chassis face 97 achieved by distributing chassis systems throughout a chassis structural frame (not shown). Load-bearing body-retention couplings 98 are engageable withcomplementary attachment couplings 102 on a vehicle body or vehicle body part, such asbody panel assembly 20A, and function to physically fasten thevehicle body part 20A to thechassis 96. In the embodiment depicted, the load-bearing body-retention couplings 98 are support brackets with bolt holes, and thecomplementary attachment couplings 102 are brackets with bolt holes. A bolt and nut (not shown) are used to join a load-bearing body-retention coupling 98 and acomplementary attachment coupling 102. - The
front compartment 77′ is primarily defined by thebody panel assembly 20A, and may be a portion of an occupiable passenger space if a bulkhead is not employed to close out thefront compartment 77′. - As set forth in the claims, various features shown and described in accordance with the different embodiments of the invention illustrated may be combined.
- While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the scope of the invention within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (24)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/611,367 US6846038B1 (en) | 2002-11-26 | 2003-07-01 | Integral vehicle front assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/305,379 US6793275B1 (en) | 2001-11-27 | 2002-11-26 | Load-bearing body panel assembly for a motor vehicle |
US10/611,367 US6846038B1 (en) | 2002-11-26 | 2003-07-01 | Integral vehicle front assembly |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/305,379 Continuation-In-Part US6793275B1 (en) | 2001-11-27 | 2002-11-26 | Load-bearing body panel assembly for a motor vehicle |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050001452A1 true US20050001452A1 (en) | 2005-01-06 |
US6846038B1 US6846038B1 (en) | 2005-01-25 |
Family
ID=32392445
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/611,367 Expired - Fee Related US6846038B1 (en) | 2002-11-26 | 2003-07-01 | Integral vehicle front assembly |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6846038B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2002362067A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004048183A1 (en) |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060020347A1 (en) * | 2004-03-08 | 2006-01-26 | Michael Barrett | Implanted bronchial isolation devices and methods |
US20060030863A1 (en) * | 2004-07-21 | 2006-02-09 | Fields Antony J | Implanted bronchial isolation device delivery devices and methods |
US20080272518A1 (en) * | 2007-05-03 | 2008-11-06 | International Truck Intellectual Property Company, Llc | Method of compression molding motor vehicle components and parts made therefrom |
EP2433851A1 (en) * | 2010-09-27 | 2012-03-28 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Vehicular closure |
DE102010035367A1 (en) * | 2010-08-25 | 2012-04-26 | Audi Ag | Crash energy absorbing arrangement for a motor vehicle with hybrid drive or electric machine |
US20140062136A1 (en) * | 2012-09-06 | 2014-03-06 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Laser welded structural fender inner blank for mass optimization |
CN105172728A (en) * | 2015-07-03 | 2015-12-23 | 力帆实业(集团)股份有限公司 | Automobile and automobile body thereof |
US9393922B2 (en) * | 2014-05-23 | 2016-07-19 | Google Inc. | Devices and methods for an energy-absorbing end of a vehicle |
US9415812B2 (en) * | 2014-04-09 | 2016-08-16 | Kobe Steel, Ltd. | Vehicle hood |
FR3059957A1 (en) * | 2016-12-13 | 2018-06-15 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | FRONT FRAME STRUCTURE OF MOTOR VEHICLE |
US20230056479A1 (en) * | 2021-08-17 | 2023-02-23 | Hyundai Motor Company | Hood-integrated vehicle body |
Families Citing this family (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP3976197B2 (en) * | 2003-10-08 | 2007-09-12 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Front body structure of automobile |
DE102004035421A1 (en) * | 2004-07-21 | 2006-03-16 | Adam Opel Ag | Automobile front hood, over the motor compartment, has an inner structure of ribs in a spider web arrangement to give greater stiffness at the center than at the edges |
US7416038B2 (en) * | 2005-02-04 | 2008-08-26 | International Truck Intellectual Property Company, Llc | Tubular hinge bar |
JP4719039B2 (en) * | 2006-03-15 | 2011-07-06 | 株式会社神戸製鋼所 | Automotive hood |
US7815249B2 (en) * | 2006-08-28 | 2010-10-19 | Alcoa Inc. | Lightweight hybrid material truck hood |
US20080105023A1 (en) * | 2006-11-08 | 2008-05-08 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Method of forming a panel from a metal alloy sheet |
JP4575939B2 (en) * | 2007-07-27 | 2010-11-04 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Trunk lid skeleton structure |
US7726725B2 (en) * | 2007-08-09 | 2010-06-01 | Magna International Inc. | Vacuum-formed “firm-feel” reinforcement for bumper fascias |
US8113541B2 (en) * | 2008-04-04 | 2012-02-14 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Vehicle supplemental restraint system configuration and method |
DE102008026996B4 (en) * | 2008-06-05 | 2022-10-20 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Assembly for mounting a headlight |
US7950730B2 (en) * | 2009-09-04 | 2011-05-31 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Front end assemblies for vehicles |
US8302717B2 (en) * | 2009-11-09 | 2012-11-06 | Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Utility vehicle |
WO2011097791A1 (en) * | 2010-02-09 | 2011-08-18 | Basf (China) Company Limited | Engine hood |
RU2527586C1 (en) * | 2010-12-03 | 2014-09-10 | Ниссан Мотор Ко., Лтд. | Hood inner panel |
US9481402B1 (en) | 2015-05-26 | 2016-11-01 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Methods and apparatus for supporting vehicle components |
EP3381771B1 (en) * | 2017-03-27 | 2021-03-24 | SABIC Global Technologies B.V. | Integrated vehicle hood |
CN111757824B (en) | 2018-01-26 | 2022-07-19 | Sabic环球技术有限责任公司 | Front panel assembly for electric vehicle |
Citations (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US670274A (en) * | 1900-02-02 | 1901-03-19 | John Floyd | Switch for suspended electric conductors. |
US2139750A (en) * | 1935-10-21 | 1938-12-13 | Chrysler Corp | Motor vehicle |
US2533752A (en) * | 1945-04-09 | 1950-12-12 | Alamagny Marcel Antoin Clement | Automobile vehicle |
US2569218A (en) * | 1947-04-22 | 1951-09-25 | Jr William D Bailey | Vehicle hood and bumper construction |
US2606625A (en) * | 1947-09-16 | 1952-08-12 | Clyde R Paton | Motor vehicle bonnet-fender |
US2936842A (en) * | 1958-10-24 | 1960-05-17 | William C Fallin | Automotive vehicle body construction |
US3730582A (en) * | 1971-09-13 | 1973-05-01 | Lieffring Ind Inc | Vehicle modification front end portion of an automobile |
USD251725S (en) * | 1976-02-20 | 1979-05-01 | Cesaro Robert S | Combined automobile hood, fender and front head light assembly |
US4359119A (en) * | 1979-05-04 | 1982-11-16 | New York Development Consultants, Ltd. | Spring-assisted elongated mass over-center system |
US4530412A (en) * | 1984-04-12 | 1985-07-23 | General Motors Corporation | Vehicle hood support and secondary latch |
US4832399A (en) * | 1986-09-09 | 1989-05-23 | Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Front body for four wheeled vehicle operated by a driver in sitting posture |
US5115878A (en) * | 1989-07-26 | 1992-05-26 | Mazda Motor Corporation | Hood structure for a vehicle |
US5605371A (en) * | 1994-04-25 | 1997-02-25 | Inland Steel Company | Light weight steel auto body construction |
US5806620A (en) * | 1995-10-27 | 1998-09-15 | Chrysler Corporation | Unitary one-piece automobile hood, fascia, and front fender assembly |
US6048022A (en) * | 1996-10-25 | 2000-04-11 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Panel made of synthetic resin for automobile |
US6196621B1 (en) * | 2000-05-24 | 2001-03-06 | Daimlerchrysler Corporation | Apparatus for transferring impact energy from a tire and wheel assembly of a motor vehicle to a sill |
US6422643B1 (en) * | 2001-12-12 | 2002-07-23 | Guardian Industries Corp. | System for attaching front grill or other trim component to vehicle |
US20030141746A1 (en) * | 2002-01-26 | 2003-07-31 | Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Ag | Body of a motor vehicle |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2723154A (en) * | 1949-01-10 | 1955-11-08 | Barenyi Bcla | Motor car body formed from a base and a top section |
US5000997A (en) * | 1989-02-06 | 1991-03-19 | The Budd Company | Method for making a painted part and part made thereby |
DE4422498C1 (en) * | 1994-06-28 | 1995-10-19 | Porsche Ag | Body structure of a passenger car |
ZA973413B (en) * | 1996-04-30 | 1998-10-21 | Autokinetics Inc | Modular vehicle frame |
JP3531789B2 (en) * | 1998-05-13 | 2004-05-31 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Car hood |
JP2000108938A (en) * | 1998-09-30 | 2000-04-18 | Fuji Heavy Ind Ltd | Front body construction of automobile |
US6513617B2 (en) * | 2000-07-26 | 2003-02-04 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Vehicle hood apparatus |
-
2002
- 2002-12-06 WO PCT/US2002/038927 patent/WO2004048183A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2002-12-06 AU AU2002362067A patent/AU2002362067A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2003
- 2003-07-01 US US10/611,367 patent/US6846038B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US670274A (en) * | 1900-02-02 | 1901-03-19 | John Floyd | Switch for suspended electric conductors. |
US2139750A (en) * | 1935-10-21 | 1938-12-13 | Chrysler Corp | Motor vehicle |
US2533752A (en) * | 1945-04-09 | 1950-12-12 | Alamagny Marcel Antoin Clement | Automobile vehicle |
US2569218A (en) * | 1947-04-22 | 1951-09-25 | Jr William D Bailey | Vehicle hood and bumper construction |
US2606625A (en) * | 1947-09-16 | 1952-08-12 | Clyde R Paton | Motor vehicle bonnet-fender |
US2936842A (en) * | 1958-10-24 | 1960-05-17 | William C Fallin | Automotive vehicle body construction |
US3730582A (en) * | 1971-09-13 | 1973-05-01 | Lieffring Ind Inc | Vehicle modification front end portion of an automobile |
USD251725S (en) * | 1976-02-20 | 1979-05-01 | Cesaro Robert S | Combined automobile hood, fender and front head light assembly |
US4359119A (en) * | 1979-05-04 | 1982-11-16 | New York Development Consultants, Ltd. | Spring-assisted elongated mass over-center system |
US4530412A (en) * | 1984-04-12 | 1985-07-23 | General Motors Corporation | Vehicle hood support and secondary latch |
US4832399A (en) * | 1986-09-09 | 1989-05-23 | Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Front body for four wheeled vehicle operated by a driver in sitting posture |
US5115878A (en) * | 1989-07-26 | 1992-05-26 | Mazda Motor Corporation | Hood structure for a vehicle |
US5605371A (en) * | 1994-04-25 | 1997-02-25 | Inland Steel Company | Light weight steel auto body construction |
US5806620A (en) * | 1995-10-27 | 1998-09-15 | Chrysler Corporation | Unitary one-piece automobile hood, fascia, and front fender assembly |
US6048022A (en) * | 1996-10-25 | 2000-04-11 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Panel made of synthetic resin for automobile |
US6196621B1 (en) * | 2000-05-24 | 2001-03-06 | Daimlerchrysler Corporation | Apparatus for transferring impact energy from a tire and wheel assembly of a motor vehicle to a sill |
US6422643B1 (en) * | 2001-12-12 | 2002-07-23 | Guardian Industries Corp. | System for attaching front grill or other trim component to vehicle |
US20030141746A1 (en) * | 2002-01-26 | 2003-07-31 | Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Ag | Body of a motor vehicle |
Cited By (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060020347A1 (en) * | 2004-03-08 | 2006-01-26 | Michael Barrett | Implanted bronchial isolation devices and methods |
US20060030863A1 (en) * | 2004-07-21 | 2006-02-09 | Fields Antony J | Implanted bronchial isolation device delivery devices and methods |
US20080272518A1 (en) * | 2007-05-03 | 2008-11-06 | International Truck Intellectual Property Company, Llc | Method of compression molding motor vehicle components and parts made therefrom |
US7789179B2 (en) * | 2007-05-03 | 2010-09-07 | International Truck Intellectual Property Company, Llc | Method of compression molding motor vehicle components and parts made therefrom |
US20100276843A1 (en) * | 2007-05-03 | 2010-11-04 | International Truck Intellectual Property Company, Llc | Method Of Compression Molding Motor Vehicle Components And Parts Made Therefrom |
DE102010035367A1 (en) * | 2010-08-25 | 2012-04-26 | Audi Ag | Crash energy absorbing arrangement for a motor vehicle with hybrid drive or electric machine |
DE102010035367B4 (en) * | 2010-08-25 | 2021-06-24 | Audi Ag | Crash energy-absorbing arrangement for a motor vehicle with hybrid drive or electric drive |
EP2433851A1 (en) * | 2010-09-27 | 2012-03-28 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Vehicular closure |
US20140062136A1 (en) * | 2012-09-06 | 2014-03-06 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Laser welded structural fender inner blank for mass optimization |
US9415812B2 (en) * | 2014-04-09 | 2016-08-16 | Kobe Steel, Ltd. | Vehicle hood |
US9393922B2 (en) * | 2014-05-23 | 2016-07-19 | Google Inc. | Devices and methods for an energy-absorbing end of a vehicle |
CN105172728A (en) * | 2015-07-03 | 2015-12-23 | 力帆实业(集团)股份有限公司 | Automobile and automobile body thereof |
FR3059957A1 (en) * | 2016-12-13 | 2018-06-15 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | FRONT FRAME STRUCTURE OF MOTOR VEHICLE |
US20230056479A1 (en) * | 2021-08-17 | 2023-02-23 | Hyundai Motor Company | Hood-integrated vehicle body |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2002362067A1 (en) | 2004-06-18 |
US6846038B1 (en) | 2005-01-25 |
WO2004048183A1 (en) | 2004-06-10 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6846038B1 (en) | Integral vehicle front assembly | |
AT522671B1 (en) | Vehicle body platform for an automobile and automobile comprising such a vehicle body platform | |
US11235807B2 (en) | Rear vehicle-body structure of vehicle | |
JP5176460B2 (en) | Automotive front structure | |
US7287614B2 (en) | Engine compartment cover | |
US11110787B2 (en) | Structural enhancements of an electric vehicle | |
US6793275B1 (en) | Load-bearing body panel assembly for a motor vehicle | |
US20230364977A1 (en) | Electric vehicle battery tray bracket | |
US11952039B2 (en) | Vehicle frame for electric vehicle | |
US11964696B2 (en) | Structural frame for the body of a motor vehicle | |
JP2898339B2 (en) | Vehicle front body structure and vehicle body assembly method | |
US11299210B2 (en) | Structural integration brace for front vehicle compartment | |
CN113733835B (en) | Shock absorbing cover system configuration for front windshield of front axle | |
JP2997332B2 (en) | How to assemble a car body | |
JP2933659B2 (en) | How to assemble the front body of a car | |
CN117048709A (en) | Cabin boundary beam assembly and vehicle before vehicle | |
JP2760537B2 (en) | Automobile manufacturing method | |
KR20230022533A (en) | Floor structure of rear body | |
JP2023051648A (en) | Vehicle body front part structure | |
DE102011103475A1 (en) | Front end module for passenger vehicle, has base support member, which has receiving openings corresponding to longitudinal support members, where longitudinal support members are partially inserted in respective receiving opening | |
CN117774873A (en) | Bumper assembly including a resettable energy absorber | |
KR20130101895A (en) | Automobile |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WHITE, TOMMY E.;CHERNOFF, ADRIAN B.;REEL/FRAME:014584/0712;SIGNING DATES FROM 20030720 TO 20030721 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:022117/0047 Effective date: 20050119 Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.,MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:022117/0047 Effective date: 20050119 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, DISTRICT Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022201/0547 Effective date: 20081231 Owner name: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY,DISTRICT Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022201/0547 Effective date: 20081231 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR HEDGE PRIORITY SEC Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022553/0399 Effective date: 20090409 Owner name: CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR BANK PRIORITY SECU Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022553/0399 Effective date: 20090409 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY;REEL/FRAME:023124/0470 Effective date: 20090709 Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.,MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY;REEL/FRAME:023124/0470 Effective date: 20090709 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNORS:CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR BANK PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES;CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR HEDGE PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES;REEL/FRAME:023127/0273 Effective date: 20090814 Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.,MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNORS:CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR BANK PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES;CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR HEDGE PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES;REEL/FRAME:023127/0273 Effective date: 20090814 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, DISTRICT Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023156/0001 Effective date: 20090710 Owner name: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY,DISTRICT Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023156/0001 Effective date: 20090710 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST, MICHIGAN Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023161/0911 Effective date: 20090710 Owner name: UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST,MICHIGAN Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023161/0911 Effective date: 20090710 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST;REEL/FRAME:025311/0725 Effective date: 20101026 Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY;REEL/FRAME:025245/0347 Effective date: 20100420 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, DELAWARE Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:025327/0262 Effective date: 20101027 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, MICHIGAN Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:025780/0902 Effective date: 20101202 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20170125 |