Daimlerchrysler Corporation

Bryan Logan

Del C Schroeder

David G Speth

William W Doolittle, Iii

David M Langer

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

Lightweight vehicle frame construction using stiff torque boxes

A protective liner is provided for vehicles having a rear hatch or opening doors. The protective liner attaches to the opening of the rear hatch or opening and extends into the rear vehicle cavity protecting the vehicle interior form damage and debris when the vehicle is used for hauling lumber, logs, sand, gravel or debris.

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Farmington Hills, MI, United States of America

Bryan Logan