Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Kevin A Hothem

Brian E Dressel

Andrew George Bakun

Hirotomo Yamada

Brian Christopher Bray

Jason T Hardesty

Rajendra L Kakarla

Yasuyuki Shibata

Stephen G Rosepiler

Brandon David Koester

Kohji Imuta

Tony Berman

A hollow interconnecting member for connecting vehicular frame members is provided. The hollow interconnecting member is formed of a metal material and defines a centerline. The hollow interconnecting member comprises a first end and a second end. The centerline extends through the first end and the second end. A plurality of walls cooperate to define a continuous passageway that extends between the first end and the second end and defines a first opening and a second opening at the first end and the second end, respectively. The hollow interconnecting member is formed as an as-cast one-piece construction.

Casting, hollow interconnecting member for connecting vehicular frame members, and vehicular frame assembly including hollow interconnecting member

Some embodiments are directed to a vehicular energy management apparatus that includes a lower frame that defines a raised portion disposed longitudinally between a vehicular power source and fuel system components. The raised portion can include an inclined portion defining an acute angle relative to the longitudinal direction, and disposed to guide movement of the power source upwardly in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and away from the components of the fuel system upon movement of the power source in the longitudinal direction. A mount assembly that mounts the power source to the lower frame is configured to fail and thereby detach the power source from the lower frame upon application of a predetermined threshold impact energy being transmitted to the power source, thereby enabling the power source to move in the longitudinal direction and resulting in dissipation of at least a portion of the impact energy.

Vehicle crash management apparatus and methods of use and manufacture thereof

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Dublin, OH, United States of America

Kevin A Hothem