The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 11, 2014
Filed:
Apr. 12, 2012
Sub-frame intrusion control by ramping during frontal impact for electric vehicle battery protection
Jonathan Richard Young, Dundee, MI (US);
Taichi Yamashita, Northville, MI (US);
Jesse Thomas Buehler, Ypsilanti, MI (US);
Naipaul Deo Ramoutar, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Gerritt Benjamin Meyers, Yspilanti, MI (US);
Jonathan Richard Young, Dundee, MI (US);
Taichi Yamashita, Northville, MI (US);
Jesse Thomas Buehler, Ypsilanti, MI (US);
Naipaul Deo Ramoutar, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Gerritt Benjamin Meyers, Yspilanti, MI (US);
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Erlanger, KY (US);
Abstract
A frame structure is adapted to absorb energy from frontal impacts and extends under a front portion of the body frame. The frame structure includes a rear sub-frame located below and in front of a pair of side frame under-members, and at least one ramp connected to the pair of side frame under-members for directing rearward sliding movement of the rear sub-frame and attached structures downwardly beneath a battery assembly. A catching surface engages a steering gear to improve energy absorption during frontal impacts. A reinforcement bracket attached to the pair of side frame under-members defines a pocket for temporarily catching the rear sub-frame providing an energy absorption path before releasing the rear sub-frame to slide past. A tether is connected between the pair of side frame under-members and the rear sub-frame for holding the rear sub-frame against the ramp to increase energy absorption.