IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,845,710
Granted Patent B2
US 7,845,710 · App. 12/268,482 · Granted Dec 7, 2010

Underride compatibility apparatus for a vehicle

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,845,710
App. No.
12/268,482
Granted
Dec 7, 2010
Kind
B2
Abstract

An underride compatibility apparatus is provided for a vehicle structure. The apparatus includes a frame arranged to support the vehicle structure. The frame includes an energy absorption portion arranged for absorption of impact energy. The apparatus also includes a beam arranged substantially transverse to the vehicle structure, below the frame, and remote from the energy absorption portion. The apparatus also includes a flexible member configured to carry a tensile load, but not a substantial compressive load. The flexible member distributes the impact energy between the energy absorption portion and the beam when the member is loaded in tension during an underride impact, but does not affect the impact energy absorption of the energy absorption portion during a direct impact.

Claims (22)

1. An underride compatibility apparatus for a vehicle structure comprising:

a frame arranged to support the vehicle structure, the frame having an energy absorption portion arranged for absorption of impact energy;

a beam arranged substantially transverse to the vehicle structure, below the frame, and remote from the energy absorption portion; and

a flexible member configured to carry a tensile load, but not a substantial compressive load, having a first end arranged on the frame and a second end arranged on the beam, wherein the energy absorption portion is arranged between the first end and the second end;

wherein the flexible member is configured sufficiently with respect to the frame for distributing the impact energy between the energy absorption portion and the beam when the flexible member is loaded in tension during an underride impact on the vehicle, without affecting the impact energy absorption of the energy absorption portion during a direct impact on the vehicle.

2. The underride compatibility apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the flexible member is arranged to reduce displacement of the beam during the underride impact on the vehicle.

3. The underride compatibility apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the flexible member is arranged above the second end.

4. The underride compatibility apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the flexible member is arranged substantially parallel to the energy absorption portion above the beam but below the frame.

5. The underride compatibility apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the flexible member is one of a cable, a chain, and a strap.

6. The underride compatibility apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the leading portion is arranged at the front of the vehicle structure.

7. The underride compatibility apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the leading portion is arranged at the rear of the vehicle structure.

8. A vehicle comprising:

a frame arranged to support a vehicle structure, wherein the frame includes an energy absorption portion for absorption of impact energy;

a beam arranged substantially transverse to the vehicle structure, below the frame, and remote from the energy absorption portion; and

a flexible member configured to carry a tensile load, but not a compressive load, having a first end arranged on the frame and a second end arranged on the beam, wherein the energy absorption portion is arranged between the first end and the second end;

wherein the flexible member is configured sufficiently with respect to the frame for distributing the impact energy between the energy absorption portion and the beam when the flexible member is loaded in tension during an underride impact on the vehicle, without affecting the impact energy absorption of the energy absorption portion during a direct impact on the vehicle.

9. The vehicle of claim 8 , wherein the flexible member is arranged to reduce displacement of the beam during an underride impact on the vehicle.

10. The vehicle of claim 8 , wherein the first end of the flexible member is arranged above the second end.

11. The vehicle of claim 8 , wherein the flexible member is arranged substantially parallel to the energy absorption portion above the beam but below the frame.

12. The vehicle of claim 8 , wherein the flexible member is a cable, a chain, or a strap.

13. The vehicle of claim 8 , wherein the energy absorption portion is arranged at the front of the vehicle structure.

14. The vehicle of claim 8 , wherein the energy absorption portion is arranged at the rear of the vehicle structure.