Collision deflector assembly
A vehicle frame is provided having a frame. The frame includes a main rail and a lateral rail. A bracket is operably coupled to the main rail. The vehicle frame assembly also includes a wedged shape deflecting member. The wedged shape deflecting member has a first end which is operably coupled to the bracket and a second end which is operable between a standard use position and a collision event position. The standard use position is where the second end is spaced a predetermined distance from the main rail. The collision event position is when the second end is in abutting contact with the main rail. During a collision event, the second end moves from the standard use position to the collision event position such that the deflecting member absorbs and deflects energy imparted on the frame.
1. A vehicle frame assembly comprising:
a frame having a main rail;
a bracket operably coupled to the main rail; and
a wedge-shaped deflecting member including:
a first end operably coupled to the bracket; and
a second end operable between a standard use position wherein the second end is spaced a predetermined distance from the main rail, and a collision event position wherein the second end is in abutting contact with the main rail.
2. The vehicle frame assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a front bumper and a lateral rail, wherein the deflecting member is disposed between the front bumper, the lateral rail, and the main rail.
3. The vehicle frame assembly of claim 1 , wherein the deflecting member further comprises a connecting flange disposed on the first end of the deflecting member and operably coupled to the main rail.
4. The vehicle frame assembly of claim 1 , wherein the deflecting member moves from the standard use position to the collision event position independently of the main rail.
5. The vehicle frame assembly of claim 1 , wherein the deflecting member has a structural yield of between a range of approximately 200 MPa to 300 MPa.
6. The vehicle frame assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:
protuberances in the form of enlarged bumps extending between the deflecting member and the main rail.
7. The vehicle frame assembly of claim 3 , wherein the connecting flange is spaced a predetermined distance from the main rail and defines a flange space between the connecting flange and the main rail.
8. The vehicle frame assembly of claim 3 , wherein the connecting flange includes a first section that is generally flat and in abutting contact with the main rail.
9. The vehicle frame assembly of claim 1 , wherein a triangular-like shaped space is defined between the main rail and the deflating member.
10. The vehicle frame assembly of claim 1 , wherein the deflecting member includes a steel shell reinforced with an inner foam layer.