IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,168,478
Granted Patent B2
US 12,168,478 · App. 17/727,245 · Granted Dec 17, 2024

Vehicle body structure formed from a system of interconnected unitized body structure components

Inventors: Robert N. Saje (Shelby Township, MI); Edward D. Moss (Commerce Township, MI); Warren J. Parsons (Oakland Township, MI)
Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
B62D25/20B62D25/2018B62D25/2036
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,168,478
App. No.
17/727,245
Granted
Dec 17, 2024
Kind
B2
Abstract

A vehicle body structure includes a system of connected unitized body structure components, with at least one of the system of connected unitized body structure components including a hollow portion.

Claims (31)

1. A vehicle body structure comprising:

a system of connected unitized body structure components, wherein at least one of the system of connected unitized body structure components includes a hollow portion;

wherein the at least one of the system of unitized body structure components includes a surface, including a raised boss, the hollow portion being disposed in the raised boss;

wherein the surface includes a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness that is distinct from the first thickness.

2. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1 , wherein the hollow portion includes an internal rail.

3. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1 , wherein the hollow portion includes a raised rib extending along the at least one of the system of unitized body structure components in a first direction.

4. The vehicle body structure according to claim 3 , wherein the hollow portion includes another raised rib extending along the at least one of the system of unitized body structure components in a second direction.

5. The vehicle body structure according to claim 4 , wherein the another raised rib bisects the raised rib.

6. The vehicle body structure according to claim 4 , wherein the hollow portion includes a u-shaped cross-section having a base wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall the raised rib being formed with and projecting outwardly of the base wall in the hollow portion.

7. The vehicle body structure according to claim 6 , wherein the another raised rib includes a first portion formed on, and extending from the first side wall, a second portion formed on and extending from the second side wall, and a third portion formed on and extending from the base wall, the third portion being formed with the raised rib.

8. The vehicle body structure according to claim 6 , wherein the hollow portion includes an internal rail that is spaced from the base wall.

9. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one of the system of connected unitized body structure components includes a first rail member, a second rail member and a third rail member integrally formed with each other, the first, the second, and the third rail members being connected at an intersection.

10. The vehicle body structure according to claim 9 , wherein the hollow portion is disposed at the intersection.

11. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1 , wherein the second thickness is greater than the first thickness and defines a structural reinforcing member.

12. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one of the system of connected unitized body structure components includes at least one of:

a front quadrant system;

a center system; and

a rear quadrant system.

13. The vehicle body structure according to claim 12 , wherein the front quadrant system includes a left front unitized underbody component and a right front unitized underbody component.

14. The vehicle body structure according to claim 12 , wherein the rear quadrant system includes a left rear unitized underbody component and a right rear unitized underbody component.

15. The vehicle body structure according to claim 14 , wherein the left rear unitized underbody component includes a first bridge member, and the right rear unitized underbody component includes a second bridge member.

16. The vehicle body structure according to claim 12 , wherein the center system includes a unitized floor system mechanically connected to the front quadrant system and the rear quadrant system.

17. The vehicle body structure according to claim 16 , wherein the unitized floor system includes a first unitized floor member mechanically connected to a second unitized floor member.

18. A vehicle, comprising:

a vehicle body defining a passenger compartment; and

a plurality of wheels supportive of the vehicle body;

wherein the vehicle body includes an underbody formed from a system of connected unitized body structure components, wherein at least one of the system of connected unitized body structure components includes a hollow portion;

wherein the at least one of the system of unitized body structure components includes a surface, including a raised boss, the hollow portion being disposed in the raised boss;

wherein the surface includes a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness that is distinct from the first thickness.

19. The vehicle according to claim 18 , wherein the hollow portion includes an internal rail.

20. The vehicle according to claim 18 , wherein the hollow portion includes a raised rib extending along the at least one of the system of unitized body structure components in a first direction.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 2, 2022
From: SAJE, ROBERT N.; MOSS, EDWARD D.; PARSONS, WARREN J.
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 059772/0421 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20230339549A1 · Oct 26, 2023