A structure for a vehicle with a body 100 has a longitudinal crash structure 300 and a load bearing suspension structure (200, Figure 1). Crash structure 300 supports, at least in part, loading by body 100 in a driving direction during a crash event, is mounted to the vehicle body 100 and comprises an energy absorber 311, 312, 321, 322. The suspension structure forms part of or affixed to the vehicle body 100 and is structurally decoupled from crash structure 300. Crash structure 300 extends along the suspension structure into an area longitudinally between a front end of body 100 and a front end of the suspension structure, and may be along a lateral side of the suspension structure, between suspension struts or may be beyond the centres of vehicle wheels 500. The energy absorber may extend along A corresponding vehicle is also provided; in embodiments, crash structure 300 may provide no structural support for any part of the vehicle drivetrain or suspension.
Crash absorbing structure for a vehicle
2020-10-14
Patent
Electronic Resource
English