Rear subframe for automobile - as parallel members raised over rear axle and with designed lateral impact support

摘要

The rear subframe has two parallel frame members (1a,1b) which run horizontal from the middle section of the chassis and then loop over the rear axle and terminate in a horizontal rear secion. The fuel tank is split into two parts; one section (13) sited between the chassis members above the rear axle and one section (18) as a flat tank between the forward, horizontal sectionss of the frame members. The frame members have a varying lateral rigidity along their lengths. This protects the suspension mountings as well as the fuel tank, in a lateral collision. The vehicle can be moved after such a collision, and could be repaired. ADVANTAGE - Improved safety, less fuel tank rupture risk, improved lateral impact protection.