VEHICLE FENDER ENERGY ABSORBING APPARATUS

摘要

An energy absorption member coupled between a vehicle front fender and a vehicle side structural member providing peak impact force resistance and energy absorption during an impact force imposed on the front fender. The energy absorption member extends continuously along the length of the front fender opposed from the side structural member to provide constant load along the entire length of the front fender. The energy absorption member may be a foamed block, a vertical, or horizontal oriented honeycomb structure or spaced hollow crush lobes.

主权项

1. A front fender structure for a vehicle, comprising:
a front fender having an outer portion and a connecting portion; and an energy absorption member attaching the connecting portion of the front fender to a side structural member in the vehicle, the energy absorption member formed of a foamed thermoplastic resin and extending substantially over an entire length of the front fender overlaying the side structural member, the foamed thermoplastic resin having a density such that the energy absorption member has a predetermined maximum peak force resistance before deforming at a predetermined deformation stroke distance to absorb energy from impacts imposed on the front fender.