DECOUPLED LOAD-PATH TO REDUCE THE PELVIS COMBINED LOAD OF A VEHICLE.

摘要

OCCUPANT A vehicle door provides for the decoupling of the load path by a cut-out area formed in the door inner sheet-metal. In an impact event the front or lower portion of the door inner sheet-metal is pushed inboard while the cut-out area prevents the dragging of the rear or upper portion of the door inner sheet-metal. The cut-out area of the inner door sheet-metal is preferably elongated or can be another shape. It may be a close- or open-ended slot. A stiffening bead may be formed in the inner door sheet-metal adjacent the cut-out area. To provide a seal against water or debris an adhesive material such as water-proof tape is positioned over the cut-out area. A door beam may be provided. A door spacer block may be positioned between the door beam and the door inner sheet-metal. Door trim padding may be provided over the inner door sheet-metal.