Crash load absorption structures for motor vehicles

摘要

A crash load absorption structure for a motor vehicle. The structure includes a compressible load absorbing structure. The compressible load absorbing structure includes a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion and the rear portion are arranged to compress under a crash load along a generally longitudinal direction. The compressible load absorbing structure also includes a structural joint located within the compressible load absorbing structure, the joint is between at least two structural members. A load transfer element is configured to promote breaking of the structural joint during a vehicle crash.

主权项

1. A crash load absorption structure for a motor vehicle, the structure comprising
a compressible load absorbing structure having a front crushable member and a rear crushable member and being arranged to compress under a crash load along a generally longitudinal direction, wherein the front crushable member and the rear crushable member are distinct from one another and are arranged lengthwise one behind the other in a longitudinal crushing direction; and a load transfer element having a rear end coupled to the rear crushable member and a cantilevered, front end, wherein the front end of the load transfer element is arranged so that the load transfer element initiates transmission of the crash load to the rear crushable member part-way through compression of the front crushable member.