Crash load absorption structures for motor vehicles

摘要

A crash load absorption structure (18 see fig 4) for a motor vehicle includes primary, secondary 22 and tertiary 24 crush cans and a load transfer element 52 which may apply crash load at a location part-way along the structure and may promote breaking of a structural joint within the structure. The structure (18) may incorporate a suspension tower assembly or mounting member contacting part of a wishbone 28 and at least one crushable structure 22, 24 having a tubular wall. An alloy under-floor rectangular tubular member (96 see fig 4) may also be provided. The invention addresses problems with prior art structures which may not be suitable for use except where the engine (40 see fig 2B) has a relatively short block (42 see fig 2A).