AUTOMOTIVE COMPOSITE STRUCTURE PART WITH SPECIFICATED IMPACT ENERGY ABSORPTION

摘要

An energy management system and device (10) for use in an automotive frame, rail, or other structural component of an automotive vehicle. The frame or rail (16) having a cavity or exposed surface capable of supporting at least one member. The member (12) having an interior portion and an exterior portion with the interior portion being defined by at least one trigger or step change (20) to the geometry of the inner portion to target and direct axial bending of the system. An expandable material (14), such as a polymer-based foamable material, is disposed along the exterior portion of a member prior to final assembly of the vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer. The system is activated as the vehicle undergoes the final vehicle assembly process and paint operation which activates and transforms the expandable material to expand, bond and structurally adhere the frame rail to mange, direct, and/or absorb energy in the event of an impact to the vehicle an applied load or an external force.