Vehicle intrusion energy management frame element

摘要

An automotive vehicle frame element includes a generally S shaped forward rail (16) having a forward rail portion (24) and a structurally reinforced rear rail portion (26) substantially longitudinally displaced therefrom and a fold inducing area (44) therebetween, a toe pan (10) attached to the rail (16) having a front wall (22) projecting perpendicularly therefrom, the front wall (22) having a point of separation (28) from the rail at a location between the forward and rear rail portions (24,26), and the fold inducing area (44) located longitudinally forward of the point of separation (28) of the toe pan portion (10) from the rail and at the point where the structurally reinforced rear rail portion (26) transitions into the forward rail portion (24). <IMAGE>