| 摘要 |
A structure for a vehicle frame assembly (10) and method of manufacturing same are disclosed. The vehicle frame assembly (10) includes a plurality of structural members (20) having hollow ends which are connected together at joints by a plurality of joint nodes (30). Each of the joint nodes (30) includes a body (31) having two or more projections (32) extending therefrom. To join a structural member (20) to a joint node (30), the hollow end of the structural member (20) is initially disposed about the projection (32) of the joint node (30). The cross sectional shape of the projection (32) is preferably similar to, but somewhat larger than, the cross sectional shape of the hollow end of the structural member (20). Thus, the end portion of the structural member (20) is deformed somewhat when it is moved over the projection (32) to establish a press fit relationship therebetween. Following this initial installation, the structural member (20) and the projection (32) are then permanently joined together by welding. Because of the heat generated during the generation of the weld, a heat affected zone is created in the structural member (20). The heat affected zone immediately surrounds the weld and extends a relatively short distance along the length of the structural member (20). The projection (32) of the joint node (30) extends through and beyond the heat affected zone of the structural member (20) so as to provide internal mechanical support to the weakened region of the structural member (20). Thus, although the structural member (20) itself is weakened in the heat affected zone by the formation of the weld, the overall strength of the combined structural member and joint node assembly is not reduced. <IMAGE>
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