Structural System For An Automotive Vehicle

Abstract

A structural reinforcement system is provided for an automotive vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, a structural beam is employed which extends in a cross-vehicle direction spaced above a vehicle floor. A further aspect of the present invention provides a cross-vehicle reinforcement beam inside another structural member. Yet another aspect of the present invention uses a structural reinforcement system in a convertible roof vehicle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 979,873, filed Nov. 2, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 822,901, filed on Apr. 13, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 499,669, filed on Sep. 3, 2003. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to automotive vehicle structure and more particularly to a cross-vehicle structural reinforcement for an automotive vehicle.[0003]Cross-vehicle body stiffness within automotive vehicles is important in reducing torsional twist and vibration of the body, but also improves the ride and handling of the vehicle. This issue is especially important for convertible vehicles where the removal of the traditional fixed roof structure further decreases vehicle stiffness to the point where four door convertible roof vehicles have b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a structural reinforcement system for automotive vehicles that improves cross-vehicle resistance to side impact collisions and provides torsional stiffness sufficient for use with a large four door vehicle, such as one having a convertible roof. The structural beam is spaced above the floor to reduce \"match boxing\" of the vehicle body and the beam-to-pillar mounting structures significantly enhance side impact resistance as compared to prior constructions. The invention is advantageous over conventional constructions and can be used in convertible roof vehicles."

Problems solved by technology

This issue is especially important for convertible vehicles where the removal of the traditional fixed roof structure further decreases vehicle stiffness to the point where four door convertible roof vehicles have been essentially impractical to achieve with conventional body structure.

Furthermore, the Lancia construction appears to lack any cross-vehicle structural support that would significantly resist side impacts or torsion, especially for a modern unibody construction vehicle.

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