CN211765369U

CN211765369U - Reinforcing structure for vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN211765369U
Application number: CN201921629269.0U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 田涛; 邱万三
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2018-09-28
Filing date: 2019-09-27
Publication date: 2020-10-27
Anticipated expiration: 2029-09-27
Also published as: DE202019105393U1

Abstract

The utility model provides a reinforced structure of vehicle, a serial communication port, reinforced structure of vehicle includes a plurality of notched basal portions and spanes the off-load component that the basal portion set up. Each unloading member includes: a cross-section having a plurality of corners forming a plurality of inner and outer corners, a distal end, and an open proximal end in communication with one of the first plurality of cuts.

Description

Reinforcing structure for vehicle

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a reinforcing structure of a vehicle, and more particularly, to a reinforcing structure including a plurality of relief members each having a cross section with a plurality of corners.

Background

When a compressive force is exerted on the reinforcing structure, the one or more relief members may compress in the longitudinal direction to absorb the impact energy. It is desirable to provide a reinforcing structure having improved strength while minimizing mass per unit length and being highly feasible to manufacture. The present disclosure is intended to meet this need.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a reinforcement structure for a vehicle is provided and includes a base having a first plurality of cutouts; relief members disposed across the base and each including: a cross-section having a plurality of corners forming a plurality of interior and exterior corners; a distal end; and an open proximal end in communication with one of the first plurality of cutouts.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

● the distal end is open;

● the distal end is partially open;

● the distal end includes a convex central portion;

● the unloader member has a variable height;

● each relief member is conical;

● the base includes a second plurality of cutouts that do not communicate with any of the unloader members;

● the unloader member has a cross-section shaped in a star with at least sixteen corners;

● the unloader member has a cross-section with at least sixteen corners shaped as a cross with angular ends;

● the unloader members are positioned in an offset arrangement;

● the cross-section includes one of sixteen corners, eighteen corners, twenty-two corners, twenty-four corners, twenty-six corners, and twenty-eight corners;

● the cross-section of the unloader member has up to forty corners;

● the cross-section of the unloader member has a number of corners in the range of 4 to 100; and/or

● the cross-section of the unloader member includes a plurality of side portions having variable lengths and thicknesses.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a reinforcement structure for a vehicle is provided and includes a base having a plurality of cutouts. A plurality of relief members having variable heights are disposed across the base. Each of the unloader members has one of a substantially uniform side and a substantially tapered side. Each of the unloading members includes: a cross-section with at least sixteen corners, the cross-section having a variable length and thickness; a distal end; and an open proximal end in communication with one of the plurality of cutouts.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

● the distal end is one of: open, partially open and closed;

● the distal end is closed and includes a raised central portion;

● the cross-section includes one of sixteen corners, eighteen corners, twenty-two corners, twenty-four corners, twenty-six corners, and twenty-eight corners; and/or

● the base includes a cutout that does not communicate with any of the unloading members.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a reinforcement structure for a vehicle is provided and includes a base having a first plurality of cutouts. A plurality of relief members having one of a uniform relief member and a conical relief member of variable height are disposed across the base. Each unloading member includes: a cross-section having about three corners to about forty corners and having a plurality of sides with variable lengths and thicknesses; a distal end; and an open proximal end in communication with the corresponding cutout.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

● the distal end is open, partially open or closed;

● the distal end is closed and includes a raised central portion; and/or

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification and appended drawings.

Drawings

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a reinforcing structure having relief members, each relief member having a cross-section with twelve corners;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the reinforcement structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section with twelve corners of a unloader member according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the reinforcing structure of FIG. 1, wherein the relief member tapers distally;

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the reinforcing structure of FIG. 1, wherein the relief members each include an open distal end and are coupled to a planar base with twelve corners;

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the reinforcing structure of FIG. 1, wherein the relief member is shaped as a cross;

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the reinforcement structure of FIG. 1, wherein the relief member has a variable height;

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the reinforcing structure of FIG. 1, wherein the relief members each include a closed distal end and a convex central portion;

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the reinforcement structure of FIG. 1, wherein the relief members each include a partially open distal end and are coupled to a base having a cutout that does not communicate with either of the relief members;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a reinforcing structure having relief members, each relief member having a cross-section with fourteen corners;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the reinforcement structure of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section with fourteen corners of a unloader member according to the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11;

FIG. 13 shows a cross-section with fourteen corners in the shape of a fourteen-sided polygon;

FIG. 14 shows a cross-section with fourteen corners in a star shape;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a reinforcing structure having relief members, each relief member having a cross-section with sixteen corners;

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the reinforcing structure of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-section with sixteen corners of a unloader member according to the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16;

FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of the reinforcing structure of FIG. 15, wherein the relief member tapers distally;

FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of the reinforcing structure of FIG. 15, wherein the relief member has a variable height;

FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of the reinforcing structure of FIG. 15, wherein the relief member is offset;

FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment of the reinforcing structure of FIG. 15, wherein the relief members each include an open distal end and are coupled to a planar base with sixteen corners;

FIG. 22 illustrates another embodiment of the reinforcement structure of FIG. 15, wherein the relief members each include a partially open distal end and are coupled to a base having a cutout that does not communicate with either of the relief members;

FIG. 23 illustrates another embodiment of the reinforcing structure of FIG. 15, wherein the relief members each include a closed distal end and a convex central portion;

FIG. 24 shows another embodiment of a cross-section with sixteen corners;

FIG. 25 shows another embodiment of a cross-section with sixteen corners;

FIG. 26 shows another embodiment of a cross-section with sixteen corners;

FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a reinforcing structure having relief members, each relief member having a cross-section with sixteen corners;

FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of the reinforcement structure of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 illustrates a cross-section with sixteen corners of a unloader member according to the embodiment of FIGS. 27 and 28;

FIG. 30 illustrates another embodiment of the reinforcing structure of FIG. 27, wherein the relief member tapers distally;

FIG. 31 illustrates another embodiment of the reinforcing structure of FIG. 27, wherein the relief member has a variable height;

FIG. 32 illustrates another embodiment of the reinforcing structure of FIG. 27, wherein the relief member is offset;

FIG. 33 illustrates another embodiment of the reinforcing structure of FIG. 27, wherein the relief members each include an open distal end and are coupled to a planar base with sixteen corners;

FIG. 34 illustrates another embodiment of the reinforcement structure of FIG. 27, wherein the relief members each include a partially open distal end and are coupled to a base having a cutout that does not communicate with either of the relief members;

FIG. 35 illustrates another embodiment of the reinforcing structure of FIG. 27, wherein the relief members each include a closed distal end and a convex central portion;

FIG. 36 shows an embodiment of a cross-section with twenty-four corners;

FIG. 37 shows another embodiment of a cross-section with twenty-four corners;

FIG. 38 shows an embodiment of a cross section with twenty-eight corners;

FIG. 39 shows another embodiment of a cross-section with twenty-eight corners;

FIG. 40 shows another embodiment of a cross-section with twenty-eight corners;

FIG. 41 shows another embodiment of a cross-section with twenty-eight corners; and is

FIG. 42 shows another embodiment of a cross-section with twenty-eight corners.

Detailed Description

As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and some of the drawings may be exaggerated or minimized to show a functional overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

As used herein, the term "and/or," when used in reference to two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as comprising components A, B and/or C, the composition may comprise a only; only B is contained; only C is contained; a combination comprising A and B; a combination comprising A and C; a combination comprising B and C; or a combination comprising A, B and C.

The present disclosure contemplates providing a reinforcing structure that includes a plurality of relief members, each relief member having a sidewall with a cross-section with at least twelve corners or fourteen corners. The reinforcing structure may achieve increased energy absorption and more stable axial collapse when a force is applied to the reinforcing structure. The reinforcing structure may also possess improved durability and noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) performance due to work hardening at twelve or fourteen corners. The internal and external corners associated with at least twelve or fourteen corners may achieve the same strength increase as thickened corners, while minimizing mass per unit length and maintaining high manufacturing feasibility, as the structure may be formed by bending, rolling, stamping, pressing, hydroforming, forming, extruding, cutting, and forging.

Referring to fig. 1-9, a reinforcing structure is indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. The reinforcing structure 10 includes a base 11 having a plurality of cutouts 12 and a plurality of relief members 14 extending from the base 11. The base 11 may be planar, and each unloading member 14 includes: a sidewall 16, the sidewall 16 having a cross-section with a plurality of corners; a distal end 18, the distal end 18 may be closed, open, or partially open; and an open proximal end 20, the open proximal end 20 being in communication with the corresponding slit 12.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the unloading members 14 are evenly spaced on the base 11, and the distal end 18 of each unloading member 14 is closed. It will be appreciated, however, that the number and spacing of the unloader members 14 is exemplary in nature and can be varied as desired. For purposes of understanding, a cross-section 22 of the sidewall 16 shown in fig. 1 and 2 is shown in fig. 3. As shown, the cross-section 22 has a length S₁To S₁₂Thickness T₁To T₁₂Angle theta_i1To theta_i8Eight internal angles and an angle theta_e1To theta_e4Four outer corners. In certain embodiments, the inner and outer corners may have variable bend radii. For example, where a relatively large bend radius is selected, some corners may appear to be rounded. In the illustrated embodiment, the length S₁To S₁₂And a thickness T₁To T₁₂About the same. The inner and outer corners are generally shown as having about the same angle. In certain embodiments, the length S₁To S₁₂Thickness T₁To T₁₂And/or the angles associated with the inner and/or outer corners may vary to a particular degree with the available packaging space within the vehicle. For additional design flexibility, it is contemplated that the sidewall 16 may be substantially uniform as shown in fig. 1 and 2 or tapered toward the distal end 18 as shown in fig. 4. In embodiments where the reinforcing structure 10 is manufactured using a forming or stamping process, the thickness T of the sidewall 16 as it moves from the proximal end 20 to the distal end 18₁To T₁₂Can be thinned. In other manufacturing processesMiddle, thickness T of side wall 16₁To T₁₂With little to no change.

Referring to fig. 5-9, various embodiments of the reinforcing structure 10 are shown and will be described in greater detail herein. For example, in fig. 5, the base 11 is a flat surface with twelve corners, and the distal end 18 of each relief member 14 is open. In fig. 6, each unloader member 14 is cross-shaped and includes a head 24, a tail 26 that is longer than the head 24, and a pair of

arms

28, 30 of equal length. The head 24, tail 26 and two

arms

28, 30 are defined by the side walls 16 and corresponding portions of the distal end 18. However, in embodiments in which the distal end 18 is open, the head 24, tail 26, and two

arms

28, 30 may be defined only by the side walls 16. As shown, the unloader members 14 are arranged in a row across the base 11 from the first end 32 to the second end 34 such that the heads 24 of the unloader members 14 in the same row all point in a common direction. Additionally, the unloading members 14 are arranged in rows across the base 11 from the third end 36 to the fourth end 38 such that the heads 24 of the unloading members 14 of the same row point in alternately opposite directions. In certain embodiments, the unloading members 14 may be arranged in spaced apart groupings, illustratively shown as groupings A, B and C. Alternatively, the unloader members 14 can be evenly spaced, as desired.

Referring to fig. 7, the unloader member 14 is shown to have a variable height. For example, the relief members 14 located near the longitudinal ends 40 and 42 of the base 11 may be taller than the remaining relief members 14. In fig. 8, the distal end 18 of each unloader member 14 is closed and includes a raised center portion 44 to help absorb light impacts, while the remaining structure serves to absorb more intense impacts. In fig. 9, the distal end 18 of each unloader member 14 is partially open. Also, the base 11 includes an additional cutout 46 that does not communicate with any of the unloader members 14.

Referring now to fig. 10 and 11, an alternative reinforcing structure is indicated generally by the reference numeral 48. Reinforcing structure 48 includes a base 50 having a plurality of cutouts 52 and a plurality of relief members 54 extending from base 50. The base 50 may be planar and each unloader member 54 includes a sidewall 56 having a cross-section with fourteen corners, a distal end 58, and an open proximal end 60 in communication with the corresponding cutout 52. It will be appreciated that reinforcing structure 48 may benefit from some of the design flexibility described herein with respect to reinforcing structure 10. That is, the unloading members 54 may have variable heights, and may be spaced differently or evenly on the base 50. Additionally or alternatively, the distal end 58 of each unloader member 54 can be closed, open, or partially open. In closed or partially open embodiments, it will be appreciated that the distal end 58 may include raised portions of different sizes and shapes. Still additionally or alternatively, the sidewall 56 of each unloader member 54 can be uniform or tapered. Still additionally or alternatively, the base 50 may have various shapes and/or include additional cutouts that do not communicate with any of the relief members 54.

For purposes of understanding, a cross-section 62 of the sidewall 56 shown in fig. 10 and 11 is shown in fig. 12. As shown, the cross-section 62 has a length S₁To S₁₄Thickness T₁To T₁₄Angle theta_i1To theta_i12Has twelve internal angles and an angle theta_e1And theta_e2Two outer corners. In the illustrated embodiment, the length S₁To S₁₄And a thickness T₁To T₁₄About the same. Also, the angle θ associated with the interior angle_i1To theta_i12About the same, and the angle theta associated with the outer angle_e1、θ_e2And is also about the same. In certain embodiments, the length S₁To S₁₄Thickness T₁To T₁₄And/or the angles associated with the inner and/or outer corners may vary to a particular degree with the available packaging space within the vehicle. While the cross-section 62 is generally shown in fig. 12 as having the outline of the number "8," it will be appreciated that other shapes are possible. For example, as shown in fig. 13, the cross-section 62 may be shaped as a fourteen-sided polygon. In another example, as shown in fig. 14, the cross-section 62 may be shaped as a star.

Referring now to fig. 15 and 16, an alternative reinforcing structure is generally indicated by reference numeral 70. The reinforcing structure 70 includes a base 72 having a plurality of cutouts 74 and a plurality of relief members 76 extending from the base 72. The base 72 may be planar, and each unloader member 76 includes a sidewall 78 having a cross-section with sixteen corners, a distal end 80, and an open proximal end 82 in communication with the corresponding cutout 74. It will be appreciated that the reinforcing structure 70 may benefit from some of the design flexibility described herein with respect to the reinforcing structure 10. That is, the relief members 76 may have variable heights and may be spaced differently or evenly on the base 72. Additionally or alternatively, the distal end 80 of each relief member 76 may be closed, open, or partially open. In closed or partially open embodiments, it will be appreciated that the distal end 80 may include raised portions of different sizes and shapes. Still additionally or alternatively, as shown in fig. 15 and 18, the sidewall 78 of each unloader member 76 can be uniform or tapered toward the distal end 80. Still additionally or alternatively, the base 72 may have various shapes and/or include additional cutouts that do not communicate with any of the relief members 76.

For purposes of understanding, a cross-section 84 of the sidewall 78 shown in fig. 15 and 16 is shown in fig. 17. As shown, the cross-section 84 has a length S₁To S₁₆Thickness T₁To T₁₆Angle theta_i1To theta_i12Has twelve internal angles and an angle theta_e1To theta_e4Four outer corners. In the illustrated embodiment, the length S₁To S₁₆And a thickness T₁To T₁₆About the same. Also, the angle θ associated with the interior angle_i1To theta_i12About the same, and the angle θ e associated with the outer angle₁To θ e₄And is also about the same. In certain embodiments, the length S₁To S₁₆Thickness T₁To T₁₆And/or the angles associated with the inner and/or outer corners may vary to a particular degree with the available packaging space within the vehicle. While the cross-section 84 is generally shown in fig. 17 as having a cross-shape with angled corners or an X-shaped profile with angled corners, it will be appreciated that other shapes are possible.

Referring to fig. 18-23, other embodiments of the reinforcing structure 70 are shown and will be described in greater detail herein. For example, in fig. 18, the relief members 76 are evenly spaced along the base 72 and include side walls 78. The relief members 76 may be arranged in rows across the base 72 from the first end 90 to the second end 92. The sidewall 78 generally tapers toward the distal end 80. Similarly, in fig. 19, the unloader members 76 are evenly spaced along the base 72 and include tapered sidewalls 78. However, the height of the sidewalls 78 varies from row to row. It will be appreciated that the height of the rows may vary by different amounts, the variation may be in the form of a pattern, or the variation may be randomly selected based on the position of the corresponding unloader member 76. It will also be appreciated that the side walls 78 may be vertical as shown in fig. 15 while still maintaining the height variation.

According to other examples, as shown in fig. 20, the base 72 is a flat surface having twelve corners, and the distal end 80 of each relief member 76 is closed. It will be understood that the distal end 80 of each unloader member 76 can be open or partially open without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The unloading members 76 are arranged such that the unloading members 76 of the first and fourth columns are aligned, and the unloading members 76 of the second and third columns are aligned. The unloading members 76 of the first and fourth columns are offset from the unloading members 76 of the second and third columns. In fig. 21, the relief members 76 are evenly spaced along the base 72 and include tapered sidewalls 78 with distal ends 80 open. The relief members 76 may be arranged in rows across the base 72 from the first end 90 to the second end 92.

In fig. 22, the distal end 80 of each relief member 76 is partially open. For example, the opening 96 of the distal end 80 may have any shape, including the shape of the relief member 76, square, circular, or triangular. In fig. 23, the distal end 80 of each relief member 76 is closed and includes a raised central portion 98 to help absorb light impacts, while the remaining structure serves to absorb more intense impacts. In any of the examples described in fig. 18-23, the base 11 may include additional cutouts that do not communicate with any of the unloader members 76, as shown in fig. 9 with reference to an alternating cross-section of the unloader members 76. It will be further appreciated that any of the designs discussed with respect to the relief member 76 may be used in combination to improve the strength characteristics of the reinforcing structure 70.

Albeit transverselyThe cross-section 84 is generally shown in fig. 17 as having an X-shaped or cruciform profile with angled corners, but it will be appreciated that other shapes having sixteen or more corners are possible. For example, as shown in FIGS. 24-26, the upper and lower outside corners C₁And C₃May extend any distance towards the center point C. Similarly, laterally opposite corners C₂And C₄May extend any distance towards the center point C. This provides cross-sections 84 having different geometries. As shown in fig. 24-26, the variability in the length of the sides of the cross-section 84 further provides for different widths and heights of the cross-section 84.

Referring now to fig. 27 and 28, an alternative reinforcement structure is indicated generally by the reference numeral 100. The reinforcing structure 100 includes a base 102 having a plurality of cutouts 104 and a plurality of relief members 106 extending from the base 102. The base 102 may be planar, and each relief member 106 includes a sidewall 108 having a cross-section with sixteen corners, a distal end 110, and an open proximal end 112 in communication with the corresponding cutout 104. It will be appreciated that the reinforcement structure 100 may benefit from some of the design flexibility described herein with respect to the reinforcement structure 10. That is, the relief members 106 may have variable heights and may be spaced differently or evenly on the base 102. Additionally or alternatively, the distal end 110 of each relief member 106 may be closed, open, or partially open. In closed or partially open embodiments, it will be appreciated that the distal end 110 may include raised portions of different sizes and shapes. Still additionally or alternatively, as shown in fig. 27 and 30, the sidewall 108 of each unloader member 106 can be uniform or tapered toward the distal end 110. Still additionally or alternatively, the base 102 may have various shapes and/or include additional cutouts that do not communicate with any of the relief members 106.

For purposes of understanding, a cross-section 114 of the sidewall 108 shown in fig. 27 and 28 is shown in fig. 29. As shown, cross-section 114 has a length S₁To S₁₆Thickness T₁To T₁₆Angle theta_i1To theta_i8Eight internal angles and an angle theta_e1To theta_e8Eight outer corners.In the illustrated embodiment, the length S₁To S₁₆And a thickness T₁To T₁₆About the same. Also, the angle θ associated with the interior angle_i1To theta_i8About the same, and the angle θ e associated with the outer angle₁To θ e₈And is also about the same. In certain embodiments, the length S₁To S₁₆Thickness T₁To T₁₆And/or the angles associated with the inner and/or outer corners may vary to a particular degree with the available packaging space within the vehicle. While the cross-section 114 is generally shown in fig. 29 as having a star-shaped profile with eight sharp corners, it will be appreciated that other shapes are possible.

Referring to fig. 30-35, other embodiments of the reinforcement structure 100 are shown and will be described in greater detail herein. For example, in fig. 30, the unloader members 106 are evenly spaced along the base 102 and include sidewalls 108. The relief members 106 may be arranged in rows across the base 102 from the first end 120 to the second end 122. The sidewall 108 generally tapers toward a distal end 110. Similarly, in fig. 31, the unloader members 106 are evenly spaced along the base 102 and include tapered sidewalls 108. However, the height of the sidewalls 108 varies from row to row. It will be appreciated that the height of the rows may vary by different amounts, the variation may be in the form of a pattern, or the variation may be randomly selected based on the position of the corresponding unloader member 106. It will also be appreciated that the side walls 108 may be vertical as shown in fig. 27 while still maintaining the change in height.

According to other examples, as shown in fig. 32, the base 102 is a flat surface with twelve corners, and the distal end 110 of each unloader member 106 is closed. It will be understood that the distal end 110 of each unloader member 106 can be open or partially open without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The unloading members 106 are arranged such that the first and fourth columns of unloading members 106 are aligned, and the second and third columns of unloading members 106 are aligned. The unloading members 106 of the first and fourth columns are offset from the unloading members 106 of the second and third columns. In fig. 33, the relief members 106 are evenly spaced along the base 102 and include tapered sidewalls 108 with the distal end 110 being open. The relief members 106 may be arranged in rows across the base 102 from the first end 120 to the second end 122.

In fig. 34, the distal end 110 of each unloader member 106 is partially open. For example, the opening 126 of the distal end 110 may have any shape, including the shape of the unloader member 106, square, circular, or triangular. The base 102 may include additional cutouts 128, the cutouts 128 not communicating with any of the unloader members 106. The additional cutout 128 may be any shape or size cutout positioned between the unloader members 106. In fig. 35, the distal end 110 of each relief member 106 is closed and includes a raised central portion 130 to help absorb light impacts, while the remaining structure serves to absorb more intense impacts. It will be appreciated that any of the designs discussed with respect to the relief member 106 may be used in combination to improve the strength characteristics of the reinforcing structure 100.

Although the cross-sections 84, 114 are generally shown in fig. 17 and 29 as including sixteen corners, it will be appreciated that other shapes having eighteen or more corners are possible. It is contemplated that shapes having eighteen, twenty-two, twenty-four, twenty-six, twenty-eight, thirty-two, thirty-four, thirty-six, thirty-eight, or forty corners may be used, according to some examples. According to other examples, the cross-section may include any number of corners from about four corners to about 100 corners, from about twenty corners to about 200 corners, and any combination or range therebetween. The geometry of the cross-section may be varied to provide any number of internal and external angles, as long as the number of internal and external angles add up to the number of provided corners. For example, as shown in fig. 36 and 37, the cross-section 140 may be provided with twenty-four corners. According to other examples, as shown in fig. 38-42, the cross-section 142 may be provided with twenty-eight corners and various geometries. It will be understood that a relief member having any of the cross-sections shown in fig. 36-42 may be used as shown in fig. 4-9, 18-23, and 30-35.

With respect to the embodiments described herein, it will be appreciated that while the

distal end

18, 58, 80, 110,

proximal end

20, 60, 82, 112, and

base

11, 50, 72, 102 are generally illustrated as being planar, the aforementioned components may alternatively be non-planar, curved, and/or non-planar to facilitate mating, adhering, and/or connecting with surrounding structures or surfaces of the vehicle. Additionally, it will be appreciated that various polygonal shapes with multiple corners are possible in view of the teachings provided herein. In particular, it is contemplated that the unloader member 14 can be configured as a dodecagon and/or star as desired.

Accordingly, a reinforcement structure is advantageously provided herein. The reinforcing structure according to the present disclosure greatly improves strength and rigidity without requiring thickened corners. Advantageously, the reinforcing structure has high manufacturing feasibility and may be formed in one or more parts by, for example, bending, rolling, stamping, pressing, drawing, hydroforming, forming, extruding, cutting, and forging. The portions formed according to these processes may be connected via welding, adhesive, fastening, or other known connection methods.

The reinforcement structure according to the present disclosure is intended for use with a plurality of vehicle structures, such as, but not limited to: bumper structures, door structures, hood structures, knee bolsters, roof structures, and other components that benefit from increased impact energy absorption.

Modifications of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined by the following application as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the construction and other components of the disclosure are not limited to any particular material. Other embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials, unless otherwise described herein.

As used herein, the term "about" means that quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not the end point of a value or range in the specification refers to "about," the end point of the value or range is intended to include both embodiments: one is modified by "about" and one is not modified by "about". It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms: coupled, etc.) generally means that two components are connected to each other either directly or indirectly. Such a connection may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components, and any additional intermediate members may be integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Unless otherwise specified, such connections may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in nature.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the interface operations may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements may be varied, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the reinforcing structure may be constructed of any of a variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability in any of a variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this innovation. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described process or steps within a described process may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the present application unless the application is specifically and expressly recited in a language thereof. In addition, the present application as set forth below is incorporated into and constitutes a part of the detailed description.

According to the utility model discloses, a reinforced structure of vehicle is provided, reinforced structure has: a base having a first plurality of cutouts; relief members disposed across the base and each including: a cross-section having a plurality of corners forming a plurality of interior and exterior corners; a distal end; and an open proximal end in communication with one of the first plurality of cutouts.

According to one embodiment, the distal end is open.

According to one embodiment, the distal end is partially open.

According to one embodiment, the distal end comprises a convex central portion.

According to one embodiment, the relief member has a variable height.

According to one embodiment, each relief member is tapered.

According to one embodiment, the base includes a second plurality of cutouts that do not communicate with any of the unloader members.

According to one embodiment, the relief member has a cross-section shaped as a star with at least sixteen corners.

According to one embodiment, the relief member has a cross-section shaped as a cross with at least sixteen corners having angular ends.

According to one embodiment, the relief members are positioned in offset rows.

According to one embodiment, the cross-section of the relief member has a number of corners in the range of about 3 to about 100.

According to the utility model discloses, a reinforced structure of vehicle is provided, reinforced structure has: a base having a first plurality of cutouts; a plurality of relief members of variable height disposed across the base, each of the relief members having one of a substantially uniform side and a substantially tapered side and including a cross-section with at least sixteen corners of variable length and thickness; a distal end; and an open proximal end in communication with the corresponding cutout.

According to one embodiment, the distal end is one of: open, partially open and closed.

According to one embodiment, the distal end is closed and comprises a convex central portion.

According to one embodiment, the cross-section includes one of sixteen corners, eighteen corners, twenty-two corners, twenty-four corners, twenty-six corners, and twenty-eight corners.

According to one embodiment, the base includes a second cutout that is not in communication with any of the relief members.

According to the utility model discloses, a reinforced structure of vehicle is provided, reinforced structure has: a base having a first plurality of cutouts; a plurality of relief members having one of a uniform relief member and a conical relief member of variable height, the plurality of relief members disposed across the base and each including a cross-section having about three to about forty corners and having a plurality of sides with variable lengths and thicknesses; a distal end; and an open proximal end in communication with the corresponding cutout.

According to one embodiment, the distal end is open, partially open or closed.

Claims

1. A reinforcing structure of a vehicle, characterized by comprising:

a base having a first plurality of cutouts;

relief members disposed across the base and each including:

a cross-section having a plurality of corners forming a plurality of interior and exterior corners;

a distal end; and

an open proximal end in communication with one of the first plurality of cutouts.

2. The reinforcing structure of claim 1, wherein the distal end is open.

3. The reinforcing structure of claim 1, wherein the distal end is partially open.

4. The reinforcing structure of claim 1, wherein the distal end comprises a convex central portion.

5. A reinforcing structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the relief member has a variable height.

6. A reinforcing structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each relief member is tapered.

7. A reinforcing structure as set forth in any one of claims 1-4 wherein said base includes a second plurality of cutouts that do not communicate with any of said relief members.

8. A reinforcing structure as set forth in any one of claims 1-4 wherein said relief member has a cross-section shaped as a star with sixteen corners.

9. A reinforcing structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the relief member has a cross-section shaped as a cruciform with angular ends, with sixteen corners.

10. A reinforcing structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the relief members are positioned in an offset arrangement.

11. The reinforcing structure of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the cross-section comprises one of sixteen corners, eighteen corners, twenty-two corners, twenty-four corners, twenty-six corners, and twenty-eight corners.

12. A reinforcing structure as set forth in any one of claims 1-4 wherein said cross-section of said relief member has up to forty corners.

13. A reinforcing structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cross-section of the relief member has a number of corners in the range 4 to 100.

14. A reinforcing structure as set forth in any one of claims 1-4 wherein said cross-section of said relief member includes a plurality of sides having variable lengths and thicknesses.