Patent ID: 6139092
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: B60G,B60R,B62D

Abstract:
A front structure for a motor vehicle comprising:a right front side frame member having a primary axis extending generally longitudinally within the motor vehicle and having a right front end;a left front side frame member having a primary axis extending generally longitudinally within the motor vehicle and having a left front end;a right front spring hanger extending downward from said right front side frame member substantially adjacent to said right front end;a left front spring hanger extending downward from said left front side frame member substantially adjacent to said left front end;said right front spring hanger having a bottom end including a mounting flange;said left front spring hanger having a bottom end including a mounting flange;a cross member extending transversely to the motor vehicle and having right and left cross member ends attached beneath said mounting flanges of said right and left front spring hangers; andwherein, upon impact of said front structure of the motor vehicle with another object, said cross member, in cooperation with said right and left spring hangers, increases energy transferred from said impact into right and left front side frame members, thereby reducing energy transferred to said object initially impacted by the motor vehicle.