Patent ID: 9180913
Filing Date: 2015-11-10
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A vehicle front end structure comprising: an engine cradle having a front corner and an engine mounting structure rearward of the front corner; and a force receiving structure rigidly fixed to the engine cradle, the force receiving structure having a force receiving surface extending laterally outboard from proximate the front corner of the engine cradle and a force directing section located rearward of the force receiving surface, the force receiving structure defining a first apex located adjacent to the front corner of the engine cradle, a second apex defined at an intersection of the force receiving surface and the force directing section, and being located laterally outboard and rearward of the front corner, and a third apex located laterally adjacent to the engine mounting structure, the force receiving surface extending from the first apex to the second apex, the force directing section extending from the second apex to the third apex, with at least a portion of the force receiving structure extending alongside the engine mounting structure, the force receiving surface extending rearwardly and laterally outbound away from the front corner of the engine cradle at an inclined angle with respect to a vehicle longitudinal direction, the force receiving structure being configured to redirect at least a portion of rearward directed impact forces acting on the force receiving surface at the engine mounting structure via the force directing section.