Vehicle component with multi-hollow beam

A rocker component for a vehicle includes a reinforcement beam having a metal sheet that is shaped with a plurality of elongated bends extending in parallel along a length of the reinforcement beam that together form a cross-sectional shape extending continuously along the length of the reinforcement beam. The cross-sectional shape of reinforcement beam includes a beam portion and a flange portion integrally extending from the beam portion. The beam portion has a multi-hollow shape that encloses a plurality of hollow cavities that extend longitudinally between openings at opposing ends of the reinforcement beam. The flange portion integrally extends from the beam portion and includes an edge of the metal sheet. The flange portion is configured to attach to the vehicle for supporting the rocker component along an outboard side region of the vehicle.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to structural members and beams, and more particularly relates to vehicle components, such as for use as structural and reinforcement beams on vehicle frames or associated vehicle assemblies.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles, such as automobiles, typically have a rigid structural frame or body structure, which is commonly referred to as a body-in-white or a body-in-black. The vehicle frame or body structure is designed to undergo and absorb certain levels of impact forces, such as to meet insurance requirements and other regulatory and legal requirements. With respect to impact reinforcement and structural beams used in a vehicle body or frame, it is generally known that these beams can be reinforced, such as with more robust reinforcement beam structure or with reinforcement interior inserts to increase stiffness, such as tubular reinforcement inserts or bulkhead reinforcement inserts.

SUMMARY

The disclosure provides a vehicle structural component, such as a rocker component, that includes a multi-hollow reinforcement beam. The reinforcement beam may include a beam portion having a multi-hollow cross-sectional shape and at least one flange portion that integrally extends from the beam portion. The reinforcement beam may be formed with a metal sheet, such as by roll forming the sheet to have a multi-hollow cross-sectional at the beam portion and to have the flange portion integrally extending from the beam portion, such as at an edge of the metal sheet. The reinforcement beam may extend along the vehicle component or may be disposed at a desired section of the vehicle component to reinforce the respective section of the vehicle component. The vehicle component may be a rocker component, such that the flange portion or portions of the reinforcement beam may be attached to a vehicle structure, such as to the frame, door sill, sills, floor, pillars, crossmembers or like components.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a rocker component for a vehicle includes a reinforcement beam having a metal sheet that is shaped with a plurality of elongated bends extending in parallel along a length of the reinforcement beam that together form a cross-sectional shape extending continuously along the length of the reinforcement beam. The cross-sectional shape of reinforcement beam includes a beam portion and a flange portion integrally extending from the beam portion. The beam portion has a multi-hollow shape that encloses a plurality of hollow cavities that extend longitudinally between openings at opposing ends of the reinforcement beam. The flange portion integrally extends from the beam portion and includes an edge of the metal sheet. The flange portion is configured to attach to the vehicle for supporting the rocker component along an outboard side region of the vehicle.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the reinforcement beam includes a second flange portion formed by an opposing edge of the metal sheet. In some examples, the flange portion extends upward from the beam portion and the second flange portion integrally extends downward from beam portion relative to the vehicle. In some implementations, the flange portion extends continuously along the length of the reinforcement beam.

In some implementations, the rocker component includes a sill panel that has a channel section and opposing flanges extending longitudinally along upper and lower edges of the channel section relative to the vehicle. In some examples, the channel section is shaped to define a concave side of the sill panel, where the flange portion of the reinforcement beam is joined to one of the flanges at the concave side of the sill panel to secure the reinforcement beam to the sill panel.

In additional implementations, the rocker component includes a sill inner having an upper flange inner extending longitudinally along the sill inner and a sill outer having an upper flange outer extending longitudinally along the sill outer. In some examples, the flange portion of the reinforcement beam is joined between the upper flange inner and the upper flange outer of the sill inner and the sill outer. The flange portion may, in some examples, be welded between the sill inner and the sill outer. In some instances, the length of the reinforcement beam occupies 40% to 100% of a longitudinal dimension of a hollow interior space defined between the sill inner and the sill outer.

In further implementations, the beam portion of the reinforcement beam includes wall sections disposed between the elongated bends, such that the wall sections are angled relative to each other to surround each of the plurality of hollow cavities that extends longitudinally along the reinforcement beam and together form the multi-hollow shape. In some examples, the wall sections of the beam portion comprise a shear wall section that is substantially perpendicular to a planar extension of the flange portion or in other examples is angled approximately 30 to 60 degrees relative to a planar extension of the flange portion.

In some instances, the rocker component includes a sill panel that has flanges extending along upper and lower edges of the sill panel relative to the vehicle. The flange portion of the reinforcement beam may be joined to one of the flanges of the sill panel to secure the reinforcement beam to the sill panel. The wall sections of the beam portion may include an interfacing wall section that contacts longitudinally along an inner surface of the sill panel. In additional examples, the interfacing wall section is substantially parallel with a planar extension of the flange portion. In additional implementations, the wall sections of the beam portion includes a sill wall section that is laterally opposed from a vertical wall that extends along the channel section of the sill panel.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a rocker component for a vehicle includes a reinforcement beam comprising a metal sheet that has a plurality of elongated bends extending in parallel along a length of the reinforcement beam and defining planar wall sections of the reinforcement beam between the plurality of elongated bends. The reinforcement beam includes a beam portion extending along the length of the reinforcement beam and a flange portion integrally extending from the beam portion. The planar wall sections of the beam portion are angled relative to each other to surround a plurality of elongated hollow cavities that extend between openings at opposing ends of the reinforcement beam. The flange portion integrally extends from the beam portion and comprises an edge of the metal sheet. The flange portion is configured to attach to the vehicle for supporting the rocker component at the vehicle.

In some implementations, at least one of the plurality of elongated bends is welded along a portion of the metal sheet to enclose at least one of the plurality of elongated hollow cavities. In some examples, the reinforcement beam includes a second flange portion that is formed by an opposing edge of the metal sheet, such that the flange portion extends upward from the beam portion and the second flange portion extends downward from beam portion relative to the vehicle.

In some instances, the rocker component includes a sill panel that has flanges extending longitudinally along upper and lower edges of the sill panel relative to the vehicle, where the flange portion of the reinforcement beam is joined to one of the flanges of the sill panel to secure the reinforcement beam to the sill panel. In additional implementations, the wall sections of the beam portion comprise a shear wall section and a sill wall section, where the shear wall section is angled approximately 30 to 60 degrees relative to a planar extension of the flange portion and the sill wall section is substantially parallel with the planar extension of the flange portion.

According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a rocker component for a vehicle includes a reinforcement beam comprising a metal sheet that has a sheet body disposed between opposing lateral edges of the metal sheet. The sheet body includes a plurality of elongated bends that extend along a length of the reinforcement beam and define planar wall sections of the reinforcement beam between the plurality of elongated bends. The reinforcement beam includes a beam portion defined by the planar wall sections angled relative to each other to surround a plurality of elongated hollow cavities that extend along the length of the reinforcement beam. The reinforcement beam includes a flange portion that integrally extends from the beam portion and terminates at one of the lateral edges of the metal sheet. The flange portion is configured to attach to the vehicle for supporting the rocker component. The rocker component also includes a sill panel that has a channel section and opposing flanges extending longitudinally along upper and lower edges of the channel section relative to the vehicle. The flange portion of the reinforcement beam is joined to one of the opposing flanges of the sill panel to secure the reinforcement beam to the sill panel.

Each of the above independent aspects of the present disclosure, and those aspects described in the detailed description below, may include any of the features, options, and possibilities set out in the present disclosure and figures, including those under the other independent aspects, and may also include any combination of any of the features, options, and possibilities set out in the present disclosure and figures.

The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, advantages, purposes, and features will be apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings.

Like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein, a vehicle component is provided for a vehicle100, such as for a body structure or frame101as shown inFIGS.1and2. The vehicle frame101and associated components may have various designs and configurations, such as for different styles and types of vehicles. As shown for exampleFIGS.1and2, the vehicle component may be implemented as a rocker component102, among other vehicle components, such as a B-pillar103, a hinge pillar104, a floor crossmember105, a roof bow106, or a header107, among other conceivable vehicle structural components. Also, the vehicle may be partially operated by a propulsion system that uses a battery, such as a traction battery or battery modules, which may be supported in a battery tray generally located between the axles and near the floor of the vehicle to distribute the battery weight and establish a low center of gravity for the vehicle. For example, as shown inFIGS.1A and1B, the multi-hollow vehicle component may be a rocker component102(e.g., as further shown inFIG.16) that is disposed alongside a battery tray108with the floor crossmember105being attached to the rocker component102so as to span laterally over the battery tray108. Accordingly, the vehicle component in additional implementations mays also or alternatively be provided as a battery tray frame component, such as a longitudinally oriented side wall section109of the battery tray. Further, the vehicle component may be embodied as the entire piece or as part of the respective vehicle component.

The vehicle component may be used, for example, as a structural component or a battery tray component and as such may be designed to undergo various impact forces and to support and sustain different loading conditions. When designing the vehicle component with the reinforcement beam disclosed herein, the outer dimensions of the vehicle component may be reduced and the overall weight of the vehicle component may be reduced while meeting the required impact and loading conditions. The reinforcement beam may span a partial section of the vehicle component or the entire length of the component, such as to extend beyond the component into and to also reinforce an adjacent component. The reinforcement beam disclosed herein may comprise the entire vehicle component or may be joined to additional reinforcements or parts of the vehicle component, such as at desired sections of the vehicle component. For example, the integral flange portion of the reinforcement beam may attach to a sill panel without adding significant processing steps, such as by not needing to include access holes in the sill panel of a rocker component, as is commonly done to access an interior welding location of an insert of a rocker section. Also, a flange attachment of the reinforcement beam to the vehicle component may allow for easily accessible spot welding to attach the reinforcement beam to a sill panel of the vehicle component, which may eliminate or reduce reliance on more expensive welding techniques, such as laser welding or MIG welding within a hollow component. Moreover, the reinforcement beam disclosed herein may be formed with a sheet material, such as by roll forming a metal sheet, to provide the beam with a relatively high strength (for shear and axial loading) and low weight in comparison to common rocker panels, such as to allow the still panels of the corresponding vehicle component (if provided) to use less material, occupy a smaller packaging space, and have greater flexibility in the outer shape design.

The cross-sectional shape of different examples of the vehicle component and reinforcement beam may include various shapes and thicknesses for the desired application of the vehicle component. The vehicle component may also include a sill panel or panels, such as sill inner and sill outer panels that attach together around an interior area, where the terms “inner” and “outer” are made in reference to inboard or inward facing and outboard or outward facing directions on the vehicle, such oriented inFIG.1. Unless specified to the contrary, it is generally understood that additional implementations of the rocker component may have an opposite orientation from the examples shown and described, such as where the sill panels identified as an inner panel may be used as the outer panel and the sill panels identified as an outer panel may be used as the inner panel. The cross-sectional shape of the inner and outer panels may vary along the vehicle component, such as, for example, by flaring outward at the ends (as may be used for B-pillar implementations). The reinforcement beam may have a multi-tubular shape that has two or more hollow interior areas that extend within the interior area of the vehicle component. The cross-sectional shape or profile of the reinforcement beam may generally have a consistent shape along the length of the reinforcement beam, such as to provide a consistent structural support, stiffness, and strength along the reinforcement beam.

Referring now to the vehicle component10shown inFIGS.3A and3B, a first sill panel12and a second sill panel14are attached together to surround a hollow interior space16between the sill panels12,14. The vehicle component10shown inFIG.3Ais embodied as a vehicle rocker component, such as the rocker component102shown inFIGS.1and2. The first sill panel12, which may be referred to as a sill inner panel of a rocker component, has a C-shaped cross section with flanges18,20that together provide a generally hat-shaped cross section. The flanges18,20may be referred to as an upper flange18and a lower flange20of the first sill panel12. The second sill panel14, which may be referred to as a rocker outer panel of a rocker component, also has a C-shaped cross section with flanges22,24, which may similarly be referred to as an upper flange22and a lower flange24. Thus, the sill panels12,14having opposing C-shaped cross-sectional shapes. The upper and lower flanges18,20,22,24of each of the sill panels12,14shown inFIG.3Aextend longitudinally, continuously along the edges of the rocker component; however, it is contemplated that the flanges may be trimmed away in select areas to facilitate frame attachment or to reduce weight.

As further shown inFIG.3A, the panels12,14are oriented with the channel sections formed by C-shaped cross sections of the respective sill panels12,14facing each other and with the flanges18,20,22,24of the sill panels12,14joined together to define a hollow interior space16between the sill panels12,14. The sill panels12,14are joined together to form at least part of the component, such as the rocker component shown inFIG.3Athat is shaped as an elongated tubular member. The upper and lower flanges18,20,22,24are substantially planar and oriented in a generally vertical configuration, such as to mate in generally continuous contact along the length of the component. The upper and lower flanges18,20,22,24may be joined together via welding, and preferably spot welding, although it is conceivable that alternative welding methods or joining means may be used in addition or in the alternative to spot welding in different implementations of a rocker component.

The first sill panel12, or inner panel of the rocker component, has an inner wall26that is substantially planar and integrally interconnects with an upper wall28and a lower wall30at its respective upper and lower ends. The corner transitions of approximately 100 degrees between the inner wall26and the upper and lower walls28,30are defined by longitudinal bends to a sheet material that forms the first sill panel12, such as a metal sheet (e.g., an advanced high strength steel sheet). Similarly, the upper wall28also has a corner transition of approximately 100 degrees to the upper flange18and the lower wall30has a corner transition of approximately 100 degrees to the lower flange20, which are each also defined by longitudinal bends in the sheet material of the first sill panel12. As also shown inFIG.3A, the upper and lower flanges18,20are substantially planar and oriented in parallel alignment with the planar extent of the inner wall26. The upper and lower walls28,30of the first sill panel12are also substantially planar and, as shown inFIG.3, are slightly angled from being orthogonal to the inner wall26and the flanges18,20. The corner transitions between the upper and lower walls28,30and the upper and lower flanges18,20and the inner wall26may have an angular transition greater or less than shown inFIG.3A, such as approximately between 80 and 160 degrees, between 90 and 120 degrees, between 95 and 110 degrees, or between 97 and 105 degrees.

As also shown inFIG.3A, the second sill panel14or outer panel of the rocker component10has an outer wall32that is substantially planar and integrally interconnects with an upper wall34and a lower wall36at its respective upper and lower ends. The corner transitions of approximately 100 degrees between the outer wall32and the upper and lower walls34,36are defined by longitudinal bends to a sheet material that forms the second sill panel14. The sheet material may be the same or different from the first sill panel12and may include a metal sheet, such as an advanced high strength steel sheet or aluminum sheet. Similarly, the upper wall34also has a corner transition to the upper flange22and the lower wall36has a corner transition to the lower flange24, which are each also defined by longitudinal bends in the sheet material of the second sill panel14. Again, the corner transitions between the upper and lower walls34,36and the upper and lower flanges22,24and the inner wall32may have an angular transition greater or less than shown inFIG.3A, such as approximately between 80 and 160 degrees, between 90 and 120 degrees, between 95 and 110 degrees, or between 97 and 105 degrees.

As shown inFIG.3A, the upper and lower flanges22,24are substantially planar and oriented in parallel alignment with the planar extent of the outer wall32. The upper and lower walls34,36of the second sill panel14are also substantially planar, but are slightly angled from being orthogonal to the inner wall32and flanges22,24. With the flanges18,20,22,24of the panels12,14attached together, the walls thereof define a substantially hexagonal cross-sectional shape; however it is appreciated that additional examples of the beam structure may have various alternative cross-sectional shapes (e.g., a substantially rectangular shape) and different wall configurations for the corresponding vehicle design (e.g., portions of the inner or outer walls that are not vertically oriented).

A reinforcement beam40, as shown for example inFIG.3A, is provided that includes a beam portion42with a multi-hollow cross-sectional shape. The beam portion42is disposed within the hollow interior space16of the rocker component10between the first and second sill panels12,14, such as shown disposed in the C-shaped channel volume formed by the inner panel12to strengthen the inner portion of the rocker component. By disposing the beam portion42at the inner volume defined between the inner and outer panels12,14of the rocker component10, bulkhead members are not included or otherwise necessary to stiffen the inner portion of the rocker component. The reinforcement beam40also includes a flange portion44that integrally extends from the beam portion42. The flange portion44is configured to be joined to the first and second sill panels12,14, such as to join the flange portion44between the edges or flanges of the panels12,14to secure the reinforcement beam40relative to the panels12,14. In some examples, the flange portion44is spot welded between the first and second sill panels12,14. However, it contemplated that additional implementations of a vehicle component may also or alternatively join or couple a flange portion of a reinforcement beam to component panels with alternative welding methods or different attachment means, such as adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or combinations thereof.

As shown inFIG.3A, the reinforcement beam40is roll formed from a metal sheet to provide the beam portion42and the flange portion44as integral sections of the metal sheet. The flange portion44of the reinforcement beam40is provided at and comprises an edge45of the metal sheet. The flange portion44extends longitudinally and continuously along a length of the reinforcement beam40. The length of the reinforcement beam40is be substantially equal to a length of the hollow interior space16defined between the first and second sill panels12,14. In additional implementations, the length of the reinforcement beam may be shorter than the length of the hollow interior space of the corresponding component, such as between 40% and 100%, between 30% and 90%, or between 30% and 60% of the length of the reinforcement beam. For example, in combustion powered vehicles a reinforcement beam may have length less than 90%, or in other examples less than 60%, of the length of the rocker component to be disposed at a desired longitudinal section of a rocker component, such as a central section that may be more susceptible to impact or unsupported areas between pillars or crossmembers of the vehicle.

As further shown inFIG.3A, the beam portion42of the reinforcement beam40has a plurality of longitudinal bends in the metal sheet that each form angular transitions between and define separate wall sections of the beam portion42. Several wall sections are angled relative to each other to form a tubular shape that surrounds an interior area that extends longitudinally along the reinforcement beam. As shown inFIG.3A, the wall sections of the beam portion42include an upper wall section46, an inner wall section48, a lower wall section50, an outer wall section52, a lower shear wall section54, a mid-wall section56, and an upper shear wall section58. The upper wall section46, inner wall section48, and upper shear wall section58, together with a wall section59formed by a lower end of the flange portion44form a tubular shape that generally surrounds an upper interior area60. Also, the inner wall section48, lower wall section50, outer wall section52, and lower shear wall section54form a tubular shape that generally surrounds a lower interior area62. The tubular shapes surrounding the upper and lower interior areas60,62extend longitudinally along the reinforcement beam in parallel alignment with each other and are shown as mirror images of each other across the mid-wall section48. However, additional examples of the reinforcement beam may have the tubular shapes unequal in size and having dissimilar shapes.

The beam portion42shown inFIG.3Ahas an opposing edge64of the metal sheet from the flange portion44attached at an intermediate portion of the sheet to enclose at least one of the tubular shape. Specifically, the opposing edge64is bent to curve downward from the upper wall section46into the upper interior area60to attach to the wall section59in a lapped manner, such as to allow for biasing the opposing edge64against the wall section59when welding the exposed crevice, such as via laser welding in line with the roll forming operation used to form the reinforcement beam40. The mid-wall section56may also be welded to the inner wall section48, such as via laser welding or spot welding during the roll forming operation. In other implementations, the edge may be welded in a different configurations, such as a T-joint, and the welds may be supplemented or replaced with adhesive, fasteners, or combinations thereof.

When the reinforcement beam40has a single flange portion44, such as shown inFIG.3A, the beam portion42may be secured within the hollow interior space16between the sill panels12,14of the rocker component10, such as with the inner wall section48in contact with a generally parallel inner surface of the inner wall26of the first sill panel12and may be attached thereto with a weld55. Thus, the inner wall26may be reinforced by the inner wall section48. Also, the wall sections of the beam portion42provide shear support by wall sections that are substantially perpendicular to the inner wall26, which is parallel to a planar extension of the flange portion44. The shear support shown inFIG.3Ais provided by the upper and lower wall sections46,50, as well as the shear wall sections54,58that are angled approximately 30 degrees relative to the upper and lower wall sections46,50. Thus, shear support may be provided by wall sections that are angled from 0 to 60 degrees from a perpendicular extension from the inner wall26of the rocker component10, or in other implementations shear support may be provided by wall sections that are angled an angular range of 0 to 45 degrees or an angular range of 0 to 30 degrees or an angular range of 0 to 15 degrees.

The reinforcement beam40may be roll-formed from an advanced high-strength steel with a tensile strength above 1,000 MPA, such as approximately 1,500 MPa. The metal sheet used to roll form the reinforcement beam may be approximately 1-2 mm in thickness, such as between 1.2-1.6 mm. Also, the steel sheet used for the reinforcement beam and panels of the vehicle component is galvanized, so as to have a zinc coating that protects against corrosion. In some examples, however, the steel sheet of the reinforcement beam may not be galvanized, and in other examples the steel sheets that form the vehicle component may not be galvanized. In further examples, the metal sheet that forms the reinforcement beam is an aluminum sheet.

Referring toFIG.3B, an additional example of the rocker component10omits an inner sill panel and instead the inner wall section48of the reinforcement beam40defines the innermost wall of the rocker component10. For sake of avoiding repetition, other features of the rocker component10shown inFIG.3Bthat are the same or similar to the rocker component10ofFIG.3A, including those with like reference numbers, are not described again in detail. The reinforcement beam40shown inFIG.3Bis joined to the outer sill panel14with the integral flange portion44of the reinforcement beam40welded to the upper flange22of the outer sill panel14, such as with a spot welding process or the like. To further retain the reinforcement beam to the outer sill panel14, the lower flange24of the outer sill panel14may joined directly or indirectly to a lower portion of the reinforcement beam40. As shown inFIG.3B, an inner bracket13may be provided to connect between the lower flange24and the reinforcement beam14. The inner bracket13may extend continuously along the length of the rocker component10or may be divided into separate brackets that are attached at spaced locations along the length of the reinforcement beam40and the outer sill panel14. When continuously provided, the inner bracket13may enclose the hollow interior space16of the rocker component10between the outer sill panel14and the reinforcement beam40. The inner bracket13includes a lower flange20that is joined to the lower flange24of the outer sill panel14and an upper section that is integrally extends from the lower flange24and defines a lower wall30. The lower wall30is joined to an outboard portion of the lower wall section50of the reinforcement beam40with a weld; however, it is contemplated that additional implementations of the inner bracket13may be joined at alternative locations on the reinforcement beam40(such as by extending upward without a bend transition to attach to the outer wall section52or the reinforcement beam40) and may be joint with alternative joining features, such as fasteners, adhesive, and the like.

With reference to the vehicle component110shown inFIG.4A, a first sill panel112and a second sill panel114are attached together in a similar manner to that shown inFIG.3Ato surround a hollow interior space116between the panels112,114. The vehicle component110shown inFIG.4Ais also embodied as a vehicle rocker component with the first sill panel112referred to as a sill inner panel and the second sill panel114referred to as an outer rocker panel. Other features of rocker component110and associated panels112,114that are similar to the rocker component10and associated panels12,14are not described in detail again, and similar reference numbers are used, incremented by 100.

As also shown inFIG.4A, a reinforcement beam140is provided that includes a beam portion142with a multi-hollow cross-sectional shape and a flange portion144that integrally extends from the beam portion142. The beam portion142is disposed within the hollow interior space116of the rocker component110, and specifically within the inner volume formed by the inner panel112. The flange portion144is attached, such as via spot welding, between the edges or flanges of the panels112,114to secure the reinforcement beam140relative to the panels112,114. The beam portion142of the reinforcement beam40has a plurality of longitudinal bends in a metal sheet used to form the reinforcement beam140that each form angular transitions between and define separate wall sections of the beam portion142.

As further shown inFIG.4A, the upper wall section146, inner wall section148, and upper shear wall section158, together with a wall section159formed by a lower end of the flange portion144form a tubular shape that generally surrounds an upper interior area160. Also, the inner wall section148, lower wall section150, outer wall section152, and lower shear wall section154form a tubular shape that generally surrounds a lower interior area162. The tubular shapes surrounding the upper and lower interior areas160,162extend longitudinally along the reinforcement beam in parallel alignment with each other and each have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. Thus, when secured within the hollow interior space116of the rocker component, the upper and lower wall sections146,150, as well as the shear wall sections154,158provide shear support to the inner wall126by being substantially perpendicular to the inner wall126. To also reinforce the inner wall126, the inner wall section148of the reinforcement beam140interfaces in contact with and may be attached at (e.g., via welding) a generally parallel inner surface of the inner wall126of the first or inner panel112. Other features of the reinforcement beam140that are similar to the reinforcement beam40are not described in detail again, and similar reference numbers are used, incremented by 100.

As shown inFIG.4B, an additional example of the rocker component110omits an inner sill panel and instead the inner wall section148of the reinforcement beam140defines the innermost wall of the rocker component110. For sake of avoiding repetition, other features of the rocker component110shown inFIG.4Bthat are the same or similar to the rocker component110ofFIG.4A, including those with like reference numbers, are not described again in detail. The reinforcement beam40shown inFIG.4Bis joined to the outer sill panel114with the integral flange portion144of the reinforcement beam40welded to the upper flange122of the outer sill panel114, such as with a spot welding process or the like. To further retain the reinforcement beam to the outer sill panel114, the lower flange124of the outer sill panel114may joined directly or indirectly to a lower portion of the reinforcement beam140. As shown inFIG.4B, an inner bracket113may be provided to connect between the lower flange124and the reinforcement beam114. The inner bracket113may extend continuously along the length of the rocker component110or may be divided into separate brackets that are attached at spaced locations along the length of the reinforcement beam40and the outer sill panel114. When continuously provided, the inner bracket113may enclose the hollow interior space116of the rocker component110between the outer sill panel114and the reinforcement beam140. The inner bracket113includes a lower flange120that is joined to the lower flange124of the outer sill panel114and an upper section that is integrally extends from the lower flange124and defines a lower wall130. The lower wall130is joined to an outboard portion of the lower wall section150of the reinforcement beam140with a weld; however, it is contemplated that additional implementations of the inner bracket113may be joined at alternative locations on the reinforcement beam140(such as by extending upward without a bend transition to attach to the outer wall section152or the reinforcement beam140) and may be joint with alternative joining features, such as fasteners, adhesive, and the like.

Referring now to the vehicle component210shown inFIG.5A, again two panels212,214are attached together in a similar manner to that shown inFIG.3to surround a hollow interior space216between the panels212,214, such as to be embodied as a vehicle rocker component. Other features of rocker component210that are similar to the rocker component10are not described in detail again, and similar reference numbers are used, incremented by 200. As shown inFIG.5A, a reinforcement beam240is provided that includes a beam portion242with a multi-hollow cross-sectional shape and a flange portion244that integrally extends from the beam portion242. The multi-hollow cross-sectional shape of the beam portion242has two hollow interior areas260,262that are divided by a single, common center wall section, shown as a center shear wall section254. The reinforcement beam240may be roll formed from a metal sheet, so as to form a plurality of longitudinal bends in the metal sheet used that each form angular transition between separate wall sections of the beam portion242.

As further shown inFIG.5A, the upper wall section246, an upper inner wall section248a, the center shear wall section254, and an upper outer wall section257form a tubular shape that generally surrounds an upper interior area260. Also, a lower inner wall section248b, lower wall section250, a lower outer wall section252, and the center shear wall section254form a tubular shape that generally surrounds a lower interior area262. The lower outer wall section252is provided in planar alignment with the flange portion244and is disposed at a lower end thereof. Also, the wall section259immediate above the lower outer wall section252is a planar extension of the flange portion244and overlaps the upper outer wall section257to provide a double wall thickness.

The beam portion242shown inFIG.5Ahas an opposing edge264of the metal sheet from the flange portion244attached at an intermediate portion of the sheet to enclose the tubular shape around the upper interior area260. Specifically, the opposing edge264is curved inward from the upper inner wall section248ainto the upper interior area260to attach to the center wall section254in a lapped manner to weld the exposed crevice, such as via laser welding. The wall section259may also be welded to the upper inner wall section257, such as via laser welding. In other implementations, the edge may be welded in a different configurations, such as lap to the lower outer wall section or a T-joint with the corner transition between the center wall section and the lower outer wall section.

The tubular shapes surrounding the upper and lower interior areas260,262extend longitudinally along the reinforcement beam in parallel alignment with each other and each have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. Thus, when secured within the hollow interior space216of the rocker component, the upper and lower wall sections246,250, as well as the center shear wall section254provide shear support to the inner wall226by being substantially perpendicular to the inner wall226. To also reinforce the inner wall226, the upper and lower inner wall sections248a,248bof the reinforcement beam240interfaces in contact with and may attach at a generally parallel inner surface of the inner wall226of the inner panel212. Other features of the reinforcement beam240that are similar to the reinforcement beam40are not described in detail again, and similar reference numbers are used, incremented by 200.

A further example of the rocker component210is shown inFIG.5Bthat omits an inner sill panel and instead the inner wall section248of the reinforcement beam240defines the innermost wall of the rocker component210. For sake of avoiding repetition, other features of the rocker component210shown inFIG.5Bthat are the same or similar to the rocker component210ofFIG.5A, including those with like reference numbers, are not described again in detail. The reinforcement beam240shown inFIG.5Bis joined to the outer sill panel214with the integral flange portion244of the reinforcement beam240welded to the upper flange222of the outer sill panel214, such as with a spot welding process or the like. To further retain the reinforcement beam to the outer sill panel214, the lower flange224of the outer sill panel214may joined directly or indirectly to a lower portion of the reinforcement beam240. As shown inFIG.5B, an inner bracket213may be provided to connect between the lower flange224and the reinforcement beam214. The inner bracket213may extend continuously along the length of the rocker component210or may be divided into separate brackets that are attached at spaced locations along the length of the reinforcement beam240and the outer sill panel214. When continuously provided, the inner bracket213may enclose the hollow interior space216of the rocker component210between the outer sill panel214and the reinforcement beam240. The inner bracket213includes a lower flange220that is joined to the lower flange224of the outer sill panel214and an upper section that is integrally extends from the lower flange224and defines a lower wall230. The lower wall230is joined to an outboard portion of the lower wall section250of the reinforcement beam240with a weld; however, it is contemplated that additional implementations of the inner bracket213may be joined at alternative locations on the reinforcement beam240(such as by extending upward without a bend transition to attach to the outer wall section252or the reinforcement beam240) and may be joint with alternative joining features, such as fasteners, adhesive, and the like.

Referring now toFIG.6A, a rocker component310is shown that has a reinforcement beam340that is roll formed from a metal sheet to provide a beam portion342that includes a multi-hollow cross-sectional shape with four enclosed interior areas360,361,362,363and five wall sections346,354,350that provide shear support and divide the enclosed interior areas. The flange portion344integrally extends from the beam portion342and is provided by an edge of the metal sheet used to form the beam portion342. As shown inFIG.6A, the flange portion344extends linearly downward along an outer side of the beam portion342to a lower wall section350, defining an upper outer wall section359and a lower outer wall section352. From the inner end of the lower wall section350, the metal sheet transitions upward in a serpentine curved formation to provide three intermediate shear wall sections354before transitioning outward at the upper wall section346before transitioning linearly downward along an inner side of the beam portion342. The inner side of the beam portion342defines upper and lower inner wall section348a,348b.

As illustrated inFIG.6A, the beam portion342includes an upper wall section346, an upper inner wall section348a, a central shear wall section354, and an upper outer wall section357that together form a tubular shape that generally surrounds an upper interior area360. Adjacent to and below the upper interior area360, an intermediate interior area361is bordered by the same central shear wall section354, a mid-wall section356, another central shear wall section354, and an upper outer wall section359. Adjacent to and below the intermediate interior area361, another intermediate interior area362is bordered by the same central shear wall section354that borders the intermediate interior area361, a lower inner wall section348b, another central shear wall section354, and a lower outer wall section357. Finally, adjacent to and below the intermediate interior area362, a lower interior area363is bordered by the same central shear wall section354that borders the intermediate interior area362, a lower mid-wall section356, a lower wall section350, and a lower outer wall section352.

As also shown inFIG.6A, the inner wall sections348a,348binterface in contact with a generally parallel inner surface of the inner wall326of the first sill panel312. The wall sections of the beam portion342provide shear support by wall sections that are substantially perpendicular to the inner wall326, which is parallel to a planar extension of the flange portion344of the reinforcement beam340. The shear support shown inFIG.6Ais provided by the lower wall section350, as well as the shear wall sections354and the upper wall section345that are each angled approximately 30 degrees relative to the flange portion344. In additional implementations, the serpentine shape may provide differently shaped wall sections, such as shear wall sections that are angled 0 to 60 degrees, or 0 to 45 degrees, or 0 to 30 degrees from a perpendicular extension from the inner wall326of the vehicle component310. Other features of vehicle component310and associated reinforcement beam340that are similar to the vehicle component10and reinforcement beam40are not described in detail again, and similar reference numbers are used, incremented by 300.

Another implementation of the rocker component310is shown inFIG.6B, where the inner sill panel is omitted and instead the inner wall section348of the reinforcement beam340defines the innermost wall of the rocker component310. For sake of avoiding repetition, other features of the rocker component310shown inFIG.6Bthat are the same or similar to the rocker component310ofFIG.6A, including those with like reference numbers, are not described again in detail. The reinforcement beam340shown inFIG.6Bis joined to the outer sill panel314with the integral flange portion344of the reinforcement beam340welded to the upper flange322of the outer sill panel314, such as with a spot welding process or the like. To further retain the reinforcement beam to the outer sill panel314, the lower flange324of the outer sill panel314may joined directly or indirectly to a lower portion of the reinforcement beam340. As shown inFIG.6B, an inner bracket313may be provided to connect between the lower flange324and the reinforcement beam314. The inner bracket313may extend continuously along the length of the rocker component310or may be divided into separate brackets that are attached at spaced locations along the length of the reinforcement beam340and the outer sill panel314. When continuously provided, the inner bracket313may enclose the hollow interior space316of the rocker component310between the outer sill panel314and the reinforcement beam340. The inner bracket313includes a lower flange320that is joined to the lower flange324of the outer sill panel314and an upper section that is integrally extends from the lower flange324and defines a lower wall330. The lower wall330is joined to an outboard portion of the lower wall section350of the reinforcement beam340with a weld; however, it is contemplated that additional implementations of the inner bracket313may be joined at alternative locations on the reinforcement beam340(such as by extending upward without a bend transition to attach to the outer wall section352or the reinforcement beam340) and may be joint with alternative joining features, such as fasteners, adhesive, and the like.

Referring now toFIGS.7A-16, the reinforcement beam may include a second flange portion, such as a flange portion466,566(FIGS.7A and8A) formed by an opposing edge portion of the metal sheet. The second flange portion may be attached, such as with spot welding, between the lower flanges of the first and second sill panels. In doing so, the reinforcement beam may eliminate the use of one or both sill panels that can extend between the flanges so as to integrate some or all of the structural features of the individual sill panels. Also in providing the second flange portion as an integral extension from the beam portion of the reinforcement beam, in some examples, the beam portion of the reinforcement beam may be spaced or separated from the inner surfaces of the inner and outer panels of the vehicle component, such as to provide two points of connection between the reinforcement beam and the inner and outer panels and additional hollow areas or lateral crush zones.

As shown inFIG.7A, a reinforcement beam440is provided that includes a beam portion442with a multi-hollow cross-sectional shape and two flange portions444,466that integrally extends from the beam portion442. The multi-hollow cross-sectional shape of the beam portion442has three hollow interior areas460,461,462that are divided by central wall sections454,464. The reinforcement beam440is roll formed from a metal sheet, so as to form a plurality of longitudinal bends in the metal sheet used that each form angular transition between separate wall sections of the beam portion442.

The cross-sectional shape of the beam portion442, as shown inFIG.7A, provides the upper flange portion444extending linearly downward along an outer side of the beam portion442to a lower wall section450, defining an outer wall section452of the reinforcement beam440. From the inner end of the lower wall section450, the metal sheet transitions upward in a diagonal formation to provide two intermediate shear wall sections454before transitioning inward at the upper wall section446and then transitioning linearly downward along an inner side of the beam portion442to defines upper and lower outer wall section448a,448b. The upper wall section446, the upper inner wall section448a, a central shear wall section454, and an upper outer wall section457together form a tubular shape that generally surrounds an upper interior area460. Adjacent to and below the upper interior area460, an intermediate interior area461is bordered by the same central shear wall section454, a mid-wall section456, another central shear wall section454, and the outer wall section452. Adjacent to and below the intermediate interior area461, a lower interior area462is bordered by the same central shear wall section454that borders the intermediate interior area461, a lower inner wall section448b, and a lower wall section450. The wall sections of the beam portion442provide shear support with wall sections that are substantially perpendicular to the inner wall426, such as the lower wall section450, upper wall section446, as well as the shear wall sections454that are angled approximately 45 degrees relative to the flange portion444. Other features of the vehicle component410and associated reinforcement beam440that are similar to the vehicle component10and reinforcement beam40are not described in detail again, and similar reference numbers are used, incremented by 400.

As shown inFIG.7B, another implementation of the rocker component410has the inner sill panel omitted and instead the inner wall section448of the reinforcement beam440defines the innermost wall of the rocker component410. Thus, the reinforcement beam440integrates a sill panel with a reinforcement structure utilizing a single metal sheet. For sake of avoiding repetition, other features of the rocker component410shown inFIG.7Bthat are the same or similar to the rocker component410ofFIG.7A, including those with like reference numbers, are not described again in detail. The reinforcement beam440shown inFIG.7Bis joined to the outer sill panel414with the integral upper and lower flange portions444,466welded to the respective upper and lower flanges422,424of the outer sill panel414, such as with spot welding or laser welding or the like.

As shown inFIG.8A, a reinforcement beam540is provided with a similar configuration to the reinforcement beam440shown inFIG.7Awith a beam portion542that has three hollow interior areas560,561,562that are divided by central wall sections554,564. Different from the reinforcement beam440, the central wall section554is oriented perpendicular relative to the inner wall526and the upper and lower inner wall section548a,548b. Accordingly, the upper outer wall section557and the mid-wall section556extend along a greater extent of the respective outer wall section552and inner wall section548a,548b.

Also, as shown inFIG.8B, another implementation of the rocker component510has the inner sill panel omitted and instead the inner wall section548of the reinforcement beam540defines the innermost wall of the rocker component510. Thus, the reinforcement beam440integrates a sill panel with a reinforcement structure utilizing a single metal sheet. The reinforcement beam540shown inFIG.8Bis joined to the outer sill panel514with the integral upper and lower flange portions544,566welded to the respective upper and lower flanges522,524of the outer sill panel514, such as with spot welding or laser welding or the like. Other features of the vehicle component510and associated reinforcement beam540that are similar to the vehicle components10,410and reinforcement beams40,440are not described in detail again, and similar reference numbers are used, incremented by 500.

Referring toFIGS.9A-16, the reinforcement beam may have a cross-sectional shape that is expanded laterally outward to substantially fill the inner and outer hollow interior volume defined between the inner and outer panels of the vehicle component. In doing so, the outer portion of the rocker component may be stiffened, such as for decreasing impact intrusion resistance as may be desirable for electric vehicles having battery modules disposed between the rocker assemblies. As shown inFIGS.9A-12D, the beam portion of the reinforcement beam includes two hollow interior areas that are divided by a common center wall section654,754,854,954that is oriented substantially vertically in alignment with the upper and lower flanges and flange portions of the corresponding reinforcement beam. The vertical center wall sections654,754,854,954are provided by a cross-sectional shape similar to the reinforcement beam240shown inFIG.5Aand rotated approximately 90 degrees about a longitudinal axis of the reinforcement beam to vertically orient the shear wall section254.

With respect to the reinforcement beam640shown inFIG.9A, the upper and lower flanges618,620,622,624of the inner and outer panels612,614are vertically offset from each other, such that the flange portions644,666are also vertically offset to be disposed between the respective upper flanges618,622and lower flanges620,624. With such an offset, the outer lower wall section651is disposed below and extending outward to overlap a portion of the inner lower wall section650. The center wall section654extends upward beyond the inner upper wall section646to partially overlap a lower end of the flange portion644, such that the outer upper wall section645that integrally extends from the upper end of the center wall section654is disposed vertically above the inner upper wall section646. Other features of the vehicle component610and associated reinforcement beam640that are similar to the vehicle components10,410and reinforcement beams40,440are not described in detail again, and similar reference numbers are used, incremented by 600.

As shown inFIGS.9B,9C, and9D, additional implementations of the rocker component610have the inner sill panel omitted (FIG.9B), the outer sill panel omitted (FIG.9C), and both sill panels omitted (FIG.9D). In these examples, the wall section of the reinforcement beam adjacent to the omitted sill panel defines the corresponding innermost or outermost wall of the rocker component610. Thus, the reinforcement beam640may integrate one or two sill panels with a reinforcement structure by utilizing a single metal sheet. For sake of avoiding repetition, other features of the rocker component610shown inFIGS.9B-9Dthat are the same or similar to the rocker component610ofFIG.9A, including those with like reference numbers, are not described again in detail.

As shown inFIG.10A, a reinforcement beam740is provided with a similar configuration to the reinforcement beam640shown inFIG.9Awith a beam portion742that has two hollow interior areas760,762that are divided by a central wall section754. Different from the reinforcement beam640, the outer lower wall section751is disposed above and does not overlap a portion of the inner lower wall section750. Accordingly, the center wall section754extends downward beyond the outer lower wall section751to partially overlap an upper end of the second flange portion766, such that the inner lower wall section750that integrally extends from the lower end of the center wall section754is disposed vertically below the outer lower wall section751.

As shown inFIGS.10B-10D, additional implementations of the rocker component710have the inner sill panel omitted (FIG.10B), the outer sill panel omitted (FIG.10C), and both sill panels omitted (FIG.10D). In these examples, the wall section of the reinforcement beam adjacent to the omitted sill panel defines the corresponding innermost or outermost wall of the rocker component710. Thus, the reinforcement beam740may integrate one or two sill panels with a reinforcement structure by utilizing a single metal sheet. Other features of the vehicle component710and associated reinforcement beam740that are similar to the vehicle components10,610and reinforcement beams40,640are not described in detail again, and like reference numbers are used, incremented by 700.

As shown inFIGS.11A-11D and12A-12D, reinforcement beams840,940are also provided with a similar configuration to the reinforcement beam640shown inFIGS.9A-9Dwith beam portions842,942that each have two hollow interior areas860,862,960,962that are respectively divided by a central wall section854,954. Different from the reinforcement beam640, the outer upper wall section845,945is disposed above and overlaps a portion of the inner upper wall section846,946. Accordingly, the center wall section854,954does not overlap either flange portion844,866,944,966, such that the center wall section854,954terminates at the intermediate extent of the outer upper wall section845,945at the upper end and at the intermediate extent of the inner lower wall section850,950. The center wall section854,954may then be generally centered between the laterally offset flanges, such as when laterally offset at a larger distance as shown inFIGS.11A-11Dwhen compared to the relatively shorter lateral offset shown in12A-12D. Other features of the vehicle components810,910and associated reinforcement beams840,940that are similar to the vehicle components10,610and reinforcement beams40,640are not described in detail again, and similar reference numbers are used, incremented by 800 and 900 respectively.

As shown inFIGS.13A-13D, the upper and lower flanges1018,1020,1022,1024may be vertically aligned. The reinforcement beam1040shown inFIGS.13A-13Dis a similar configuration to the reinforcement beam840shown inFIGS.11A-11Dwith portions of the upper wall sections1045,1046overlapping and with portions of the lower wall sections1050,1051overlapping. The central wall sections1054, however, are provided similar to the reinforcement beam340shown inFIG.6Awith the metal sheet transitioning upward in an alternating diagonal formation to provide three intermediate shear wall sections1054before transitioning inward at the upper wall section1046and then transitioning linearly downward along an inner side of the beam portion1042to defines upper and lower inner wall sections1048a,1048b. Other features of the vehicle component1010and the associated reinforcement beam1040that are similar to the vehicle component10and reinforcement beam40are not described in detail again, and similar reference numbers are used, incremented by 1000. In additional implementations, the angular orientation of the central wall section is arranged to generally extend between offset flanges, such to angle from the upper flanges toward lower flanges that are offset inward from the upper flanges.

Referring toFIGS.14A-14D, additional examples of a rocker component1110is shown having a similar configuration to the examples shown inFIGS.9A-9Dwith the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcement beam1140altered primarily at the degree of angle transitions between wall sections of the beam portion1142and between the beam portion1142and the flange portions1144,1166. For example, the beam portion1142of the reinforcement beam1140includes a substantially horizontal wall section1153along a portion of the central wall section1154to provide a shear wall section in addition to the upper and lower shear wall sections1145,1146,1150.

Further examples of a rocker component1210are shown inFIGS.15A-15D, having a similar configuration to the examples shown inFIGS.7A-7Dwith the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcement beam1240altered in the roll form bending configuration or flower pattern of the metal sheet that forms the reinforcement beam1240. Specifically, the reinforcement beam1240forms an upper tubular portion surrounding an upper hollow area1260and a lower tubular portion surrounding a lower hollow area1262, with the sheet connecting the upper and lower tubular portions along an outer wall section1232of the reinforcement beam1240to enclose a third hollow area1261. This configuration of the reinforcement beam1240is shown inFIG.15Dwithout an inner or outer sill panel. Similar to the reinforcement beam1240and rocker component ofFIG.15D, another example of a rocker component1310is shown inFIG.16with like reference numbers incremented by 100 from that shown inFIGS.15A-15D. As shown inFIG.16(as also shown inFIG.1A), the rocker component1310is situated outboard to a battery tray and inboard to a body side panel. Also, a floor crossmember is shown spanning above the battery tray and interconnecting with the inner portion of the rocker component1310, above the upper hollow area160and inboard the upper flange1344. Additional connection configurations are also contemplated for other examples, such as the example shown inFIG.1B.

Although the reinforcement beam may have a structure at the beam portion that provides sufficient stiffness and strength, it is contemplated that the vehicle component may include one or more bulkhead members that are disposed generally orthogonally relative to the longitudinal extent of the rocker component. For example, when the outer rocker panel is desired to be further stiffened, such as for protecting battery modules disposed in a tray between rocker assembles, a series of bulkhead members may be disposed at spaced intervals along the hollow interior between an outer wall section of the reinforcement beam and an outer panel of a rocker component. The bulkhead members may connect to the outer panel and/or reinforcement beam with a mechanical fastener, welding, adhesive, or any combination thereof. Moreover, it is contemplated that the inner and outer panels may include wall stiffeners that may be attached at select locations of the inner and outer panels. For example, the wall stiffeners may be attached at and reinforce the rounded corners of the metal sheets that form the inner and outer panels. It is contemplated that additional or alternative attachment locations may be used in other examples.

It is also contemplated that the internal reinforcements of the disclosed vehicle component may be incorporated in other types of structural beams, such as in frames and structures of automotive and marine vehicles, buildings, storage tanks, furniture, and the like. With respect to vehicle applications, the vehicle component disclosed herein may be incorporated with various applications of different structural components. The vehicle component may be designed to support and sustain different loading conditions, such as for supporting certain horizontal spans or axial loading conditions. Also, the vehicle component may be designed to undergo various impact forces, such as for the illustrated rocker assemblies, pillar structures, and the like. The cross-sectional geometry, material type selections, and material thickness within the cross-sectional profile of the vehicle component may be configured for such a particular use and the desired loading and performance characteristics, such as the weight, load capacity the beam, force deflection performance, and impact performance of the vehicle component.

For purposes of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding descriptions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional implementations that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and the like, as used herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to denote element from another.

Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are “about” or “approximately” the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by implementations of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of a stated amount.

Further, it should be understood that any directions or reference frames in the preceding description are merely relative directions or movements. For example, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inboard,” “outboard” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the orientation shown inFIG.1. However, it is to be understood that various alternative orientations may be provided, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in this specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments may be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law. The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.