Vehicle frame reinforcement structure

A vehicle frame includes a first beam with a first wall and a second wall extended in a first beam longitudinal direction, wherein the first wall and the second wall are spaced from each other in a first beam transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the first beam longitudinal direction. The first beam includes at least one first beam reinforcement structure, the at least one first beam reinforcement structure including a first leg and a second leg disposed along the first beam and extended between the first wall and the second wall in the first beam transverse direction. The first leg and the second leg are angled toward each other along the first beam transverse direction from the second wall toward the first wall.

BACKGROUND

Vehicle frames and constructions therefor are increasingly complex as vehicle manufacturers look for new ways to improve structural integrity of the vehicle frame while maintaining and/or reducing the overall weight of the vehicle frame. These are often competing concerns. That is, increasing the structural integrity of the vehicle frame, including improving crash performance characteristics, often involves adding weight to the vehicle frame. Conversely, reducing the weight of the vehicle frame must be done carefully so as to avoid adversely changing the structural integrity of the vehicle frame. As such, there is continued interest in reinforcing members in vehicle frames which provide increased structural integrity of the vehicle frame, including improved crash performance characteristics, while maintaining or reducing an overall weight of the vehicle frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to one aspect, a vehicle frame includes a first beam with a first wall and a second wall extended in a first beam longitudinal direction, wherein the first wall and the second wall are spaced from each other in a first beam transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the first beam longitudinal direction. The first beam includes at least one first beam reinforcement structure, the at least one first beam reinforcement structure including a first leg and a second leg disposed along the first beam and extended between the first wall and the second wall in the first beam transverse direction. The first leg and the second leg are angled toward each other along the first beam transverse direction from the second wall toward the first wall.

According to another aspect, a vehicle frame includes an A-pillar. The A-pillar includes a first wall and a second wall extended in a vehicle height direction and spaced from each other such that the first wall is positioned in front of the second wall in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The A-pillar includes a first beam reinforcement structure positioned at the first wall and the second wall, the first beam reinforcement structure including a first leg and a second leg disposed along the A-pillar between the first wall and the second wall in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The first leg and the second leg of the first beam reinforcement structure are angled toward each other along the vehicle longitudinal direction from the second wall toward the first wall of the A-pillar.

According to another aspect, a vehicle frame includes a beam with a first wall and a second wall extended in a beam longitudinal direction. The first wall and the second wall are spaced from each other in a beam transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the beam longitudinal direction. The beam includes a reinforcement structure with at least one leg formed from a first incline portion and a second incline portion disposed along the beam, between the first wall and the second wall in the beam transverse direction. The first incline portion and the second incline portion define a channel extended along the at least one leg in the beam transverse direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the present disclosure. Spatially relative terms are used to describe an element and/or feature's relationship to another element(s) and/or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. Moreover, any term of degree used herein, such as “substantially” and “approximately”, means a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified word is contemplated such that the end result is not significantly changed.

Referring now to the drawings, where like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views,FIGS.1and2depicts a left side portion of a vehicle frame100for an automotive vehicle. The vehicle frame100includes an A-pillar102, a B-pillar104, and a side sill110as beams fixed with each other in a rigid structure having an outer side112and an oppositely facing inner side114. The vehicle frame100is formed from a plurality of interconnected panels120with reinforcing members122, shown inFIG.2, disposed therein.FIG.2depicts the vehicle frame100with the panels120removed from the outer side112of the frame100, and including a wheel apron124. The wheel apron124forms a beam fixed with the A-pillar102in the vehicle frame100. The apron124extends in an apron longitudinal direction substantially parallel to a vehicle longitudinal direction.

The reinforcing members122include a first A-pillar section130and a second A-pillar section132fixed in the vehicle frame100as portions of the A-pillar102. The reinforcing members122also include a side sill reinforcing member134having a side sill end portion140fixed with the A-pillar102at a bottom end portion142of the second A-pillar section132.

The first A-pillar section130includes a first wall144and a second wall150extended in a first beam longitudinal direction substantially along a vehicle height direction. The first wall144and the second wall150of the first A-pillar section130are spaced from each other such that the first wall144is positioned in front of the second wall150in a first beam transverse direction that is substantially parallel to the vehicle longitudinal direction, and substantially perpendicular to the first beam longitudinal direction. The second A-pillar section132includes a first wall152and a second wall154extended in the first beam longitudinal direction. The first wall152and the second wall154of the second A-pillar section132are spaced from each other such that the first wall152is positioned in front of the second wall154in the first beam transverse direction. The first wall144of the first A-pillar section130and the first wall152of the second A-pillar section132are approximately collinear and collectively referred to herein as the first wall160of the A-pillar102. The second wall150of the first A-pillar section130and the second wall154of the second A-pillar section132are approximately collinear and collectively referred to herein as the second wall162of the A-pillar102.

With continued reference toFIG.2, the side sill110includes a first wall164and a second wall170extended in a side sill longitudinal direction substantially parallel with the vehicle longitudinal direction, and substantially perpendicular to the first beam longitudinal direction. The first wall164and the second wall170of the side sill110are spaced from each other such that the first wall164is positioned above the second wall170in a side sill transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the side sill longitudinal direction, and substantially parallel with the vehicle height direction.

The wheel apron124is configured for housing a wheel assembly of an automotive vehicle with the A-pillar102and the side sill110positioned behind the wheel in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The wheel assembly may include a wheel, an axle, a braking system, a suspension system, and other components configured for supporting and operating the wheel with respect to the vehicle frame100. The wheel apron124is fixed with the A-pillar102at the first A-pillar section130and the second A-pillar section132, and extended substantially in the vehicle longitudinal direction for transferring a load from a forward portion of the vehicle frame100backward in the vehicle longitudinal direction, into the A-pillar102.

In the depicted aspect, the wheel apron124includes a first shear wall172, a second shear wall174, and a third shear wall180extended along the first beam transverse direction, and configured for transferring a load through the wheel apron124to the A-pillar102in the first beam transverse direction. With this configuration of the wheel apron124, the vehicle frame100includes a first bulkhead182, a second bulkhead184, and a third bulkhead190that, respectively, directly connect the first shear wall172, the second shear wall174, and the third shear wall180to the first wall160of the A-pillar102. As such, the first shear wall172, the second shear wall174, and the third shear wall180are respectively configured to transfer a load through the wheel apron124and to the first bulkhead182, the second bulkhead184, and the third bulkhead190, where the load is further transferred to the first wall160of the A-pillar102.

As shown inFIG.3, the A-pillar102includes a plurality of first beam reinforcement structures192, where the first A-pillar section130includes a first reinforcement structure194, and the second A-pillar section132includes a second reinforcement structure200, a third reinforcement structure202, and a fourth reinforcement structure204. Each reinforcement structure194,200,202,204in the plurality of first beam reinforcement structures192includes a first strengthening rib or leg210,212,214,220and a second strengthening rib or leg222,224,230,232disposed along the A-pillar102. Each first leg210,212,214,220, and each second leg222,224,230,232extend between the first wall160and the second wall162of the A-pillar102in the first beam transverse direction from the first wall160to the second wall162.

The first leg210,212,214,220and the second leg222,224,230,232of each same reinforcement structure194,200,202,204are angled toward each other along the first beam transverse direction taken from the second wall162toward the first wall160of the A-pillar102. The first leg210,212,214,220and the second leg222,224,230,232in each same reinforcement structure194,200,202,204are linear and at least partially define a triangle shape in the A-pillar102between the first leg210,212,214,220, the second leg222,224,230,232, and the second wall162.

In the first reinforcement structure194and the fourth reinforcement structure204, the first leg210,220and the second leg222,232, in respective pairs, are spaced from each other in the first beam longitudinal direction and angled toward each other along the first beam transverse direction such that the first leg210,220and the second leg222,232intersect at the first wall160of the A-pillar102. In the second reinforcement structure200and the third reinforcement structure202, the first leg212,214and the second leg224,230, in respective pairs, are spaced from each other in the first beam longitudinal direction and angled toward each other along the first beam transverse direction such that the first leg212,214and the second leg224,230are spaced from each other at the first wall160of the A-pillar102.

With reference back toFIG.2, the wheel apron124is fixed with the A-pillar102through the first bulkhead182, the second bulkhead184, and the third bulkhead190at a plurality of attachment locations or points including a first attachment location234, a second attachment location240, and a third attachment location242. The first attachment location234, the second attachment location240, and the third attachment location242are respectively located on the first wall160of the A-pillar102with the first reinforcement structure194, the second reinforcement structure200, and the third reinforcement structure202. As such, loading from the first bulkhead182, the second bulkhead184, and the third bulkhead190is directed to the first wall160of the A-pillar102at the first reinforcement structure194, the second reinforcement structure200, and the third reinforcement structure202.

As shown inFIG.3, each of the first leg210,212,214,220and the second leg222,224,230,232in each reinforcement structure194,200,202,204includes a first end244,250,252,254,260,262,264,270fixed with the first wall160of the A-pillar102, and a second end272,274,280,282,284,290,292,294fixed with the second wall162of the A-pillar102. The first end244-270of each first leg210,212,214,220and each second leg222,224,230,232is located closer to the first wall160of the A-pillar102as compared to the second wall162. The second end272-294of each first leg210,212,214,220and each second leg222,224,230,232is located closer to the second wall162of the A-pillar102as compared to the first wall160.

Each attachment location234,240,242has substantially a same position on the first wall160of the A-pillar102in the first beam longitudinal direction as at least one of: a first end244-262of a first leg210,212,214or a second leg222,224,230; and a portion of the first wall160located between a first end244,252,260of a first leg210,212,214and a first end250,254,262of a second leg222,224,230of a same reinforcement structure that is one of the first reinforcement structure194, the second reinforcement structure200, and the third reinforcement structure202in the first beam longitudinal direction. As such, loading from the first bulkhead182, the second bulkhead184, and the third bulkhead190to the A-pillar102, as indicated by arrows300,302,304, is respectively directed to the first wall160of the A-pillar102at a location on or between corresponding first ends244-262of the first leg210,212,214and the second leg222,224,230of the first reinforcement structure194, the second reinforcement structure200, and the third reinforcement structure202.

In the depicted embodiment, the first attachment location234is located on the first end244of the first leg210of the first reinforcement structure194. The second attachment location240is located on the first end254of the second leg224of the second reinforcement structure200. The third attachment location242is located on the first end260of the first leg214of the third reinforcement structure202.

With continued reference toFIG.3, the fourth reinforcement structure204is positioned at the first wall160and the second wall162for being located directly behind a wheel assembly housed in the wheel apron124in the vehicle longitudinal direction. With this construction, the fourth reinforcement structure204reinforces the A-pillar102against the wheel assembly under a set of conditions, such as a front-end or offset collision, which deform the wheel assembly backward in the vehicle longitudinal direction, as indicated by an arrow310.

The side sill110includes a side sill reinforcement structure312that has similar features and functions in a similar manner as the plurality of first beam reinforcement members192. The side sill reinforcement structure312includes a first strengthening rib or leg314and a second strengthening rib or leg320disposed along the side sill110and extended between the first wall164and the second wall170of the side sill110in the side sill transverse direction. The first leg314and the second leg320of the side sill reinforcement structure312are angled toward each other along the side sill transverse direction in a direction taken from the second wall170to the first wall164of the side sill110.

The side sill reinforcement structure312is located at a side of the second wall162of the A-pillar102opposite the first wall160of the A-pillar102in the side sill longitudinal direction. Also, the side sill end portion140is fixed with the A-pillar102at the bottom end portion142, locating the first wall164of the side sill110with the bottom end portion142in the vehicle height direction. As such, the side sill reinforcement structure312is positioned on the side sill110for being located below the plurality of first beam reinforcement structures192in the vehicle height direction, and located behind the plurality of first beam reinforcement structures192in the vehicle longitudinal direction. With this construction, the side sill reinforcement structure312reinforces the side sill110against a moment of force, indicated by an arrow322, generated in the side sill110from forces acting on the A-pillar102, such as loading from the first bulkhead182, the second bulkhead184, and the third bulkhead190indicated by the arrows300,302,304, and loading from a wheel assembly indicated by the arrow310.

With continued reference toFIG.3, the second A-pillar section132defines a first through hole324interposed between and separating the second reinforcement structure200and the third reinforcement structure202along the first beam longitudinal direction. The first through hole324is for passage of a vehicle assembly component, and in an embodiment, the first through hole324is a wire harness pass-through hole configured for accommodating a wire harness in the A-pillar102. The second A-pillar section132also defines a second through hole330located between the first leg214and the second leg230of the third reinforcement structure202in the first beam longitudinal direction. The second through hole330is located at a side of the first leg214of the third reinforcement structure202opposite the first through hole324in the first beam longitudinal direction. The second A-pillar section132also defines a third through hole332located at a side of the third reinforcement structure202opposite the first through hole324in the first beam longitudinal direction. The third through hole332is located at a side of the second leg220of the third reinforcement structure202opposite the second through hole330in the first beam longitudinal direction. The third through hole332is interposed between and separates the third reinforcement structure202and the fourth reinforcement structure204in the first beam longitudinal direction. The second through hole330and the third through hole332can also be for the passage of vehicle assembly components.

Because the loading indicated by the arrows300,302,304,310is directed to the plurality of first beam reinforcement structures192, the loading is directed through the first legs210,212,214,220and the second legs222,224,230,232in the plurality of first beam reinforcement structures192, around the areas of the second A-pillar section132defining the first through hole324, the second through hole330, and the third through hole332. In this manner, deformation of the first A-pillar section130and the second A-pillar section132is controlled through the structural features of the first legs210,212,214,220and the second legs222,224,230,232in the plurality of first beam reinforcement structures192. In a similar manner, deformation of the side sill110under the loading indicated by the arrow322is controlled through the structural features of the side sill reinforcement structure312.

As shown inFIGS.4and5, the first reinforcement structure194is integrally formed from the first A-pillar section130, where the first leg210and the second leg222extend from the first wall144to the second wall150. The first leg210and the second leg222of the first reinforcement structure194are each respectively formed from a first incline portion334,340and a second incline portion342,344which, as shown inFIG.5, define a channel350,352across the first A-pillar section130in the first beam transverse direction.

With continued reference toFIG.5, the channels350,352defined in the first leg210and the second leg222of the first reinforcement structure194respectively extend along the first leg210and the second leg222from the first wall144to the second wall150of the first A-pillar section130. While, as depicted, the channels350,352are formed in the first A-pillar section130facing the inner side114of the vehicle frame100, the channels350,352may each additionally or alternatively be formed facing the outer side112of the vehicle frame100without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The first leg210and the second leg222of the first reinforcement structure194each respectively include a first partition354,360and a second partition362,364extended substantially in the first beam longitudinal direction, across the channel350,352between the first incline portion334,340and the second incline portion342,344. The first partition354,360and the second partition362,364of each channel350,352respectively define a first channel segment370,372, a second channel segment374,380, and a third channel segment382,384in that order from the first wall144toward the second wall150of the first A-pillar section130in the first beam transverse direction. In each channel350,352the first partition354,360is respectively interposed between and separates the first channel segment370,372and the second channel segment374,380, and the second partition362,364is interposed between and separates the second channel segment374,380and the third channel segment382,384.

Each first channel segment370,372respectively extends along the channel350,352from the first wall144of the first A-pillar section130to the first partition354,360. Each second channel segment374,380respectively extends along the channel350,352from the first partition354,360to the second partition362,364. Each third channel segment382,384respectively extends along the channel350,352from the second partition362,364to the second wall150of the first A-pillar section130. As depicted, the second channel segment374,380in each channel350,352respectively extends a distance in the first beam transverse direction longer than each of the first channel segment370,372and the third channel segment382,384.

With continued reference toFIG.5, the first leg210of the first reinforcement structure194includes a first rib group390with a rib disposed in the first channel segment370, and extended from the second incline portion342toward the first incline portion334. While, as depicted, the first rib group390includes one rib, the first rib group390may alternatively include more or fewer ribs without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Also, while the first channel segment372in the second leg222does not include a rib disposed therein, the first channel segment372in the second leg222may alternatively include a first rib group similar to the first rib group390, having at least one rib disposed therein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Each of the first leg210and the second leg222of the first reinforcement structure194respectively includes a second rib group392,394including at least one rib disposed in the second channel segment374,380, and extended from the first incline portion334,340to the second incline portion342,344. While, as depicted, the second rib groups392,394each include three ribs, each of the second rib groups392,394may alternatively include more or fewer ribs without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Each of the first leg210and the second leg222of the first reinforcement structure194respectively includes a third rib group400,402including at least one rib disposed in the third channel segment382,384, and extended from the first incline portion334,340to the second incline portion342,344. While, as depicted, the third rib group400in the first leg210includes two ribs, and the third rib group402in the second leg222includes one rib, each of the third rib groups400,402may alternatively include more or fewer ribs without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The ribs disposed in the first channel segments370,372, second channel segments374,380, and the third channel segments382,384provide structural support in the first leg210and the second leg222such that, under a load input from the first attachment location234, the first channel segments370,372are respectively configured to collapse backward in the vehicle longitudinal direction before the second channel segments374,380, and the second channel segments374,380are configured to collapse backward in the vehicle longitudinal direction before the third channel segments382,384. As depicted in each of the first leg210and the second leg222of the first reinforcement structure194, the second rib group392,394includes more ribs than the first rib group390and the first channel segment370, and includes more ribs than the third rib group400,402.

Each rib disposed in the first leg210and the second leg222of the first reinforcement structure194can be oriented diagonally across the corresponding channel350,352, forming at least one triangle shape in the channel350,352. While, as depicted, only the second rib groups392,394include ribs which intersect each other, each of the first rib groups390,392and the third rib groups382,384may include ribs which intersect each other without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIGS.6and7, the second reinforcement structure200is integrally formed from the second A-pillar section132, where the first leg212and the second leg224extend from the first wall152to the second wall154. The first leg212and the second leg224of the first reinforcement structure200are each respectively formed from a first incline portion404,410and a second incline portion412,414which, as shown inFIG.6, define a channel420,422across the second A-pillar section132in the first beam transverse direction.

With continued reference toFIG.6, the channels420,422defined in the first leg212and the second leg224of the second reinforcement structure200respectively extend along the first leg212and the second leg224from the first wall152to the second wall154of the second A-pillar section132. While, as depicted, the channels420,422are formed in the second A-pillar section132facing the outer side112of the vehicle frame100, the channels350,352may each additionally or alternatively be formed facing the inner side114of the vehicle frame100, similar to the first reinforcement structure194, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The first leg212and the second leg224of the second reinforcement structure200each respectively include a first partition424,430and a second partition432,434disposed therein, and defining a first channel segment440,442, a second channel segment444,450, and a third channel segment452,454. Each of the first leg212and the second leg222include a first rib group460,462respectively disposed in the first channel segment440,442, a second rib group464,470disposed in the second channel segment444,450, and the second leg222includes a third rib group472disposed in the third channel segment454.

Unless otherwise stated, the first leg212and the second leg224of the second reinforcement structure200include similar features and function in a similar manner as the first leg212and the second leg222of the first reinforcement structure194, including features in the channels350,352such as the first partition354,360, the second partition362,364, the first rib group390, the second rib group392,394, and the third rib group400,402. As shown inFIG.6, the first rib groups460,462in the second reinforcement structure200can each include a plurality of ribs interesting each other in the first channel segment440,442, the second rib groups464,470can each include a plurality of ribs intersecting each other in the second channel segment444,450, and the third rib group472in the second leg222can include a plurality of ribs intersecting each other in the third channel segment454.

The first partition424,430and the second partition432,434in the first leg212and the second leg224of the second reinforcement structure200each extend farther than the second rib group464,470, and the third rib group472in the second leg222in a first beam width direction perpendicular to the first beam longitudinal direction and the first beam transverse direction, from the inner side114of the vehicle frame100toward the outer side112. With this construction, the first partition424,430and the second partition432,434in the first leg212and the second leg224of the second reinforcement structure200each provide a structural integrity in the first leg212and the second leg224configured for enabling successive collapse in the first channel segment440,442, the second channel segment444,450, and the third channel segment452,454in that order, in response to a load input from the second attachment location240.

As shown inFIGS.8and9, the third reinforcement structure202is integrally formed from the second A-pillar section132, where the first leg214and the second leg230extend from the first wall152to the second wall154. The first leg214and the second leg230of the third reinforcement structure202are each respectively formed from a first incline portion474,480and a second incline portion482,484which, as shown inFIG.8, define a channel490,492across the second A-pillar section132in the first beam transverse direction. The channels490,492defined in the first leg214and the second leg230of the third reinforcement structure202respectively extend along the first leg214and the second leg230from the first wall152to the second wall154of the second A-pillar section132.

The first leg214and the second leg230of the third reinforcement structure202each respectively include a first partition494,500and a second partition502,504disposed therein, and defining a first channel segment510,512, a second channel segment514,520, and a third channel segment522,524. Each of the first leg214and the second leg230include a first rib group530,532respectively disposed in the first channel segment510,512. The second leg230includes a second rib group534disposed in the second channel segment520, and includes a third rib group542disposed in the third channel segment524.

Unless otherwise stated, the first leg214and the second leg230of the third reinforcement structure202include similar features and function in a similar manner as the first leg212and the second leg224of the second reinforcement structure200, including features in the channels420,422such as the first partition424,430, the second partition432,434, the first rib group460,462, the second rib group464,470, and the third rib group472. While, as depicted, the first leg214includes the first rib group530in the first channel segment510, the first leg214may additionally or alternatively include a second rib group and a third rib group respectively disposed in the second channel segment514and the third channel segment520, similar to the second rib group534and the third rib group542in the second leg230.

As shown inFIGS.10and11, the fourth reinforcement structure204is integrally formed from the second A-pillar section132, where the first leg220and the second leg232extend from the first wall152to the second wall154. The first leg220and the second leg232of the fourth reinforcement structure204are each respectively formed from a first incline portion544,550and a second incline portion552,554which, as shown inFIG.10, define a channel560,562across the second A-pillar section132in the first beam transverse direction. The channels560,562defined in the first leg220and the second leg232of the fourth reinforcement structure204respectively extend along the first leg220and the second leg232from the first wall152to the second wall154of the second A-pillar section132.

The first leg220and the second leg232of the fourth reinforcement structure204each respectively include a first partition564,570, and the second leg232includes a second partition572disposed therein. The first partition564in the first leg220defines a first channel segment574and a second channel segment580in the channel560. The first partition570and the second partition572in the second leg232define a first channel segment582, a second channel segment584, and a third channel segment590in the channel562. Each of the first leg220and the second leg232respectively include a first rib group592,594disposed in the first channel segment574,582, and a second rib group600,602disposed in the second channel segment580,584. The second leg232includes a third rib group604disposed in the third channel segment454.

Unless otherwise stated, the first leg220and the second leg232of the fourth reinforcement structure204include similar features and function in a similar manner as the first leg212and the second leg224of the second reinforcement structure200, including features in the channels420,422such as the first partition424,430, the second partition432,434, the first rib group460,462, the second rib group464,470, and the third rib group472. While, as depicted, the first leg220of the fourth reinforcement structure204includes the first partition564defining the first channel segment574and the second channel segment580, the first leg220may additionally include a second partition further defining a third channel segment in the channel560, similar to the second partition572in the second leg232, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIGS.12and13, the side sill reinforcement structure312is integrally formed from the side sill reinforcing member134, where the first leg314and the second leg320extend from the first wall164to the second wall170. The first leg314and the second leg320of the side sill reinforcement structure312are each respectively formed from a first incline portion610,612and a second incline portion614,620which, as shown inFIG.13, define a channel622,624across the side sill110in the first beam transverse direction. The channels622,624defined in the first leg314and the second leg320of the side sill reinforcement structure312respectively extend along the first leg314and the second leg320from the first wall164to the second wall170of the side sill110.

The first leg314and the second leg320of the side sill reinforcement structure312are each intersected by a first rib630, a second rib632, a third rib634, and a fourth rib640extended in the side sill longitudinal direction. The first rib630, the second rib632, the third rib634, and the fourth rib640are spaced from each other in the side sill transverse direction, in that order from the first wall164toward the second wall170of the side sill110. The first rib630, the second rib632, the third rib634, and the fourth rib640each extend from the first incline portion610,612to the second incline portion614,620.

With this construction, the side sill reinforcement structure312is configured to have progressive stability in the first leg314and the second leg320during deformation under loading indicated by the arrow322illustrated inFIG.3. Unless otherwise stated, the first leg314and the second leg320of the side sill reinforcement structure312include similar features and function in a similar manner as the first leg220and the second leg232of the fourth reinforcement structure204.

As shown inFIG.14, the first leg220and the second leg232of the fourth reinforcement structure204disrupt a general surface support642formed from the second A-pillar section132with the first incline portions610,612and the second incline portions614,620. The first incline portions610,612and the second incline portions614,620are shear walls configured to convey loading from the first wall152toward the second wall154of the second A-pillar section132along the channels560,562, through the first rib group592,594, the second rib group600,602, and the third rib group604.

The first leg220and the second leg232of the fourth reinforcement structure204are located above the side sill reinforcement structure312in the vehicle height direction, and in front of the side sill reinforcement structure312in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The first leg314and the second leg320of the side sill reinforcement structure312are located on the side sill110to absorb a moment of force from the second A-pillar102, including loading from the first leg220and the second leg232of the fourth reinforcement structure204.

The fourth reinforcement structure204and the side sill reinforcement structure312provide a relative structural integrity between the second A-pillar section132at the fourth reinforcement structure204, and the side sill110at the side sill reinforcement structure312such that, as shown inFIG.15, the A-pillar102and the side sill110similarly deform in a progressive manner indicated by the arrows310,322, under loading at the fourth reinforcement structure204depicted inFIG.3. In this manner, the fourth reinforcement structure204and the side sill reinforcement structure312are configured for cooperatively absorbing energy through deformation under loading on the fourth reinforcement structure204.

FIGS.16-22depict an alternative embodiment of the vehicle frame100ofFIGS.1-15. In the embodiment ofFIGS.16-22, like elements with the vehicle frame ofFIGS.1-15are denoted with the same reference numerals but followed by a primed suffix (′).FIGS.16-18depict the A-pillar102′ and the side sill110′ formed from a first reinforcing member700and a second reinforcing member702. The first reinforcing member700forms a portion of a beam in the A-pillar102′ as a first A-pillar section704. The first reinforcing member700forms the first wall160′ and the second wall162′ of the A-pillar102′ extended in the first beam longitudinal direction, and forms the second reinforcement structure200′ and the third reinforcement structure202′ at and between the first wall160′ and the second wall162′, and spaced from each other in the first beam longitudinal direction.

The second reinforcing member702is a beam in the vehicle frame100fixed with the first reinforcing member700. The second reinforcing member702includes a side sill section710and forms the first wall164′ and the second wall170′ of the side sill110′ extended in the side sill longitudinal direction. The side sill section710forms the side sill reinforcement structure312′ at and between the first wall164′ and the second wall170′ of the side sill110′, and spaced from each other in the side sill longitudinal direction.

The second reinforcing member702includes a second A-pillar section712that forms a portion of the beam in the A-pillar102′, including the first wall160′ and the second wall162′ of the A-pillar102′ extended in the first beam longitudinal direction. The second A-pillar section712forms the fourth reinforcement structure204′ at and between the first wall160′ and the second wall162′ of the A-pillar102′. The second A-pillar section712is integrally formed with the side sill section710, and is fixed with a bottom end portion714of the first A-pillar section704.

The second reinforcing member702includes an inner side sill reinforcement720and an outer side sill reinforcement722which are beams that extend along the side sill section710in the side sill longitudinal direction. The inner side sill reinforcement720and the outer side sill reinforcement722are arranged on opposite sides of the side sill section710in a side sill width direction such that the inner side sill reinforcement faces the inner side114′ of the vehicle frame100from the side sill section710, and the outer side sill reinforcement faces the outer side112′ of the vehicle frame100from the side sill section710. With this construction, the side sill section710, the inner side sill reinforcement720, and the outer side sill reinforcement722provide structural reinforcement in the side sill110′ in multiple layers configured to absorb energy under loading in the side sill width direction, such as in a side pole impact of the vehicle frame100at the side sill110′.

As shown inFIG.19, the second reinforcement structure200′ and the third reinforcement structure202′ respectively include a plurality of ribs724,730,732,734in the first leg and the second leg. Ribs in each plurality of ribs724,730,732,734respectively intersect each other in the channel420′,422′,490′,492′ of the first leg212′,214′ and the second leg224′,230′ of the second reinforcement structure200′ and the third reinforcement structure202′. As depicted, each plurality of ribs724,730,732,734is disposed in a grid pattern, however, each plurality of ribs724,730,732,734may additionally or alternatively by provided in another intersecting or non-intersecting pattern without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIGS.19and20, the second leg230′ of the third reinforcement structure202′ is disposed along the bottom end portion714, and an upper end portion leg740is disposed along an upper end portion742in the first beam transverse direction. With this construction, second leg230′ of the third reinforcement structure202′ and the upper end portion leg740respectively provide structural integrity to the first A-pillar section704at the bottom end portion714and the upper end portion742.

As shown inFIG.21, the first leg220′ and the second leg232′ of the fourth reinforcement structure204′ each include a plurality of ribs744,750disposed in the channel560′,562′. Ribs in each plurality of ribs744,750respectively intersect each other in the channel560′,562′ of the first leg220′ and the second leg232′. As depicted, each plurality of ribs744,750is disposed in a grid pattern, however, each plurality of ribs744,750may additionally or alternatively by provided in another intersecting or non-intersecting pattern without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.22, the side sill section710of the second reinforcing member702includes a first rib752, a second rib754, and a third rib760extending in the side sill longitudinal direction, and intersecting the first leg314′ and the second leg320′ of the side sill reinforcement structure312′. The first rib752is spaced from the first wall164′ of the side sill110′ in the side sill transverse direction. The side sill reinforcement structure312′ includes a plurality of ribs762,764disposed between the first wall164′ of the side sill110′ and the first rib752, in each of the first leg314′ and the second leg320′. The ribs762,764disposed between the first wall164′ of the side sill110′ and the first rib752form a foundation configured to provide stability in the side sill reinforcement structure312′ during deformation under loading.