Patent ID: 7926870

Claim:
A front end module for an automotive vehicle, comprising: a carrier that includes: a. a cross-vehicle structure, b. a first downwardly extending structure, and c. a second downwardly extending structure, wherein: i. the cross-vehicle structure includes a first distal end portion opposite a second opposite distal end portion and an intermediate portion interconnecting the first and second distal portions; ii. the first and second distal end portions are adjacent first and second front quarter panels upon assembly of the module to the vehicle; iii. the first structure and second structure each extend from a proximate end to a distal end thereof; and iv. the first and second structures are connected to the intermediate portion at the proximate ends of the first and second structures so as to space the first and second structures apart; and d. a reinforcement member substantially entirely formed of a metal material and attached to the cross-vehicle structure such that an open space is formed and enclosed between the reinforcement member and the cross-vehicle structure, wherein the first downwardly extending structure and the second downwardly extending structure each are generally U-shaped and include an internal open space, and wherein a heat exchanger can be added and removed from the bottom of the vehicle so that the heat exchanger remains in a plane defined by the first downwardly extending structure and the second downwardly extending structure.