Abstract:
A number of variations may include a method comprising providing a first design or a first reusable casting die for producing a vehicle rear rail having multiple pre-determined datum features; producing a first vehicle rear rail and a second vehicle rear rail from the first design or the first reusable casting die; wherein the first vehicle rear rail and the second vehicle rear rail are identical; using the first vehicle rear rail to make a first vehicle having a first wheelbase and using the second vehicle rear rail to make a second vehicle having a second wheelbase; and wherein the second wheelbase is longer than the first wheelbase.
Abstract:
A number of variations may include a product including a rocker end plate attached to at least one of a rocker, a rear rail or an outer stamping for a vehicle rear rail.
Abstract:
A structure that creates a compressive mechanical lock during an external force includes a beam, an offset bulkhead, and a compressive member. The beam has a hollow cross section, an axis, and a wall. The bulkhead is disposed within the hollow cross section and attached to the wall. The member has an axis and an end attached to one of the bulkhead and the beam wall. The member axis and the beam axis intersect with each other in a plan view to form an obtuse angle. The bulkhead is offset from the intersection in an offset direction, parallel to the beam axis and toward the opening of the obtuse angle. The external force causes the member end to deform the beam wall so as to create a pocket or compressive mechanical lock in the beam wall that mechanically locks the member end from moving in the offset direction.
Abstract:
A product comprising a lateral beam system which may include a 4-bar beam having a first bend forming a constant sweep across the length of the lateral beam creating a vertical arc and a second bend forming a constant sweep across the length of the lateral beam creating a horizontal arc and which may also include a plurality of brackets which may be attached to the 4-bar beam and wherein the lateral beam system may be attached to a vehicle at an angled toward the front of the vehicle and a method of making the same.