1
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10 and rule 13]
TITLE: “A CROSS MEMBER OF A VEHICLE AND A VEHICLE THEROF”
NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE APPLICANT:
TATA MOTORS PASSENGER VEHICLES LIMITED, Floor 3, 4,, Plot-18, Nanavati
Mahalaya, Mudhana Shetty Marg, BSE, Fort, Mumbai, Mumbai City, Maharashtra, 400 001,
India
Nationality: INDIAN
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is
to be performed.
2
TECHNICAL FIELD:
Present disclosure, in general, relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively,
the present disclosure relates to a crossmember with multiple load paths for enhancing safety
of a vehicle.
5
BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE:
Generally, during a vehicle collision, an impact load is experienced by the vehicle.
Conventionally, vehicles are manufactured with long members which are connected to a body
10 of the vehicle. The vehicles also include cross members connected to the long members. The
cross members include a front cross member externally mounted onto the vehicle body. The
long members are adapted to absorb the impact load from crash and transfer the impact load on
to the cross members. The transfer of impact load from the long members to the front cross
member is required, to distribute the impact force received by the vehicle such that any intrusion
15 into a firewall of the vehicle is prevented. This intrusion of components into the firewall of the
vehicle results in severe injuries to occupants. Further, if the impact loads during the collision
of the vehicle is high, a powertrain (engine) of the vehicle can also transfer the impact load
directly on to the cross members. The impact load from the power train can also cause excessive
intrusion into the firewall of the vehicle, which is undesired.
20
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above. The
information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of
understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an
acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already
25 known to a person skilled in the art.
The present disclosure is intended to overcome one or more above stated limitations.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE:
30
One or more shortcomings of conventional cross member is overcome, and additional
advantages are provided through a cross member as claimed in the present disclosure.
3
Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure.
Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are
considered as a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a cross member of a vehicle is disclosed.
5 The cross member includes an upper section and a lower section. The upper section is connected
to a firewall of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The upper section is defined with a pair
of upper arms. The pair of upper arms extend from either ends of the upper section. Each of the
pair of upper arms is connectable to a first portion of a long member of the vehicle at one end and
to an A-pillar of the vehicle at another end. The first portion and the A-pillar are opposite to one
10 another. Further, the cross member includes a lower section extending angularly from the upper
section and connected to a floor of the passenger compartment. The lower section is defined with
a pair of lower arms extending from either ends of the lower section. Each of the pair of lower
arms is connectable to a second portion of the long member at a first end and to a side rail at a
second end opposite to the first end. The upper section and the lower section receive impact loads
15 and distribute the impact loads in multiple load paths. This increases load absorbing capacity of
the vehicle and also increases stiffness. Advantageously, intrusion of firewall is reduced, thereby
increasing safety of the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the pair of upper arms of the upper section extends arcuately from the one end
and another end. This enables smooth load transmission from the upper section on to the A-pillar.
20 In an embodiment, each of the pair of lower arms of the lower section is defined with a curvature
at the second end. This enables smoother load transmission from the lower section on to the side
rail.
In an embodiment, the lower section is defined with an upper portion and a lower portion
connected to a torque box that is disposed between the long member and the side rails.
25 In an embodiment, the upper section and the lower section are defined with a provision to receive
and accommodate a steering column of the vehicle.
4
In an embodiment, the upper section and the lower section are defined with a plurality of apertures
receivable by a plurality of cables.
In an embodiment, the lower section is defined with a connecting portion extending upwardly from
5 a central portion of the lower section. The connecting portion is connectable to a tunnel defined
on the floor along a central axis of the vehicle. This connection forms a box section between the
cross member and the tunnel which is configured to absorb impact load during transfer of impact
load from the crossmember to the tunnel.
10 In an embodiment, the cross member is manufactured by a metal.
In one non-limiting embodiment, a vehicle is also disclosed. The vehicle includes at least two long
members parallel to each other and a frame structure fixedly mounted on the at least two long
members. The frame structure includes a floor mounted on a portion of the at least two long
15 members and a pair of side rails each connected to either ends the floor. The frame structure
includes an A-pillar extending above each side rail of the pair of side rails. The frame structure
includes a cross member connected to a firewall of a passenger compartment of the vehicle and to
the floor. The cross member includes an upper section and a lower section. The upper section is
connected to a firewall of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The upper section is defined
20 with a pair of upper arms. The pair of upper arms extend from either ends of the upper section.
Each of the pair of upper arms is connected to a first portion of a long member of the vehicle at
one end and to an A-pillar of the vehicle at another end opposite to the one end. The lower section
extends angularly from the upper section and connected to a floor of the passenger compartment.
The lower section is defined with a pair of lower arms. The pair of lower arms extend from either
25 ends of the lower section. Further, each of the pair of lower arms is connected to a second portion
of the long member at a first end and to a side rail at a second end. The first end and the side rail
are opposite to one another. The upper section and the lower section receive impact loads and
distribute the impact loads in multiple load paths.
30 In an embodiment of the disclosure, the upper section extends downwardly along a vertical axis of
the firewall.
5
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the pair of upper arms of the upper section extends arcuately
from the one end to be connectable with the at least two long members towards the another end to
be connectable with the A-pillars.
5 In an embodiment of the disclosure, the lower section extends arcuately from the upper section
along a horizontal axis of the floor.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the pair of lower arms of the lower section is defined with a
curvature at the second end to be connectable with the pair of side rails.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first portion of the pair of long members is orientated
10 vertically with respect to the floor, to be connectable with the upper section.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second portion of the long member extends
perpendicularly from the first portion to be connectable with the lower section.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In
15 addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects,
embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
20
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description.
The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and
advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an
illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or
25 more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective side view of a vehicle, according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure.
30
6
Fig. 2 illustrates a front view of a crossmember connected to a body of the vehicle, according
to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 3a illustrates a partial view of the crossmember connected to the body of the vehicle,
5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 3b illustrates Section B-B depicted in Fig. 3a.
Fig. 3c illustrates Section C-C depicted in Fig. 3a.
10
Fig. 4a illustrates a bottom view of the body of the vehicle, according to one embodiment of
the present disclosure.
Fig. 4b illustrates Section A-A depicted in Fig. 4a.
15
Fig. 4c illustrates a bottom perspective view of the body of the vehicle, according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled
20 in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of
the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the
principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
25
While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative
forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will
be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the
disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all
30 modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure
and modify the crossmember and/or the components and connections involved in the
crossmember. However, such modification should be construed within the scope of the present
7
disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to
understand the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with
details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the
description herein.
5
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, a mechanism, a system, and a
method, that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may
include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or
10 device, or mechanism. In other words, one or more elements in a device, a system or an
assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the
existence of other elements or additional elements in the device, the system, or the mechanism.
In the following description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the
15 accompanying figure that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration
specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are
described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it
is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is,
20 therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
Embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a crossmember of a vehicle. Conventionally,
vehicles are manufactured with long members which are connected to a body of the vehicle.
The vehicles also include cross members connected to the long members. The cross members
25 include a front cross member externally mounted onto the vehicle body. The long members are
adapted to absorb the impact load from crash and transfer the impact load on to the cross
members. The transfer of impact load from the long members to the front cross member is
required, to distribute the impact force received by the vehicle such that any intrusion into a
firewall of the vehicle is prevented. Intrusion of components into the firewall of the vehicle
30 results in severe injuries to occupants. Further, if the impact loads during the collision of the
vehicle is high, a powertrain (engine) of the vehicle can also transfer the impact load directly
8
on to the cross members. The impact load from the power train can also cause excessive
intrusion into the firewall of the vehicle, which is undesired.
In view of the above, a cross member of a vehicle having multiple load paths is disclosed. The
crossmember includes an upper section and a lower section. The upper section is connected to a
5 firewall of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The upper section is defined with a pair of
upper arms. The pair of upper arms extend from either ends of the upper section. Each of the pair
of upper arms is connectable to a first portion of a long member of the vehicle at one end and to
an A-pillar of the vehicle at another end. The first portion and the A-pillar are opposite to one
another. Further, the cross member includes a lower section extending angularly from the upper
10 section and connected to a floor of the passenger compartment. The lower section is defined with
a pair of lower arms extending from either ends of the lower section. Each of the pair of lower
arms is connectable to a second portion of the long member at a first end and to a side rail at a
second end opposite to the first end. The upper section and the lower section receive impact loads
and distribute the impact loads in multiple load paths. This configuration of the cross member
15 increases load absorbing capacity of the vehicle and increases stiffness of the vehicle.
Advantageously, this minimized the intrusion of the firewall into a cabin of the vehicle and thereby
increases safety of the vehicle.
The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure in detail with reference to Figs. 1 to
20 4b. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by
the same reference signs.
Referring to Fig. 1, a perspective side view of the vehicle (200) is illustrated. The vehicle (200)
includes at least two long members (8) parallel to each other and are configured to support a
25 frame structure (210) of the vehicle (200). Each long member (8) is defined with a first portion
(8a) and a second portion (8b). The first portion (8a) extends perpendicularly from the second
portion (8b) to support a firewall (202) of the vehicle (200) (also seen in Fig. 4c). However, this
cannot be construed as a limitation and the first portion (8a) may extend at an angle based on
the type of the vehicle (200) construction of a body (4) of the vehicle (200). The firewall (202)
30 is positioned in front of a passenger compartment (204) of the vehicle (200) and separates the
passenger compartment (204) from an engine bay (not shown in Figs.). The second portion (8b)
9
of each long member (8) supports a floor (206) of the vehicle (200). The floor (206) is mounted
on a middle portion of the at least two long members (8). The frame structure (210) includes a
pair of side rails (6) connected to each end of the floor (206) and extend along a length of the
floor (206). The frame structure (210) further includes an A-pillar (3) connected to the pair of
5 side rails (6) and extends from each end of the side rail (6). The A-pillar (3) and the pair of side
rails (6) together receive other components of the vehicle (200) such as doors, windshield etc,
to form a body (4) of the vehicle (200) and impart strength to the body (4) of the vehicle (200).
Referring to Fig. 2 in conjunction with Fig. 1, the vehicle (200) includes a cross member (1)
10 connected to and disposed between the firewall (202) and the floor (206). The cross member
(1) is mounted inside the body (4) of the vehicle (200). That is, the crossmember (1) is
positioned or connected to an interior portion of a cabin (201) (as seen in Fig. 1) of the vehicle
(200). The cross member (1) incudes an upper section (1a) connectable to the firewall (202) of
the passenger compartment (204) (as seen in Fig. 1) of the vehicle (200). In an embodiment,
15 the upper section (1a) extends downwardly along a vertical axis (D-D) of the firewall (202) (as
seen in Fig. 1). The upper section (1a) is defined with a pair of upper arms (12), each extending
from either ends of the upper section (1a). Each arm of the upper arms (12) is connected to a
first portion (8a) of each long member (8) (as seen in Fig. 3b) of the at least two long members
(8) at one end (12a) and to the A-pillar (3) of the vehicle (200) at another end (12b) opposite to
20 the one end (12a). In an embodiment, the pair of upper arms (12) are connected to an upper
portion of the A-pillar (3) by suitable fasteners such as but not limited to nut-bolts, rivets, screws
etc. In an embodiment, the pair of upper arms (12) may be welded to the A-pillars (3).
Now referring to Figs. 3a and 3b, as sectional view of the upper section (1a) taken along a
25 section line (B-B) is illustrated. In an embodiment, the pair of upper arms (12) of the upper
section (1a) extends arcuately from the one end (12a) and the another end (12b) (as shown in
Fig. 3b). The upper section (1a) is adapted to transfer impact load which may be received by
the at least two long members (8) to the A-pillars (3) on either sides of the vehicle (200).
30 Referring again to Fig. 2, the cross member (1) includes a lower section (1b) extending
angularly from the upper section (1a) and connected to the floor (206). In an embodiment, the
lower section (1b) extends arcuately from the upper section (1a) along a horizontal section line
10
(E-E) of the floor (206) of the vehicle (200) (as seen in Fig. 1). In an embodiment, the lower
section (1b) may extend perpendicularly from the upper section (1a). For illustrative purpose as
seen in Fig. 2, the lower section (1b) may be separated from the upper section (1a) by an
imaginary axis (X-X). In an embodiment, the lower section (1b) is defined with a pair of lower
5 arms (16), each extending from either ends of the lower section (1b). In an embodiment, the
pair of lower arm (16) extend arcuately from the either ends of the lower section (1b). Each arm
of the pair of lower arms (16) is defined with a first end (16a) and a second end (16b) (as seen
in Fig. 3c) opposite the first end (16a). Each arm of the pair of lower arms (16) is connected to
the second portion (8b) (as seen in Fig. 4a) of each long member (8) (as seen in Fig. 3c) of the
10 at least two long members (8) at the first end (16a) and to each side rail (6) of the pair of side
rails (6) at the second end (16b). The lower section (1b) of the crossmember (1) is adapted to
transfer impact loads which may be received by the long members (8) to the pair of side rails
(6) on either side of the vehicle (200). In an embodiment, pair of lower arms (16) of the lower
section (1b) are connected to the pair of side rails(6) by suitable fasteners such as but not limited
15 to nut-bolts, rivets, screws etc. In an embodiment, the pair of lower arms (16) may be welded
to the pair of side rails (6).
Referring to Fig. 3c, a sectional view of the lower section (1b) taken along an section line (CC) (as seen in Fig. 3a) is illustrated. In an embodiment, each arm of the pair of lower arms (16)
20 of the lower section (1b) may be defined with a curvature at the second end (16b) (as seen in
Fig. 3c). The curvature at the second end (16b) facilitates smooth load transfer from the long
members (8) to the pair of side rails (6).
Referring to Figs. 4a and 4c in conjunction with Fig. 3c, a bottom view of the vehicle (200) is
25 illustrated. In an embodiment, the lower section (1b) may be defined with an upper portion (7a)
and a lower portion (7b) (as seen in Fig. 2) connectable to a torque box (7) (as seen in Fig. 4b)
of the vehicle (200). The torque box (7) is disposed between the long member (8) and the pair
of side rails (6). The torque box (7) is adapted to increase stiffness of the body (4). This
connection between the torque box (7) and the lower section (1b) may aid the crossmember (1)
30 to receive the impact load from the torque box (7) and transfer to the pair of side rails (6) (as
seen in Fig. 3c) of the body (4) of the vehicle (200). In an embodiment, the lower section (1b)
may be defined with a connecting portion (1c) (as seen in Fig. 2) extending upwardly from a
11
central portion of the lower section (1b). In an embodiment, the connecting portion (1c) may be
connected to a tunnel (2) defined on the floor (206) (as seen in Fig. 1) along the horizontal
section line (E-E) of the vehicle (200). The connection between the lower section (1b) of the
crossmember (1) and the tunnel (2) enables transfer of the impact load which may be received
5 by the crossmember (1) onto the tunnel (2).
Referring back to Figs. 1 and 2, In an embodiment, the crossmember (1) may form a void space
which may be defined between the lower section (1b) of the crossmember (1) and the tunnel (2)
such that the void space may form a box section (207) which is configured to absorb impact
10 load during transfer of impact load from the crossmember (1) to the tunnel (2). In an
embodiment, the crossmember (1) may form the void space which may be defined between the
crossmember (1) and the firewall (202) of the vehicle (200). The crossmember (1) may form a
vertical section defining the void space along a height of the firewall and may form a horizontal
section which may define the void space relative to a portion of the tunnel (2).
15
In an embodiment, the upper section (1a) and the lower section (1b) of the crossmember (1)
may be defined with a provision (5) which may be adapted to accommodate a steering column
and other parts associated with the steering column such as a universal joint, a universal joint
cover, and the like. Furthermore, the upper section (1a) and the lower section (1b) of the
20 crossmember (1) may include a plurality of apertures (9) for accommodating a plurality of
cables passing through the cross-member (1) and other connection parts.
In an operational embodiment of the cross-member (1), as the upper section (1a) and the lower
section (1b) of the crossmember (1) is connected to multiple components of the body (4) of the
25 vehicle (200), such as long member (8), torque box (7), A-pillars (3), side rail (6), and the tunnel
(2), the impact load received by the at least two long members (8) of the vehicle (200) is
transferred in multiple load paths. Advantageously, this increases the load absorbing capacity
of the vehicle (200) and also increasing stiffness, which in-turn increases the safety of the
vehicle (200).
30
In an embodiment, the configuration of the crossmember (1) facilitates deletion of structural
member from outside of the cabin (201) which results in delaying interaction between
12
powertrain and the body (4) of the vehicle (200), thereby reducing firewall intrusion. Further,
the crossmember (1) provides the required vehicle safety and stiffness without changing the
vehicle layout. Further, as the crossmember (1) may be integrated with the body (4) of the
vehicle (200) and is stamped, the required safety and stiffness is achieved without increasing
5 the weight of the vehicle (200).
In an embodiment, the pair of upper arms (12) and the pair of lower arms (16) may be structured
to conform with a shape of the body (4) of the vehicle (200).
10 It should be noted that in an exemplary embodiment, as seen in the Figs. 1-4c the features,
construction, position, and connections should not be construed as a limitation as the
crossmember may include any other type of features, construction, position, and connections
which may work with other combinations for receiving the impact loads and distributing the
impact loads in multiple load paths.
15
Thus, various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are
not intended to be limiting, with the true scope.
In an embodiment, the crossmember (1) may be manufactured by a stamping process. In an
20 embodiment, the crossmember (1) may be integrally formed with the body (4) of the vehicle or
may be thermally fixed to the body (4) of the vehicle (200). In an embodiment, the crossmember
(1) may be integrated with the firewall of the vehicle (200).
EQUIVALENTS:
25
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having
skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural
as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may
be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
30
13
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments
disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.
5 Table of Referral Numerals:
Reference Number Description
1 Crossmember
1a Upper section
1b Lower section
1c Connecting portion
2 Tunnel
3 Pillar
4 Body
5 Provision
6 Rail
7 Torque box
7a Upper portion
7b Lower portion
8 At least two long members
8a First portion
8b Second portion
9 Channel
14
12 Pair of upper arms
12a One end
12b Other end
16 Pair of lower arms
16a First end
16b Second end
200 Vehicle
201 Cabin
202 Firewall
204 Passenger compartment
206 Floor
15
We Claim:
1. A cross member (1) of a vehicle (200), the cross member (1) comprising:
5 an upper section (1a) connectable to a firewall (202) of a passenger compartment
(204) of the vehicle (200), the upper section (1a) is defined with a pair of upper arms (12),
each extending from either ends of the upper section (1a), wherein each of the pair of upper
arms (12) is connectable to a first portion (8a) of a long member (8) of the vehicle at one
end (12a) and to an A-pillar (3) of the vehicle (200) at another end (12b), opposite to the
10 one end (12a); and
a lower section (1b) extending angularly from the upper section (1a) and
connectable to a floor (206) of the passenger compartment (204), the lower section (1b) is
defined with a pair of lower arms (16), each extending from either ends of the lower section
(1b), wherein each of the pair of lower arms (16) is connectable to a second portion (8b) of
15 the long member (8) at a first end (16a) and to a side rail (6) at a second end (16b), opposite
to the first end (16a) , the upper section (1a) and the lower section (1b) receive impact loads
and distribute the impact loads in multiple load paths.
2. The cross member (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of upper arms (12) of the
20 upper section (1a) extends arcuately from the one end (12a) and the another end (12b).
3. The cross member (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of lower arms (16)
of the lower section (1b) is defined with a curvature at the second end (16b).
25 4. The cross member (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower section (1b) is defined with
an upper portion (7a) and a lower portion (7b) connectable to a torque box (7), disposed
between the long member (8) and the side rails (6).
5. The cross member (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper section (1a) and the lower
30 section (1b) are defined with a provision (5) to receive and accommodate a steering column
of the vehicle (200).
16
6. The cross member (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper section (1a) and the lower
section (1b) are defined with a plurality of apertures (9) receivable by a plurality of cables.
7. The cross member (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower section (1b) is defined with
5 a connecting portion extending upwardly from a central portion of the lower section, the
connecting portion is connectable to a tunnel (2) defined on the floor (206) along a central
axis of the vehicle (200).
8. The cross member (1) as claimed in claim 1, is manufactured by a metal.
10
9. A vehicle (200) comprising:
at least two long members (8) parallel to each other;
a frame structure (210) fixedly mounted on the at least two long members (8), the frame
structure (210) comprises:
15 a floor (206) mounted on a portion of the at least two long members (8);
a pair of side rails (6), each connected to either ends of the floor (206);
an A-pillar (3) extending above each side rail of the pair of side rails (6);
a cross member (1) connected to a firewall (202) of a passenger compartment (204)
of the vehicle (200) and to the floor (206), the cross member (1) comprises:
20 an upper section (1a) connectable to the firewall (202) and defined with a
pair of upper arms (12), each extending from either ends of the upper section (1a),
wherein each of the upper arms (12) is connectable to a first portion (8a) of each
long member (8) of the at least two long members (8) at one end (12a) and to the
A-pillar of the vehicle (200) at another end (12b); and
25 a lower section (1b) extending angularly from the upper section (1a) and
connected to the floor (206), the lower section (1b) is defined with a pair of lower
arms (16), each extending from either ends of the lower section (1b), wherein each
of the pair of lower arms (16) is connectable to a second portion (8b) of each long
member (8) of the at least two long members (8) at a first end (16a) and to each
30 side rail (6) of the pair of side rails (6) at a second end (16b) opposite to the first
end (16a), the upper section (1a) and the lower section (1b) receive impact loads
and distribute the impact loads in multiple load paths.
17
10. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the upper section (1a) extends
downwardly along a vertical axis (D-D) of the firewall (202).
5 11. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the pair of upper arms (12) of the upper
section (1a) extends arcuately from the one end (12a) to be connectable with the at least
two long members (8) towards the another end (12b) to be connectable with the A-pillars
(3).
10 12. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the lower section (1b) extends arcuately
from the upper section (1a) along a horizontal axis (E-E) of the floor (206).
13. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the pair of lower arms (16) of the lower
section (1b) is defined with a curvature at the second end (16b) to be connectable with the
15 pair of side rails (6).
14. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first portion (8a) of the at least two
long members (8) is orientated vertically with respect to the floor (206), to be connectable
with the upper section (1a).
20
15. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second portion (8b) of the long
member (8) extends perpendicularly from the first portion (8a) to be connectable with the
lower section (1b).