Body structure energy efficient deflector for small overlap impact

A vehicle body structure deflector system, comprising:

• a first shock tower and a second shock tower of a vehicle;
• a cross member positioned between each of the first shock tower and the second shock tower;
• a first deflector connected to the first shock tower and a second deflector connected to the second shock tower;
• a first coupling member connected between the first shock tower and the cross member to carry an impact load received at the first deflector through the first shock tower and through the first coupling member into the cross member;
• and
• a second coupling member connected between the second shock tower and the cross member to carry an impact load received at the second deflector through the second shock tower and through the second coupling member into the cross member,
• wherein if one of the first deflector or the second deflector is indirectly contacted by a barrier during forward travel of the vehicle a portion of an energy of impact with the barrier is transferred through one of the first shock tower or the second shock tower, through the cross member and into the other one of the first shock tower or the second shock tower;
• and
• the portion of the energy of impact with the barrier generates a vehicle lateral displacement to dissipate the portion of the energy of impact.

A vehicle body structure deflector system, comprising:

• a first shock tower and a second shock tower of a vehicle;
• a cross member positioned between each of the first shock tower and the second shock tower;
• a first deflector connected to the first shock tower and a second deflector connected to the second shock tower;
• a longitudinal axis of the cross member is displaced from a common central axis extending through a center of the first shock tower and a center of the second shock tower;
• and
• a first coupling member connected between the first shock tower and the cross member to carry an impact load received at the first deflector through the first shock tower and through the first coupling member into the cross member, the first coupling member in coaxial alignment with the first deflector;
• wherein if one of the first deflector or the second deflector is contacted by a barrier during forward travel of the vehicle a portion of an energy of impact with the barrier is transferred through one of the first shock tower or the second shock tower, through the cross member and into the other one of the first shock tower or the second shock tower;
• and
• the portion of the energy of impact with the barrier generates a vehicle lateral displacement equal to at least 19% of a vehicle width to dissipate the portion of the energy of impact.