Propeller shaft deflector
AssigneeHonda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
InventorRyan Miller
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A central support structure for a vehicle propeller shaft. The support structure includes a support bracket, an annular support, and a deflector. The deflector is disposed relatively above the propeller shaft and forward of the support bracket. In the event of a front-end collision, the deflector is adapted to direct or guide the propeller shaft through the support bracket and thereby enhance the crash stroke of the vehicle.
Claims13
A central support structure for a vehicle propeller shaft, said structure being disposed at a predetermined position along the length of said propeller shaft and being adapted to support the propeller shaft vertically relative to a lower surface of the vehicle, said support structure being adapted to permit said propeller shaft to move rearwardly during a front-end collision between said vehicle and another object, said central support structure comprising:
- a support bracket secured to said lower surface of said vehicle at said predetermined position and surrounding at least a lower portion of said propeller shaft;
- a resilient annular support substantially surrounding said propeller shaft at said predetermined position and being supported by said support bracket;
- and,
- a deflector secured to said lower surface of said vehicle adjacent said predetermined position, said deflector being sized and positioned so as to guide the propeller shaft through the support bracket during a front-end collision.
A central support structure for a vehicle propeller shaft, said structure being disposed at a predetermined position along the length of said propeller shaft and being adapted to support the propeller shaft vertically relative to a lower surface of the vehicle, said support structure being adapted to permit said propeller shaft to move rearwardly during a front-end collision between said vehicle and another object, said central support structure including a support bracket and a resilient annular support, said support bracket being secured to said lower surface of said vehicle at said predetermined position and surrounding at least a lower portion of said propeller shaft, said resilient annular support substantially surrounding said propeller shaft at said predetermined position and being supported by said support bracket, the improvement comprising:
- a deflector secured to said lower surface of said vehicle relatively forward of said predetermined position, said deflector being adapted to guide the propeller shaft through the support bracket during a front-end collision.
A method for increasing a crash stroke a vehicle in a front-end collision, said vehicle including propeller shaft and having a central support for said propeller shaft, said central support including a support bracket and a resilient annular support disposed around said propeller shaft and supported by said support bracket, said method comprising the step of:
- guiding said propeller shaft rearwardly through said support bracket and thereby increasing a crash stroke of the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.