Integrated vehicle structure and power-plant exhaust
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsBalbir S. Sangha, Mario Turco
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A frame is disclosed for a vehicle having a vehicle body, a vehicle suspension, and a power-plant configured to generate torque and an exhaust gas stream. The frame includes a tubular frame rail in fluid communication with the power-plant, wherein the rail is defined by a fully-closed cross-section that provides a fluid passage. The frame rail is configured to support the vehicle body and the vehicle suspension. The fluid passage is configured to channel the exhaust gas stream through the frame rail and away from the vehicle body. A vehicle employing such a frame is also disclosed.
Claims20
A frame for a vehicle having a vehicle body, a vehicle suspension, and a power-plant configured to generate torque and an exhaust gas stream, the frame comprising:
- a tubular frame rail in fluid communication with the power-plant, wherein the frame rail is defined by a fully-closed cross-section that provides a fluid passage;
- wherein:
- the frame rail is configured to support the vehicle body and the vehicle suspension;
- and
- the fluid passage is configured to channel the exhaust gas through the frame rail and away from the vehicle body.
A vehicle comprising:
- a vehicle body;
- a vehicle suspension;
- a power-plant configured to generate torque and an exhaust gas stream;
- and
- a frame configured to support the body and the suspension, the frame having a tubular frame rail in fluid communication with the power-plant, wherein the frame rail is defined by a fully-closed cross-section that provides a fluid passage;
- the fluid passage is configured to channel the exhaust gas through the frame rail and away from the vehicle body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.