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US 8,757,709 B2Granted
Reinforced B-pillar assembly with reinforced rocker joint
AssigneeTesla Motors, Inc.
InventorsPeter Dore Rawlinson, Michael John Baldwin, Hitendra Laxmidas Gadhiya
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Abstract
A reinforced B-pillar assembly that achieves improved side impact resistance is provided in which the B-pillar assembly is mechanically coupled to an outer mounting surface of the rocker panel as well as to an extended brace that is attached to the upper and rear mounting surfaces of the rocker.
Claims16
A vehicle pillar to rocker assembly comprising:
- a rocker panel, said rocker panel comprising an outer mounting surface, an upper mounting surface and a rear mounting surface;
- a B-pillar brace mechanically coupled to said upper mounting surface of said rocker panel, wherein said B-pillar brace extends above said upper mounting surface of said rocker panel;
- a B-pillar, wherein a first portion of said B-pillar proximate to a lower end of said B-pillar is mechanically coupled to said outer mounting surface of said rocker panel, and wherein a second portion of said B-pillar is mechanically coupled to a mounting surface of said B-pillar brace;
- and
- a first B-pillar reinforcement member, wherein a lower portion of said B-pillar reinforcement member is mechanically coupled to said outer mounting surface of said rocker panel and to said first portion of said B-pillar, and wherein said B-pillar reinforcement member extends from said lower end of said B-pillar to at least 50% of a B-pillar height.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.