Inventors:
Brian Nathan - Livonia MI, US
Gerald Thom - Livonia MI, US
Brian Enck - Sterling Heights MI, US
Rajesh Koli - Troy MI, US
Stephen Fraczek - Flat Rock MI, US
Rama Vallurupalli - Rochester Hills MI, US
Ram Bhandarkar - Novi MI, US
International Classification:
B62D021/00
Abstract:
A vehicle structure includes a combination of hydro-formed, generally tubular shaped rails joined by an overlapping joint to a two-piece cross member. The overlapping joint is formed between a rail aperture and the cross member. To retain the structural strength lost by removing material from the rails, a weld joint is formed about the total perimeter of contact between the rail aperture and the cross member. The cross member includes a shoulder area formed to nest within the rail aperture. The two-piece cross member assembly reduces total parts while providing a plurality of cross member geometries and the necessary tolerance flexibility at the rail connections. The cross member is formed of two generally C-shaped members having butted or overlapping mating surfaces joined by a perimeter weld joint.