Daniel R Warner

US Patent:

6575525, Jun 10, 2003

Filed:

Jan 12, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/759494

Inventors:

Margaret E Traister - Troy MI
Shing C Lo - Ann Arbor MI
Frederick G Schwarze - Lake Orion MI
Paul J Raona - Orion Township MI
Michael K Slota - Macomb Township MI
Stephen J Mitchell - Walled Lake MI
John M Sweier - Rochester Hills MI
Sheila A Wright - Bloomfield Hills MI
Daniel R Warner - Grand Blanc MI

Assignee:

DaimlerChrysler Corporation - Auburn Hills MI

International Classification:

B60J 504

US Classification:

296188, 2961466

Abstract:

The present invention provides a reinforced door assembly for a motor vehicle including a vehicle frame. The motor vehicle includes a B-pillar and a hinge pillar incorporating a hinge assembly. The reinforced door includes a door frame with a hinge shut face and a latch shut face. The door frame is attached to the hinge pillar of the motor vehicle by the hinge assembly which is attached to an outer side of the hinge shut face of the door frame. The reinforced door assembly further includes an offset intrusion beam with a first end and a second end. The first end of the offset intrusion beam is attached to an inner side of the hinge shut face by fasteners which also attach the hinge assembly to the outer side of the hinge shut face. The second end of the offset intrusion beam is attached to a reinforcement bracket which is attached to an inner side of the latch shut face through suitable fasteners. In the event of a frontal offset impact, the force of the impact causes the offset intrusion beam to protrude through the latch shut face so as to make contact with the B-pillar.