Enhancement of Offset Crash Performance in a Short Carrier Front Suspension Vehicle 2001-01-3100

The offset crash performance of a vehicle is getting important in reducing occupant injuries in a high-speed frontal collision on real road. To enhance the performance, we have to keep the passenger compartment space and distribute a half side load to a whole vehicle body structure. In this point of view, a cradle type front wheel carrier system can be very effective. But it poses a little difficulty in using various engine and transmission combinations. But a short wheel carrier system provides a flexible engine room package even though it has a conceptual weakness to offset crash protection. The wheel carrier connecting bar supporting between a short wheel carrier and a radiator supporting cross member is suggested. Two offset crash test modes (Euro NCAP, IIHS) are simulated for developing the wheel carrier connecting bar and modifying the vehicle body structure. The IIHS test results show the enhancement effect, which increase the structural grade from “MARGINAL” to upper “ACCEPTABLE”.