Pre-engineered frame portion and method of use therefor

Abstract

A vehicle chassis includes a structural frame having a frame portion that partially defines an open space and that has a predetermined configuration such that the open space maintains a predetermined amount of spatial integrity in the event of a horizontal impact to the vehicle chassis. The frame also includes a frame component operatively connected to the frame portion that further defines the structural frame. The open space provides a protected packaging space wherein certain critical chassis components are placed. The frame portion configuration provides a pre-engineered protected area that may be used in a variety of structural frame configurations. Accordingly, a method for using pre-engineered frame portions is provided.

1 . A vehicle chassis comprising: 
 a structural frame, the structural frame including: 
 a frame portion partially defining the structural frame, defining an open space, and having a predetermined configuration such that the open space maintains a predetermined amount of spatial integrity in the event of a horizontal impact to the vehicle chassis; and  
 at least one structural frame component operatively connected to the frame portion and further defining the structural frame.  
   
   
   
       2 . The vehicle chassis of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 at least three wheels rotatably mounted with respect to the structural frame; an energy conversion system mounted with respect to the structural frame and operatively connected to at least one of the at least three wheels; a steering system mounted with respect to the structural frame and operatively connected to at least one of the at least three wheels; a braking system mounted with respect to the structural frame and operatively connected to at least one of the at least three wheels; and an energy storage system operatively connected to the energy conversion system and mounted with respect to the structural frame;    wherein at least one of the energy conversion system, energy storage system, steering system, and braking system is at least partially located within the open space.    
   
   
       3 . The vehicle chassis of  claim 2 , wherein the frame portion is a prefabricated module.  
   
   
       4 . The vehicle chassis of  claim 3 , wherein the prefabricated module includes a plurality of segments defining the open space therebetween, and at least one augmentation segment operatively connected to at least one of the plurality of segments defining the open space; and 
 wherein the at least one structural frame component is mounted to the at least one augmentation segment.    
   
   
       5 . The vehicle chassis of  claim 3 , wherein the prefabricated module is at least partially formed by hydroforming.  
   
   
       6 . The vehicle chassis of  claim 2 , wherein the braking system and the energy conversion system are responsive to non-mechanical control signals.  
   
   
       7 . The vehicle chassis of  claim 2 , wherein the energy conversion system includes a fuel cell.  
   
   
       8 . The vehicle chassis of  claim 7 , wherein the energy storage system is configured to store hydrogen.