SEPARATION OF DRIVE ASSEMBLY BROUGHT ABOUT BY FRONT IMPACT IN PASSENGER AND HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES

摘要

The invention concerns a system in which the drive assembly (10) becomes separated from one or both side members (30) on any type of front impact, irrespective of the type of drive and the mounting direction. Since the side members (30) are no longer exposed to the kinetic energy of the drive assembly, whilst retaining the same dimensions, they can either absorb more front impact energy, or be designed such that they are less rigid and more lightweight. Low front impact energy is absorbed by extremely economical, easily replaceable deformation elements in the front region without deformation of the side members and without separation of the drive assembly, whereas high front impact energy is absorbed by a plurality of deformation elements and the drive assembly separates. A lightweight construction which allows the drive assembly to separate and energy to be absorbed can be produced by inserting the, preferably light-alloy, extruded sections into one another to form a side member.