Engine hood latch support beam

Abstract

An engine hood latch support assembly, the engine hood latch support assembly including a support beam having a first portion, a second portion, and a latch support portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion has a certain strength, and the second portion has a strength less than that of the first portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to vehicle safety features, and more particularly to a hood latch support beam for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles typically include a hood that is releasably secured to a cross member at the front of the vehicle. During a collision, such as one involving an impact to the front of the vehicle, the cross member may break. This breakage may cause the hood to release its attachment to the cross member, allowing the hood to open and potentially block the view of the vehicle operator. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A hood latch support assembly includes a support beam having a first portion, a second portion, and a latch support portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion has a certain strength. The second portion has a strength less than that of the first portion.

[0004] The latch support portion may have a strength greater than that of the second portion.

[0005] The first portion may have a certain thickness, and the second portion may have a thickness less than that of the first portion.

[0006] The first portion may have a certain width, and the second portion may have a width less than that of the first portion.

[0007] The second portion may define a hole spaced a certain distance from the latch support portion, and the first portion may not have a hole spaced the distance from the latch support portion.

[0008] The second portion may include a fold spaced a certain distance from the latch support portion, and the first portion may not have a fold spaced the distance from the latch support portion.

[0009] The support beam may include a first wall, a second wall extending perpendicularly from the first wall, and a third wall extending perpendicularly from the first wall and spaced from the second wall.

[0010] The latch support portion may include a first rib extending between the second wall and the third wall, and a second rib extending between the second wall and the first rib.

[0011] The hood latch support assembly may include a latch secured to the latch support portion.

[0012] The first part may include a first material having a certain strength, and the second part may include a second material having a strength less than that of the first material.

[0013] A vehicle includes a hood that includes a striker. The vehicle includes a support beam having a first part, a second part, and a latch support part between the first part and the second part. The vehicle includes a latch that is fixed to the latch support part and releasably engages the striker. The first part has a certain strength. The second part has a strength less than that of the first part.

[0014] The second part may be designed to transition from a solid state to a fractured state when a force of a threshold magnitude is applied to the support beam, the threshold magnitude of the force being based on a standard crash test, and the second part may be fractured in the fractured state.

[0015] The support beam may have a passenger side and a driver side, and the second part may be located on the passenger side.

[0016] The support beam may include a front wall extending along the first part, the second part, and the latch support part, and a top wall extending perpendicularly from the front wall and along the first part, the second part, and the latch support part.

[0017] The front wall may define a hole spaced a certain distance from the latch support part at the second part, and the front wall may not have a hole spaced the distance from the latch support part at the first part.

[0018] The support beam may include a bottom wall spaced from the top wall and extending perpendicularly from the front wall and along the first part, the second part, and the latch support part.

[0019] The top wall and the bottom wall may each include a fold spaced a certain distance from the latch support part at the second part, and the top wall and the bottom wall may each be planar at the first part spaced the distance from the latch support part.

[0020] The latch support part may include a first rib extending from the top wall to the bottom wall and a second rib extending from the top wall to the first rib.

[0021] The latch support part may include a third rib extending from the bottom wall to the first rib.

[0022] The first rib may be arcuate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle including a hood latch support assembly.

[0024] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the vehicle, wherein the hood is in an open position.

[0025] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the hood latch support assembly.

[0026] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a top view of the hood latch support assembly.

[0027] Figure 5 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of a first portion of the hood latch support assembly.

[0028] Figure 6 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of a second portion of the hood latch support assembly.

[0029] Figure 7 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of a latch support portion of the hood latch support assembly.

[0030] Figure 8 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the hood latch support assembly.

[0031] Figure 9 is a top view of the hood latch support assembly in a fractured state Figure 1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to the drawings, a hood latch support assembly 20 for a vehicle 22 includes a support beam 24 having a first portion 26, a second portion 28, and a latch support portion 30 disposed between the first portion 26 and the second portion 28. The first portion 26 has a certain strength. The second portion 28 has a strength less than that of the first portion.

[0032]

[0033] ​For example, upon impact of the vehicle 22 with an object (e.g., another vehicle), the lower strength of the second portion 28 enables the second portion 28 to break while the first portion 26 remains intact. The break at the second portion 28 allows the hood 32 of the vehicle 22 to remain engaged with the support beam 24 after the impact of the vehicle 22, e.g., held by a latch 34 fixed to the support beam 24. In other words, the lower strength of the second portion 28 helps prevent the hood 32 from opening and blocking the view of the driver of the vehicle 22 after the impact of the vehicle 22 with another object.

[0034] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the vehicle 22 can be any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a car, truck, sport utility vehicle, crossover vehicle, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc. The vehicle 22 can include a passenger compartment. The vehicle 22 can include a driver side 36 and a passenger side 38. For example, control devices for navigating the vehicle 22, such as a steering wheel, pedal assembly, etc., can be located on the driver side 36 and within the passenger compartment. The passenger side 38 can be opposite the driver side 36. The vehicle 22 defines a front portion 40 and a rear portion 42, for example, relative to the normal forward driving direction of the vehicle 22, relative to the orientation of the control devices for navigating the vehicle 22, etc. The vehicle 22 has a lateral vehicle axis A1 that extends, for example, between the driver side 36 and the passenger side 38.

[0035] The vehicle 22 can include a body and a frame. The body and the frame can be an integral construction. In an integral construction, the body (e.g., the side sill) serves as the vehicle frame, and the body (including the side sill, pillars, roof rails, etc.) is integral, i.e., a continuous single-piece unit. As another example, the body and the frame can have a body-on-frame separation construction (also known as a coach-on-frame separation construction). In other words, the body and the frame are separate components, i.e., modular, and the body is supported on and attached to the frame. Alternatively, the body and the frame can have any suitable construction. The body and / or the frame can be formed of any suitable material, such as steel, aluminum, etc.

[0036] The vehicle 22 includes a hood 32. The hood 32 can cover and protect the engine compartment of the vehicle 22. The hood 32 is movable between a closed position as Figure 1 shown and an open position as Figure 2 shown. In the closed position, the hood 32 prevents access to the engine compartment. In the open position, the hood 32 allows access to the engine compartment. In the open position, the hood 32 may block the view of the driver of the vehicle 22. The hood 32 can be made of metal, carbon fiber, fiberglass, or any other suitable material.

[0037] The hood 32 may include a striker 44. The striker 44 is designed to engage with the latch 34, for example, to keep the hood 32 in a closed position. The striker 44 may be D-shaped and extend from the bottom surface of the hood 32. The striker 44 may be made of metal or any other suitable material.

[0038] The latch 34 may be fixed to the latch support portion 30 of the support beam 24, for example, by one or more fasteners, via welding, by one or more clips, etc. The latch 34 releasably engages with the striker 44, for example, to keep the hood 32 in a closed position and to allow the hood 32 to move to an open position. For example, the latch 34 may move between an open position and a closed position. As an example, the latch 34 is capable of rotating relative to the support beam 24 between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the latch 34 releases its engagement with the striker 44 to allow the hood 32 to move to an open position. In the closed position, the striker 44 engages the latch 34 when the hood 32 is in a closed position to keep the hood 32 in the closed position.

[0039] The support beam 24 includes a first portion 26, a second portion 28, and a latch support portion 30 therebetween. The support beam 24 may be integral, that is, the first portion 26, the second portion 28, and the latch support portion 30 are a single piece of uniform material with no seams, joints, fasteners, welding, or adhesives holding them together.

[0040] The support beam 24 may be located at the front portion 40 of the vehicle 22. The support beam 24 may be a component of the frame and / or body of the vehicle 22. The support beam 24 may extend along the lateral vehicle axis A1 and have a passenger side 38 and a driver side 36. The support beam 24 may support the hood 32, for example, in a closed position. The support beam 24 may be made of metal, steel, magnesium, aluminum, fiberglass, etc. (including combinations thereof).

[0041] The support beam 24 may include, for example, a front wall 46, a top wall 48, and a bottom wall 50 relative to the vehicle 22. The walls 46, 48, 50 may be referred to as the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall, respectively.

[0042] The front wall 46 may extend along the first portion 26, the second portion 28, and the latch support portion 30. In other words, the front wall 46 may extend along the length of the support beam 24 along the lateral vehicle axis A1. The front wall 46 may include a front surface 56 and a rear surface 58. The front wall 46 may include a top edge 52 and a bottom edge 54.

[0043] The top wall 48 can extend vertically from the front wall 46, for example, vertically from the top edge 52 of the front wall 46. The top wall 48 can extend to the distal edge 57. The top wall 48 can include a top surface 61 and a bottom surface 63. The top wall 48 can extend along the first portion 26, the second portion 28, and the latch support portion 30. In other words, the top wall 48 can extend along the length of the support beam 24 along the lateral vehicle axis A1.

[0044] The bottom wall 50 can be spaced apart from the top wall 48 and extend vertically from the front wall 46, for example, vertically from the bottom edge 54 of the front wall 46. The bottom wall 50 can extend to the distal edge 59. The bottom wall 50 can include a top surface 65 and a bottom surface 67. The bottom wall 50 can extend along the first portion 26, the second portion 28, and the latch support portion 30. In other words, the bottom wall 50 can extend along the length of the support beam 24 along the lateral vehicle axis A1.

[0045] The top wall 48 and the bottom wall 50 can extend rearward from the front wall 46 to provide a C-shaped cross-section of the support beam 24.

[0046] The first portion 26 can be located on the passenger side 38 of the support beam 24.

[0047] The strength of the first portion 26 is greater than the strength of the second portion 28. For example, applying a force F to the support beam 24 (such as during an impact of the vehicle 22) causes the second portion 28 to break while the first portion 26 does not break. The strength of the first portion 26 depends on, for example, the dimensions of the first portion 26 (such as the width and thickness as described below), the type of material, the geometry, and / or the cross-sectional shape (such as corrugations and holes, or no corrugations and holes as described below), etc.

[0048] As elaborated above, the first portion 26 has a certain width. The greater the width of the first portion 26, the higher the strength of the first portion 26. As an example, the width of the first portion 26 can be the width W1 of the top wall 48 at the first portion 26 (for example, between the top edge 52 and the distal edge 57), as Figure 5 shown. As another example, the width of the first portion 26 can be the width W2 of the bottom wall 50 at the first portion 26 (for example, between the bottom edge 54 and the distal edge 59). The width of the first portion 26 can be at a distance D1 from the latch support portion 30 (for example, the distance from the meeting point of the first portion 26 and the latch support portion 30, the distance from the center of the latch support portion 30 (shown in Figure 4 etc.).

[0049] The first portion 26 has a certain thickness. The greater the thickness of the first portion 26, the higher the strength of the first portion 26. As an example, the thickness of the first portion 26 can be the thickness T1 of the front wall 46 at the first portion 26 (e.g., between the front surface 56 and the rear surface 58 of the front wall 46), as Figure 5 shown. As another example, the thickness of the first portion 26 can be the thickness T2 of the top wall 48 at the first portion 26 (e.g., between the top surface 61 and the bottom surface 63). As another example, the thickness of the first portion 26 can be the thickness T3 of the bottom wall 50 at the first portion 26 (e.g., between the top surface 65 and the bottom surface 67). The thickness of the first portion 26 can be at a distance D1 from the latch support portion 30.

[0050] The first portion 26 can be without a hole spaced apart from the latch support portion 30 by a distance D1. For example, the first portion 26 can be completely solid at a distance D1 from the latch support portion 30, e.g., without any opening that could provide a stress concentration area or otherwise weaken the first portion 26 such that the first portion 26 would break before or simultaneously with the breakage of the second portion 28. For example, the front wall 46 at the first portion 26 can be without a hole spaced apart from the latch support portion 30 by a distance D1.

[0051] The first portion 26 can be without a fold spaced apart from the latch support portion 30 by a distance D1. For example, the top wall 48 and the bottom wall 50 can each be planar at a distance D1 where the first portion 26 is spaced apart from the latch support portion 30.

[0052] The first portion 26 can be made of one or more materials that provide strength to the first portion 26, such as metal, steel, magnesium, aluminum, fiberglass, etc. (including combinations thereof). The material can make the strength of the first portion greater than the strength of the second portion with or without the features described herein (e.g., with or without the thickness of the first portion 26, with or without the width of the first portion 26, with or without holes, with or without folds, etc.).

[0053] The second portion 28 is designed to transition from a solid state (as Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 8 shown) to a broken state, as Figure 9 shown. The second portion 28 is broken in the broken state. When a force F of a threshold magnitude is applied to the support beam 24, the second portion 28 transitions to the broken state. The threshold magnitude of the force F can be based on a standard crash test. For example, the vehicle 22 can undergo a moderate overlap crash test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). For example, when the first portion 26 and the latch support portion 30 are still unbroken, the impact on the vehicle 22 from such a test transitions the second portion 28 from the solid state to the broken state.

[0054] The second portion 28 may be located on the passenger side 38. Positioning the second portion 28 on the passenger side 38 helps ensure that any movement of the hood 32 due to the second portion 28 being in a broken state is away from the driver side 36. In other words, positioning the second portion 28 on the passenger side 38 helps maintain the driver's field of view of the vehicle 22 when the second portion 28 is in a broken state.

[0055] When a force exceeding a threshold magnitude is applied, the lower strength of the second portion 28 relative to the strength of the first portion causes the second portion 28 to transition to a broken state.

[0056] The second portion 28 has a certain width. The smaller the width of the second portion 28, the lower the strength of the second portion 28. The width of the second portion 28 may be less than the width of the first portion 26. As an example, the width of the second portion 28 may be the width W3 of the top wall 48 at the second portion 28 (e.g., between the top edge 52 and the distal edge 57), as Figure 6 shown. As another example, the width of the second portion 28 may be the width W4 of the bottom wall 50 at the second portion 28 (e.g., between the bottom edge 54 and the distal edge 59). The width of the second portion 28 may be at a certain distance from the latch support portion 30 (e.g., the distance from where the second portion 28 meets the latch support portion 30, the distance D2 from the center of the latch support portion 30 (shown in Figure 4 ), etc.). The distance D2 may be the same as the distance D1, for example, where the distance D2 extends from the latch support portion 30 in one direction and the distance D1 extends from the latch support portion 30 in the opposite direction.

[0057] The second portion 28 has a certain thickness. The smaller the thickness of the second portion 28, the lower the strength of the second portion 28. The thickness of the second portion 28 may be less than the thickness of the first portion 26. As an example, the thickness of the second portion 28 may be the thickness T4 of the front wall 46 at the second portion 28 (e.g., between the front surface 56 and the rear surface 58) of the front wall 46, as Figure 6 shown. As another example, the thickness of the second portion 28 may be the thickness T5 of the top wall 48 at the second portion 28 (e.g., between the top surface 61 and the bottom surface 63). As another example, the thickness of the second portion 28 may be the thickness T6 of the bottom wall 50 at the second portion 28 (e.g., between the top surface 65 and the bottom surface 67). The thickness of the second portion 28 may be at the distance D2 from the latch support portion 30.

[0058] The second portion 28 may define a hole 60 spaced apart from the latch support portion 30 by a distance D2. The hole 60 reduces the strength of the second portion 28, for example, by carrying the stress generated by the force F applied to the support beam 24 with less material, by forming a stress concentration region in the second portion 28 at the hole 60, etc. The hole 60 may be circular, oval, or any other shape. For example, the front wall 46 may define a hole 60 spaced apart from the latch support portion 30 by a distance D2 at the second portion 28.

[0059] The second portion 28 may include one or more corrugations 62 spaced apart from the latch support portion 30 by a distance D2. The corrugations 62 reduce the strength of the second portion 28, for example, by providing a stress concentration region at each corrugation 62, by changing the microstructure of the second portion 28 at each corrugation 62, by changing the uniform geometry of the second portion 28 at each corrugation 62, etc. For example, each of the top wall 48 and the bottom wall 50 includes one of the one or more corrugations 62 spaced apart from the latch support portion 30 by a distance D2 at the second portion 28. The corrugations 62 may be on opposite sides of the hole 60. In other words, the hole 60 may be between the corrugation 62 in the top wall 48 and the corrugation 62 in the bottom wall 50.

[0060] The second portion 28 may be made of one or more materials that provide a second strength for the second portion 28, such as, for example, metal, steel, magnesium, aluminum, fiberglass, etc. (including combinations thereof). The material may provide the second strength with or without the features described herein (e.g., with or without the thickness of the second portion 28, the width of the second portion 28, the hole 60, the corrugation 62, etc.). For example, the first portion 26 may be a first type of material, such as steel, and the second portion 28 may be a second type of material, such as aluminum, and the second type of material has a lower strength than the first type of material.

[0061] The latch support portion 30 supports the latch 34. For example, the latch support portion 30 may be fixed to the latch 34, as described above. The latch support portion 30 is disposed between the first portion 26 and the second portion 28. For example, the first portion 26 may extend away from the latch support portion 30 along the lateral vehicle axis A1 on one side of the latch support portion 30, and the second portion 28 may extend away from the latch support portion 30 along the lateral vehicle axis A1 on the opposite side of the latch support portion 30.

[0062] The latch support portion 30 is designed to maintain the engagement between the latch 34 and the striker 44 when the second portion 28 is in a broken state, for example, to hold the hood 32 in the closed position after an impact on the vehicle 22. To maintain this engagement, the latch support portion 30 may have a strength greater than the strength of the second portion.

[0063] The latch support portion 30 has a certain width. For example, the width of the latch support portion 30 can be the width W5 of the top wall 48 at the latch support portion 30, as Figure 7 shown. As another example, the width of the latch support portion 30 can be the width W6 of the bottom wall 50 at the latch support portion 30. For example, as described for the width of the first portion 26. The width of the latch support portion 30 can be greater than the width of the second portion 28.

[0064] The latch support portion 30 has a certain thickness. For example, the thickness of the latch support portion 30 can be the thickness T7 of the front wall 46 at the latch support portion 30. As another example, the thickness of the latch support portion 30 can be the thickness T8 of the top wall 48 at the latch support portion 30. As another example, the thickness of the latch support portion 30 can be the thickness T9 of the bottom wall 50. For example, as described for the thickness of the first portion 26. The thickness of the latch support portion 30 can be greater than the thickness of the second portion 28.

[0065] The latch support portion 30 can include a first rib 64. The first rib 64 can extend between the top wall 48 and the bottom wall 50. The first rib 64 can be arcuate. The arcuate shape of the first rib 64 can include a vertex towards the latch 34. The first rib 64 can be the same type of material as the top wall 48, the bottom wall 50, and / or the front wall 46. The first rib 64 can be a different type of material from the top wall 48, the bottom wall 50, and / or the front wall 46.

[0066] For example, the latch support portion 30 can include a second rib 66 and / or a third rib 68. The second rib 66 can extend between the top wall 48 and the first rib 64. The third rib 68 can extend from the bottom wall 50 to the first rib 64. The first rib 64 and / or the second rib 66 can be the same type of material as the top wall 48, the bottom wall 50, and / or the front wall 46. The first rib 64 and / or the second rib 66 can be a different type of material from the top wall 48, the bottom wall 50, and / or the front wall 46.

[0067] The ribs 64, 66, 68 provide additional strength to the latch support portion 30, for example, by increasing the rigidity of the latch support portion 30, and by transferring stress between the top wall 48, the bottom wall 50, and / or the front wall 46, for example to reduce stress concentration areas.

[0068] During normal operation of the vehicle 22, the hood 32 is in the closed position, where the striker 44 engages with the latch 34. In the event of an impact (e.g., a frontal impact to the vehicle 22), a force F is applied to the support beam 24. The application of such force F generates stress in the support beam 24 and causes the second portion 28 to transition from a solid state to a fractured state. For example, the second portion 28 fractures at the wrinkles 62 and / or holes 60. This fracture helps relieve the stress in the support beam 24. After the second portion 28 is in the fractured state, the striker 44 remains engaged with the latch 34, thereby keeping the hood 32 in the closed position.

[0069] The adjectives "first", "second", etc. are used as identifiers in this document and are not intended to denote importance or order.

[0070] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terms used are intended to be descriptive words rather than restrictive words. Given the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible, and the present disclosure may be practiced in other ways than specifically described.

[0071] According to the present invention, there is provided a hood latch support assembly having: a support beam having a first portion, a second portion, and a latch support portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion; the first portion having a certain strength; and the second portion having a strength less than that of the first portion.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the latch support portion has a strength greater than that of the second portion.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the first portion has a certain thickness, and the second portion has a thickness less than that of the first portion.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the first portion has a certain width, and the second portion has a width less than that of the first portion.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the second portion defines a hole spaced apart from the latch support portion by a certain distance, and the first portion does not have a hole spaced apart from the latch support portion by the distance.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the second portion includes a wrinkle spaced apart from the latch support portion by a certain distance, and the first portion does not have a wrinkle spaced apart from the latch support portion by the distance.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the support beam includes a first wall, a second wall extending perpendicularly from the first wall, and a third wall extending perpendicularly from the first wall and spaced apart from the second wall.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the latch support portion includes a first rib extending between the second wall and the third wall, and a second rib extending between the second wall and the first rib.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the invention further features a latch that is fixed to the latch support portion.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the first portion includes a first material having a certain strength, and the second portion includes a second material having a strength less than that of the first material.

[0081] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle having: a hood including a striker; and a support beam having a first portion, a second portion, and a latch support portion between the first portion and the second portion; a latch fixed to the latch support portion and releasably engageable with the striker; the first portion having a certain strength; and the second portion having a strength less than that of the first portion.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the second portion is designed to transition from a solid state to a fractured state when a force of a threshold magnitude is applied to the support beam, the threshold magnitude of the force being based on a standard crash test, and the second portion is fractured in the fractured state.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the support beam has a passenger side and a driver side, and the second portion is located on the passenger side.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the support beam includes a front wall extending along the first portion, the second portion, and the latch support portion, and a top wall extending perpendicularly from the front wall and along the first portion, the second portion, and the latch support portion.

[0085] The front wall defines a hole spaced apart from the latch support portion at the second portion, and the front wall does not have a hole spaced apart from the latch support portion at the first portion.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the support beam includes a bottom wall spaced apart from the top wall and extending perpendicularly from the front wall and along the first portion, the second portion, and the latch support portion.

[0087] According to one embodiment, each of the top wall and the bottom wall includes a fold spaced apart from the latch support portion at the second portion, and each of the top wall and the bottom wall is planar at the first portion spaced apart from the latch support portion by the distance.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the latch support portion includes a first rib extending from the top wall to the bottom wall and a second rib extending from the top wall to the first rib.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the latch support portion includes a third rib extending from the bottom wall to the first rib.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the first rib is arcuate.

Claims

1. An engine hood latch support assembly, the engine hood latch support assembly comprises: a support beam having a first portion, a second portion, and a latch support portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion; the first portion has a certain strength; and the second portion has a strength less than the strength of the first portion, wherein the support beam is asymmetric with respect to the latch support portion, the second portion includes a fold spaced apart from the latch support portion by a certain distance, and the first portion does not have a fold spaced apart from the latch support portion by the distance.

2. The engine hood latch support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the latch support portion has a strength greater than the strength of the second portion.

3. The engine hood latch support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first portion has a certain thickness, and the second portion has a thickness less than the thickness of the first portion.

4. The engine hood latch support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first portion has a certain width, and the second portion has a width less than the width of the first portion.

5. The engine hood latch support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second portion defines a hole spaced apart from the latch support portion by a certain distance, and the first portion does not have a hole spaced apart from the latch support portion by the distance.

6. The engine hood latch support assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the engine hood latch support assembly further comprising a latch fixed to the latch support portion.

7. A vehicle, the vehicle comprises: an engine hood including a striker; and a support beam having a first portion, a second portion, and a latch support portion between the first portion and the second portion; a latch fixed to the latch support portion and releasably engageable with the striker; the first portion has a certain strength; and the second portion has a strength less than the strength of the first portion, wherein the support beam is asymmetric with respect to the latch support portion, the second portion includes a fold spaced apart from the latch support portion by a certain distance, and the first portion does not have a fold spaced apart from the latch support portion by the distance.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the second portion is designed to transition from a solid state to a fractured state when a force of a threshold magnitude is applied to the support beam, the threshold magnitude of the force being based on a standard crash test, and the second portion is fractured in the fractured state.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the latch support portion is designed to maintain the engagement between the latch and the striker when the second portion is in the fractured state.

10. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the support beam has a passenger side and a driver side, and the second portion is located on the passenger side.

11. The vehicle according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the support beam includes a front wall extending along the first portion, the second portion, and the latch support portion, and a top wall extending perpendicularly from the front wall and extending along the first portion, the second portion, and the latch support portion.

12. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the front wall defines a hole spaced apart from the latch support portion at the second portion, and the front wall does not have a hole spaced apart from the latch support portion at the first portion.

13. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the support beam includes a bottom wall spaced apart from the top wall and extending perpendicularly from the front wall and extending along the first portion, the second portion, and the latch support portion.

14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein each of the top wall and the bottom wall includes the corrugation, and each of the top wall and the bottom wall is planar at a location where the first portion is spaced apart from the latch support portion by the distance.

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