Member for ratcheting between the movable component and adjacent structure

Abstract

The vehicle comprises a vehicle body having a front portion and a rear portion; a vehicle chassis supporting the vehicle body, the vehicle chassis having a chassis portion; a component attached to the front portion of the vehicle body; and a member having (i) an elongated portion including teeth, and (ii) an attachment portion that attaches the member to one of the chassis portion or the component, the member configured to ratchet the teeth against an edge of the other of the chassis portion or the component upon relative movement between the component and the chassis portion.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 948,847, filed Oct. 2, 2020, and entitled “MEMBER FOR RATCHETING BETWEEN A MOVING COMPONENT AND ADJACENT STRUCTURE,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0002] This document relates to a member for ratcheting between a moveable component and an adjacent structure. [Background technology]

[0003] Although improvements in automotive technology continue to be made, occasional collisions between vehicles and pedestrians remain a reality of transportation in today's society. Modern vehicles are designed, in part, to provide desired performance during a collision with a pedestrian. Achieving better performance in this regard translates into fewer or fewer serious injuries to pedestrians. In many countries or regions, tests are performed to evaluate the performance of vehicles according to several standards. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect, a vehicle comprises a vehicle body having a front and a rear portion; a vehicle chassis supporting the vehicle body, the vehicle chassis having a chassis portion; a component attached to the front portion of the vehicle body; and a member having (i) an elongated portion including teeth, and (ii) an attachment portion for attaching the member to one of the chassis portion or the component, the member configured to ratchet the teeth against an edge of the other of the chassis portion or the component upon relative movement between the component and the chassis portion.

[0005] Implementations may include any or all of the following features: The component is a support bracket; The vehicle further comprises a fascia, the fascia being supported by the support bracket; The support bracket is positioned higher in the vehicle than the chassis portion; The chassis portion includes a bumper beam; The vehicle further comprises a lighting component forming an upper leading edge at a front of the vehicle body, the lighting component being positioned higher in the vehicle and further forward in the vehicle than the component; The vehicle further comprises a nose portion forming a lower leading edge at a front of the vehicle body, the nose portion being positioned lower in the vehicle than the component and further forward in the vehicle than the component; The teeth are positioned on a first portion of the elongated portion, and a second portion of the elongated portion adjacent the first portion is devoid of teeth; The member further comprises a bridge portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the elongated portion; The attachment portion extends substantially perpendicularly from the bridge portion on the same side of the bridge portion as the elongated portion; The teeth are oriented away from the attachment portion. The members are attached to the components, the components having openings facing one another and opposite ends of the mounting portions configured to be received in the respective openings. The vehicle includes a plurality of members, each of the plurality of members having a respective elongated portion and a respective mounting portion. The plurality of members are positioned symmetrically about a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.

[0006] In a second aspect, the member comprises an elongate portion having teeth; a bridge portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the elongate portion; and an attachment portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the bridge portion on the same side of the bridge portion, the teeth being oriented away from the attachment portion.

[0007] Implementations may include any or all of the following features: The teeth include at least three teeth, the teeth spaced equidistant from one another on the elongated portion; The elongated portion extends between a first end at the bridge portion and a second end opposite the first end, the elongated portion having a toothless portion positioned adjacent the first end and longer than the spaces between the teeth; The member further comprises a spacer extending from the attachment portion in a direction away from the elongated portion; The member further comprises a plurality of spacers extending from the attachment portion in a common direction away from the elongated portion.

[0008] In a third aspect, a vehicle comprises a vehicle body having a front and a rear portion; a vehicle chassis supporting the vehicle body, the vehicle chassis having a chassis portion; a component attached to the front portion of the vehicle body; and means attached to one of the chassis portion or the component for ratcheting against an edge of the other of the chassis portion or the component due to relative movement between the component and the chassis portion. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle.

[0010] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a front part of the vehicle in FIG.

[0011] [Diagram 3] 2 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the front portion of the vehicle of FIG. 1.

[0012] [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a member.

[0013] [Diagram 5] 1 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a vehicle front section and leg model.

[0014] [Figure 6A]FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a simulation using the vehicle front part and leg part model of FIG. 5. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a simulation using the vehicle front part and leg part model of FIG. 5. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a simulation using the vehicle front part and leg part model of FIG. 5.

[0015] [Figure 7] 1 is an exemplary graph including simulated medial collateral ligament stretch as a function of time.

[0016] [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a member.

[0017] [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a member.

[0018] [Figure 10] 4 is a diagram showing another example of the front part of FIG. 3. FIG.

[0019] Like reference numbers in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] This document describes examples of systems and techniques for providing better performance during a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. In some implementations, the member provides a ratchet between the moving component and an adjacent structure as part of the deformation that may occur following an impact. The design of the member can strive to keep the component moving in one direction toward the rear of the vehicle as a result of the impact. For example, this can prevent or reduce the component from moving forward (e.g., bouncing) relative to the vehicle body. This can improve accident performance, for example, by reducing or eliminating bending of the pedestrian's legs during impact.

[0021] A number of different vehicle designs can provide improved crash performance, and the following are exemplary features of one aspect of the improvement: In some implementations, the lateral profile of the front end of the vehicle can feature a relatively low structure (sometimes called an early push-off section) at the pedestrian's lower tibia (leg bone); a compliant mid-section designed to absorb energy; and a relatively high, elevated structure positioned slightly behind the bumper and fascia. For example, the compliant mid-section may help provide a deformation mode that is more resistant to proceeding back to its original position after impact.

[0022] In the examples herein, reference is made to vehicles. A vehicle is a machine that transports passengers or cargo, or both. A vehicle may have one or more motors that use at least one type of fuel, or other energy source (e.g., electricity). Examples of vehicles include, but are not limited to, cars, trucks, and buses. The number of wheels may vary between vehicle types, and one or more (e.g., all) of the wheels may be used for propulsion of the vehicle.

[0023] In the examples herein, reference is made to a vehicle chassis. A vehicle chassis is a frame structure that bears the load of the rest of the vehicle. A vehicle chassis can include one or more frames that can be made of steel, aluminum alloy, or another material that is rigid and strong. For example, a vehicle chassis may be made of at least two side rails connected by multiple cross members for structural integrity. One or more other components, including but not limited to a battery pack for an electric or hybrid vehicle, may be integrated or otherwise combined with the vehicle chassis. One or both ends (e.g., the front end) of the vehicle may be provided with a bumper beam that may extend generally transversely to the direction of travel and may be the outermost part of the vehicle chassis. For example, the bumper beam may be designed to help absorb impact energy and distribute crash forces within the vehicle. Another part of the vehicle chassis is a front end module that can be mechanically attached to rails or other parts of the frame and can be used to position one or more sub-components. A subframe is a chassis portion that can hold several components including, but not limited to, the motor, drivetrain, or suspension to distribute chassis loads and / or isolate vibration and harshness.

[0024] In the examples herein, reference is made to a vehicle body. The vehicle body is the primary supporting structure of the vehicle to which components and subcomponents are attached. In vehicles having a monocoque construction, the vehicle body and the vehicle chassis are integrated with one another. When the vehicle body is an integral part of the vehicle chassis, the vehicle chassis is also described herein as supporting the vehicle body. The vehicle body often includes a passenger compartment with a passenger compartment for one or more passengers; one or more trunks or other storage compartments for cargo; and various panels and other closures that provide protective and / or decorative coverings.

[0025] In the examples herein, reference is made to a ratchet. A ratchet is an interaction of mechanical devices that allows linear or rotational movement in only one direction and prevents movement in the opposite direction. A ratchet may be provided by engagement between one or more teeth and one or more edges, such as a pawl surface. The teeth may have a sloped leading edge that facilitates relative movement between the teeth and the edge during movement in the permitted direction. For example, at least one of the teeth and the edge may be biased (e.g., spring loaded) toward one another for better engagement.

[0026] 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 may be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. The vehicle 100 includes a vehicle body 102 and a vehicle chassis 104 that supports the vehicle body 102. For example, the vehicle body 102 here is of a four-door type with a passenger compartment for at least four passengers, and the vehicle chassis 104 has four wheels. In some implementations, other numbers of doors, types of vehicle body 102, and / or types of vehicle chassis 104 may be used.

[0027] The vehicle body 102 has a front portion 106 and a rear portion 108. The vehicle 100 can have at least one motor, which can be positioned at one or more locations on the vehicle 100. In some implementations, the motor can be mounted generally near the front portion 106, generally near the rear portion 108, or both. The vehicle 100 can have at least one lighting component, which can be located at one or more locations on the vehicle 100. For example, the vehicle 100 can have one or more headlights 110 mounted generally near the front portion 106. As another example, the vehicle 100 can have one or more nose lights 112, here mounted above the headlights 110, which may be auxiliary lamps in the form of elongated strips of lighting (e.g., small individual lights) that extend substantially across the width of the vehicle 100 at the front portion 106.

[0028] The vehicle 100 may have one or more features designed to provide improved crash performance, especially when involving pedestrians. For illustrative purposes, a portion of the front fascia is cut away here to show eight instances of the members 114. Each of the members 114 may be mounted inside the vehicle body 102 and are not normally visible from the outside. The members 114 may be designed to provide a ratchet that improves the performance of the vehicle 100 upon a front end 106 impact. For example, when there is relative motion between a component of the vehicle body 102 and an adjacent structure of the vehicle chassis 104 due to a crash, one or more of the members 114 may ratchet against an edge of the component or adjacent structure to limit or restrict the relative motion (e.g., to limit the motion to a single direction).

[0029] 2 illustrates an example of a front portion 106 of the vehicle 100 of FIG. 1. Only portions of the front portion 106 are shown for clarity of illustration. The front portion 106 may be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. The front portion 106 includes a fascia 200, which is shown partially transparent here for illustrative purposes. The front portion 106 includes a bumper beam 202. In some implementations, the bumper beam 202 is made from a functionally rigid material and forms a portion of the chassis of the vehicle. For example, the bumper beam 202 is configured to absorb impact energy and distribute crush forces.

[0030] The front portion 106 includes a support bracket 204. In some implementations, the support bracket 204 supports at least the fascia 200 and may be covered by the fascia 200 after assembly. For example, the support bracket 204 may be attached to or considered to be a part of the body of the vehicle. The support bracket 204 may include various shaped portions, openings, and / or other structural features that facilitate supporting the fascia 200 (and / or optionally another component) and attaching the support bracket 204 to the vehicle.

[0031] The front portion 106 includes members 114 positioned adjacent the support brackets 204 and the bumper beam 202. Each of the members 114 includes an elongated portion having teeth 114A. In the example shown, each of the members 114 is attached to the support brackets 204 via an attachment portion 114B and is configured such that at least its teeth 114A engage an edge of the bumper beam 202. For example, this may facilitate ratcheting to limit or restrict relative movement between the support brackets 204 and the bumper beam 202. In some implementations, one or more of the members 114 are instead attached to the bumper beam 202 such that at least its teeth 114A can engage an edge of the support brackets 204.

[0032] A longitudinal centerline 206 may be defined for the vehicle. The longitudinal centerline 206 may represent the center of the vehicle in the direction of travel and may correspond to a coordinate having y=0 in the vehicle's coordinate system. The members 114 may be positioned symmetrically about the longitudinal centerline 206. For example, here four of the members 114 are positioned on one side of the longitudinal centerline 206 (e.g., having positive y values) and the other four of the members 114 are positioned on the other side of the longitudinal centerline 206 (e.g., having negative y values).

[0033] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of the front portion 106 of the vehicle of Figure 1. At least partially visible in this view are the fascia 200 supported on a support bracket 204; the foam 300 positioned against the bumper beam 202; and the member 114. Here, the support bracket 204 is positioned above the bumper beam 202 within the vehicle.

[0034] The member 114 includes an elongated portion 302 having teeth 114A. The member 114 also includes an attachment portion 114B and a bridge portion 304. In some implementations, the attachment portion 114B extends substantially perpendicularly from the bridge portion 304. For example, the attachment portion 114B can extend on the same side of the bridge portion 304 as the elongated portion 302. In some implementations, the teeth 114A can be oriented in a direction away from the attachment portion 114B.

[0035] Here, the bumper beam 202 has an edge 306. In some implementations, the edge 306 is formed by the end of a panel of the bumper beam 202 in a direction toward the support bracket 204. For example, the panel may be located at the forward-most portion of the bumper beam 202 relative to the vehicle. The edge 306 can extend along the entire length or width of the bumper beam 202, or along only a portion thereof. The member 114 is configured such that relative movement between the support bracket 204 (i.e., a component of the vehicle body) and the bumper beam 202 (i.e., a portion of the vehicle chassis) can cause the teeth 114A to ratchet onto the edge 306. In some implementations, each of the teeth 114A can have a substantially triangular profile. For example, one side of the triangular profile can correspond to the intersection between the teeth 114A and the elongated portion 302. A second side of the triangular profile can form a surface that temporarily engages the edge 306 during movement in a direction (e.g., toward the right in this figure). A third side of the triangular profile may form a surface that engages edge 306 to prevent movement in the opposite direction (eg, to the left in this illustration) after movement has ceased.

[0036] Briefly referring back to Figures 1, 2, and 3, the above examples show that a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 100) may include a vehicle body (e.g., vehicle body 102) having a front portion (e.g., front portion 106) and a rear portion (e.g., rear portion 108). The vehicle may include a chassis (e.g., vehicle chassis 104) that supports the vehicle body, the vehicle chassis including a chassis portion (e.g., bumper beam 202). The vehicle includes a component (e.g., support bracket 204) attached to the front portion of the vehicle body. The vehicle includes a member (e.g., member 114) that includes an elongated portion (e.g., elongated portion 302) having teeth (e.g., teeth 114A) and an attachment portion (e.g., attachment portion 114B) that attaches the member to one of the chassis portions or the component. The member is configured such that relative movement between the component and the vehicle chassis causes the teeth to ratchet against an edge (e.g., edge 306) of the other of the chassis portions or the component.

[0037] 4 illustrates another example of member 400. Member 400 is shown in cross section. Member 400 may be used with one or more of the other examples described elsewhere herein. Member 400 may be configured to ratchet against an edge of a chassis portion or an edge of a vehicle component with relative motion between the component and the chassis portion.

[0038] Here, member 400 includes an elongated portion 402 having teeth 404. Here, member 400 includes a bridge portion 406 extending substantially perpendicularly from elongated portion 402. Here, member 400 includes an attachment portion 408 extending substantially perpendicularly from bridge portion 406 on the same side of bridge portion 406 as elongated portion 402. Teeth 404 are oriented in a direction away from attachment portion 408.

[0039] A support bracket 410 is shown in cross section. The support bracket 410 can support one or more components (not shown) of a vehicle. In this example, the member 400 is attached to the support bracket 410. In some implementations, the support bracket 410 includes openings 412A-412B facing toward one another. For example, the end 408A of the mounting portion 408 can be configured to be received in the opening 412A. As another example, the end 408B of the mounting portion 408 opposite the end 408A can be configured to be received in the opening 412B.

[0040] The member 400 can include one or more spacers. Here, two spacers 414 are shown. In some implementations, the spacers 414 can be positioned on the mounting portion 408. For example, the spacers 414 can extend in a common direction away from the elongated portion 402. The structure of the member 400 can provide a bias in one or more directions. For example, the configuration of at least the elongated portion 402, the bridge portion 406, and the mounting portion 408 can allow at least the teeth 404 to be biased toward an edge (not shown) to facilitate ratcheting and limit or restrict relative movement.

[0041] 5 shows an example cross-sectional view of a vehicle front section 500 and a leg model 502. The vehicle front section 500 is seen here from the side, and the rest of the vehicle is omitted for simplicity. The leg model 502 includes an upper leg section 502A and a lower leg section 502B joined together by a knee joint 502C. In some implementations, the leg model 502 can be created from physical components and can include sensors for performing physical tests on a vehicle having the vehicle front section 500. In some implementations, the leg model 502 can be electronically defined to perform computer-based simulations or analyses. For example, a finite element analysis can be performed based on a digital representation of the leg model 502.

[0042] Here, the vehicle front 500 includes a bumper beam 504; a support bracket 506; a fascia 508; foam 510 (e.g., expanded polypropylene); a sensor 512 (e.g., a lidar system occupying a portion of the vehicle front 500); lighting components 514 (e.g., a nose lamp extending across substantially the entire width of the vehicle front 500); and a nose portion 516 positioned relatively low on the vehicle front 500. The fascia 508, and / or any others of these components, may be supported by the support bracket 506. The placement of these components on the vehicle front 500 may improve its performance in a pedestrian impact.

[0043] In some implementations, crash performance may be characterized in terms of the behavior of the upper leading edge 518, which includes at least the lighting component 514, and the lower leading edge 520, which includes at least the nose portion 516. For example, the upper leading edge 518 may be characterized in that the lighting component 514 is positioned higher in the vehicle than the support bracket 506 and further forward in the vehicle than the support bracket 506. As another example, the lower leading edge 520 may be characterized in that the nose portion 516 is positioned lower in the vehicle than the support bracket 506 and further forward in the vehicle than the support bracket 506. Thus, the vehicle front 500 may be characterized by the lower leading edge 520 as an early push-off portion of the pedestrian's lower tibia; a compliant middle portion including at least the fascia 508 and the foam 510; and the upper leading edge 518 positioned slightly rearward of the fascia 508.

[0044] 6A-6C show an example of a simulation using the vehicle front 500 and leg model 502 of FIG. 5. For simplicity, only a portion of the vehicle front 500 and leg model 502 are shown here. Currently visible in the vehicle front 500 are lighting components 514, sensors 512, support bracket 506, fascia 508, bumper beam 504 with edge 600, foam 510, and member 602 mounted to support bracket 506. Member 602 includes an elongated portion with teeth and an attachment portion that attaches member 602 to support bracket 506, allowing the teeth to ratchet onto edge 600.

[0045] The simulations were performed using finite element analysis, where both the vehicle front 500 and the leg model 502 are defined as computer-based structures. In particular, two separate simulations of the impact of the vehicle front 500 on the leg model 502 were performed, both of which are illustrated by this figure. In the first simulation, the impact was performed without the presence of the member 602; in Figures 6B-6C, this first simulation is illustrated by the shaded lines of the vehicle front 500. In the second simulation, the impact was performed with the presence of the member 602 as shown in Figure 6A; in Figures 6B-6C, this second simulation is illustrated by the shaded lines of the vehicle front 500. Meanwhile, in Figure 6A, the use of shaded lines on the vehicle front 500 is merely for illustrative purposes and is irrelevant to this distinction between the first and second simulations.

[0046] 6A shows leg model 502 prior to impact with vehicle front 500. In a second simulation, member 602 may not yet ratchet onto edge 600. For example, an elongated member may be biased towards edge 600 and may optionally contact edge 600.

[0047] 6B shows the leg model 502 during impact with the vehicle front 500. For example, the instant shown may represent approximately the middle of the simulated crash event. In the second simulation, the member 602 ratchets onto the edge 600 as a result of movement by the fascia 508 and support bracket 506 towards the right in the figure. However, a comparison of the shaded lines shows that there may still be relatively minor differences between the first and second simulations (i.e., without and with the member 602, respectively).

[0048] FIG. 6C illustrates the leg model 502 after impact with the vehicle front 500. For example, the illustrated moment may represent a state at the end of a simulated crash event. In the first simulation, the vehicle body components have undergone significant rebounding and as a result have moved or continue to move in the opposite direction (i.e., toward the left of the figure). For example, the following lines 508-1, 506-1, 512 ...

[0049] On the other hand, in the second simulation shown in FIG. 6C, the member 602 ratchets to the edge 600 as indicated by the arrow. This can prevent or mitigate undesired relative motion in the opposite direction. Comparison of the shaded lines shows that there can be significant differences between the first and second simulations (i.e., without and with the member 602, respectively). For example, the line 508-2 corresponding to the second simulation of the fascia 508; the line 506-2 corresponding to the second simulation of the support bracket 506; and the line 512-2 corresponding to the second simulation of the sensor 512, respectively, move significantly less to the left in the second simulation. In the leg model 502, the shaded area corresponding to the second simulation moves relatively less away from the vehicle front 500 than the shaded area corresponding to the first simulation. In some implementations, the leg may bend relatively less during the impact in the second simulation. For example, this may correspond to better crash performance by the vehicle front 500.

[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary graph 700 including simulated medial collateral ligament (MCL) stretch as a function of time. In graph 700, MCL stretch is shown in millimeters (mm) on the vertical axis and time is shown in seconds on the horizontal axis. Graph 702 corresponds to the stretch of the MCL due to a simulated impact without the use of a component described herein (e.g., corresponding to the first simulation described with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C). For example, in graph 700, graph 702 nearly reaches value 704. Meanwhile, graph 706 corresponds to the stretch of the MCL due to a simulated impact without the use of a component described herein (e.g., corresponding to the second simulation described with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C). For example, in graph 700, graph 706 remains essentially below value 708, which is lower than value 704.

[0051] 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example of a member 800. The member 800 may be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. The member 800 may be configured to ratchet to an edge 802 of a chassis portion 804 or an edge of a vehicle component (not shown) due to relative motion between the component and the chassis portion. Here, the member 800 includes an elongated portion 806 having teeth 808. Here, the member 800 includes a bridge portion 810 extending substantially perpendicularly from the elongated portion 806. Here, the member 800 includes an attachment portion 812 extending substantially perpendicularly from the bridge portion 810 on the same side of the bridge portion 810 as the elongated portion 806. The teeth 808 are oriented in a direction away from the attachment portion 812. The attachment portion 812 may include at least one aperture 814 for attaching the member 800 to a component 816.

[0052] Another example of a member 900 is shown in FIG. 9. The member 900 may be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. The member 900 may be configured to ratchet to an edge of a chassis portion (not shown) or an edge of a vehicle component (not shown) due to relative motion between the component and the chassis portion. Here, the member 900 includes an elongated portion 902 having teeth 904. Here, the member 900 includes a bridge portion 906 extending substantially perpendicularly from the elongated portion 902. Here, the member 900 includes an attachment portion 908 extending substantially perpendicularly from the bridge portion 906 on the same side of the bridge portion 906 as the elongated portion 902. The teeth 904 are oriented in a direction away from the attachment portion 908.

[0053] One or more regions of the elongated portion 902 may be left without teeth. Here, the teeth 904 are positioned on a portion 910 of the elongated portion 902. The teeth 904 may be spaced equidistant from one another on the elongated portion 902 (e.g., assuming the elongated portion 902 includes at least three rows of teeth 904). Additionally, a portion 912 of the elongated portion 902 adjacent to the portion 910 may be without teeth. The portion 912 may be longer than the space between the teeth 904. The portion 912 may help tailor the functionality of the member 900 to provide resistance to undesirable ratcheting. In some implementations, the portion 912 may allow a certain amount of relative movement (in both directions) between the member 900 and an edge (not shown) without ratcheting. For example, this may allow some nominal pressure to be applied to the front of the vehicle without the member locking onto the edge.

[0054] 10 shows another example of the front portion 106 of FIG. 3. Here, the bumper beam 202 and the support bracket 204 are shown substantially as described above. However, here the support bracket 204 includes an edge 1000 positioned toward the bumper beam 202. Furthermore, here a member 1002 is attached to the bumper beam 202 via an attachment portion 1004. Here, the attachment portion 1004 is substantially perpendicular to the elongated portion 1006 of the member 1002. The member 1002 may be configured to ratchet onto the edge 1000 due to relative movement between the support bracket 204 and the bumper beam 202.

[0055] A number of implementations have been described. However, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the specification.

[0056] Additionally, the logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Additionally, other processes may be provided or processes may be deleted from the flows described, and other components may be added or removed from the systems described. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0057] While certain features of the described implementations have been shown as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It should therefore be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the scope of the implementations. It should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only and not by way of limitation, and that various changes in form and details may be made. Any part of the apparatus and / or method described herein may be combined in any combination, except in mutually exclusive combinations. The implementations described herein may include various combinations and / or subcombinations of the functions, components, and / or features of the various implementations described.

Claims

1. a vehicle body having a front portion and a rear portion; a vehicle chassis supporting the vehicle body, the vehicle chassis having a chassis portion; A component attached to the front portion of the vehicle body; and a member having (i) an elongated portion including teeth, and (ii) an attachment portion that attaches the member to one of the chassis portion or the component, wherein relative movement between the component and the chassis portion is configured to ratchet the teeth against an edge of the other of the chassis portion or the component. A vehicle comprising: the component is a support bracket; and / or a fascia, the fascia being supported by the support bracket; The support bracket is positioned higher within the vehicle than the chassis portion.

2. the chassis portion includes a bumper beam; and / or 2. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a lighting component forming an upper leading edge at the front of the vehicle body, the lighting component being positioned higher in the vehicle than the component and further forward in the vehicle than the component.

3. 3. The vehicle of claim 2, further comprising a nose portion forming a lower leading edge at the front of the vehicle body, the nose portion being positioned lower within the vehicle than the component and further forward within the vehicle than the component.

4. the teeth are positioned on a first portion of the elongated portion and a second portion of the elongated portion adjacent the first portion is free of teeth; and / or 4. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the member further comprises a bridge portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the elongated portion.

5. 5. The vehicle of claim 4, wherein the mounting portion extends substantially perpendicularly from the bridge portion on the same side of the bridge portion as the elongated portion.

6. A vehicle body having a front portion and a rear portion; a vehicle chassis supporting the vehicle body, the vehicle chassis having a chassis portion; A component attached to the front portion of the vehicle body; and [0033] the member has (i) an elongated portion including teeth, and (ii) an attachment portion that attaches the member to one of the chassis portion or the component, the member being configured such that relative movement between the component and the chassis portion causes the teeth to ratchet against an edge of the other of the chassis portion or the component; the teeth are positioned on a first portion of the elongated portion and a second portion of the elongated portion adjacent the first portion is free of teeth; and / or the member further comprising a bridge portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the elongated portion; The vehicle, wherein the mounting portion extends substantially perpendicularly from the bridge portion on the same side of the bridge portion as the elongated portion.

7. 7. A vehicle as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the teeth are oriented away from the mounting portion.

8. the member is attached to the components, the components having openings facing each other and opposed ends of the attachment portion adapted to be received in respective ones of the openings; and / or 8. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle comprises a plurality of members, each of the plurality of members having a respective elongated portion and a respective attachment portion.

9. 9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the plurality of members are positioned laterally symmetrically about a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.

10. a vehicle body having a front portion and a rear portion; a vehicle chassis supporting the vehicle body, the vehicle chassis having a chassis portion; A component attached to the front portion of the vehicle body; and means attached to one of said chassis portion or said component for ratcheting against an edge of said other of said chassis portion or said component upon relative movement between said component and said chassis portion; A vehicle comprising: the component is a support bracket; and / or a fascia, the fascia being supported by the support bracket; The support bracket is positioned higher within the vehicle than the chassis portion.

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