Fork-type supporting structure of the body
Since frontal collisions occur very frequently, Mercedes-Benz engineers have developed a so-called fork-type load-bearing body structure as a conceptual solution, in which the front side members form a fork in front of the front body wall in the direction of the central tunnel and the sills. In this way, in the event of an accident, the main force of the impact is transmitted to the tunnel, floor and sides of the vehicle, while the passenger compartment remains virtually undamaged. The transverse connection of the side members also allows the undeformed side of the vehicle to absorb part of the impact energy in a collision.
The Mercedes E-Class is additionally equipped with a bend-resistant cross-support beam located in the front part of the front end and connecting both side members. The side members are extended far forward, which creates additional energy distribution during an impact. In a frontal collision, the cross-support beam works in tension and connects both side members of the fork structure, redistributing the deformation energy to them. The fork structure with the cross-support beam in front of the front wall of the body goes down during a frontal impact. The changes that occur in the middle part of the front wall of the body are not dangerous for the driver and passengers.
(Article was obtained from the portal: mercedesman.ru)