US Patent 10005349 Structural underbody support in a vehicle

A vehicle frame and underbody assembly includes a pair of longitudinal frame rails and a rear bumper assembly connected to the frame rails via crush cans. A panel is secured to the frame rails, and ends at an edge spaced from the rear bumper assembly. A V-brace is mounted beneath the panel and to the frame rails. The V-brace includes two legs that come together and intersect at a first end at the edge of the panel, and that are spaced apart at a second end. The second end of each leg is secured to a cross-member that spans between and connects the second ends of the legs. A traction battery is secured to the panel in a location at least partially directly above the V-brace.