US Patent 11661111 Rocker assembly insert with opposed crush channels

A vehicle rocker assembly includes an outer sill member and an inner sill member attached longitudinally along the outer sill member to define a hollow space along and between the inner and outer sill members. A tubular insert is disposed in the hollow space so as to extend longitudinally along the hollow space. The tubular insert has a crush control feature extending longitudinally along a wall of the tubular insert, such as upper and lower walls at opposing sides of the interior volume. The tubular insert is configured for side impact forces at the outer sill member to laterally deform the tubular insert at the crush control feature to provide an accordion-style lateral crush to absorb the side impact forces.