US Patent 7097235 Impact energy absorbing structure of vehicle frame member

An impact energy absorbing structure of a frame member of a vehicle, which includes: a first bead formed on the frame member, which promotes bending deformation of the frame member when an impact load is inputted in an axial direction thereof; a second bead formed on the frame member, which promotes axial deformation of the frame member when the impact load is inputted in the axial direction thereof; and a reinforcement panel attached to the frame member. The frame member is configured to accommodate the reinforcement panel both in a first position beside the first bead and on the side from which the impact load is inputted, and in a second position where the first bead is reinforced with the reinforcement panel.