Rivian Automotive, Inc.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR JOINING A VEHICLE STRUCTURE

Abstract:

A vehicle includes a body structure having an occupant compartment, and a frame structure having a chassis. The body structure and the frame structure are fastened together using a plurality of fasteners and an adhesive. To illustrate, the plurality of fasteners may include 20, 50, 70, or more fasteners. The adhesive is arranged at one or more positions along the interface between the body structure to the frame structure. The plurality of fasteners extend beyond the wheel wells, and provide hard mounts between the body structure and frame structure. The adhesive helps to prevent stress concentrations by extending the locations of load transfer between the body structure and the frame structure. Body panels are added before or after the body structure is affixed to the frame structure.