Knee bolster with variable resistance to forward force
US11091109B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 2020 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/0414
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle comprises: a knee bolster; a movable obstruction disposed forward of the knee bolster; a seating assembly rearward of the knee bolster; a sensor that generates output; and a controller in communication with the sensor that (a) determines the attribute of the passenger from the output that the sensor generates, and (b) either (i) causes the movable obstruction to obstruct forward movement of the knee bolster based on the determined attribute of the passenger, or (ii) causes the movable obstruction not to obstruct the forward movement of the knee bolster based on the determined attribute of the passenger. The attribute of the passenger can be the weight of the passenger. The controller can cause the movable obstruction to obstruct forward movement of the knee bolster because the weight of the passenger is greater than a predetermined threshold weight.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.