Resilient gap reducing support structures and methods
US11097791B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 2017 |
| Grant date | Aug 24, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D37/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments provide a gap reducer and a method of mounting the gap reducer to a vehicle. Such method includes attaching operably a bi-modulus bending member to a first vehicle in a cantilevered configuration along a vertical side of the first vehicle, where a cantilevered end of the bi-modulus bending member is arranged to extend within a gap arranged between the first vehicle and a second vehicle when the first and second vehicles are coupled. The bi-modulus bending member comprises an elongate bending element configured to elastically buckle and bend to a buckled configuration when a force component exceeds a threshold buckling force, and to elastically return to an unbuckled configuration when the force component is reduced below the threshold buckling force. A gap reducer panel is operably coupled to the bi-modulus bending member, the gap reducer panel having a length extending primarily in a vertical direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.