Vehicle rock rails with energy absorbing structures and associated methods for manufacture
US11787482B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 9, 2022 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 15, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R3/002
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Rock rail assemblies are provided for motor vehicles. An exemplary rock rail assembly may include a beam structure, an energy absorbing structure, and an outer skin. The energy absorbing structure may reinforce the beam structure and may be configured to distribute point loads when an obstacle impinges upon the rock rail assembly. The beam structure may be made of a metallic material, the energy absorbing structure may be made of a foamed polymer-based material, and the outer skin may be made of a polymer-based material. The rock rail assemblies may be constructed in a manufacturing method that involves roll forming and extrusion processes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.