Energy absorbing automotive vehicle body structure
US5725271A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/0435
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automotive vehicle body structure includes a structural member which forms a load-bearing portion of the vehicle and a trim component mounted to the structural member. A plurality of energy absorbing elements are mounted to the trim component and spaced relative to one another along the longitudinal length of the trim component. Each of the energy absorbing elements have a serpentine shape and extend from the trim component toward the structural member such that the distal ends of the energy absorbing elements are spaced from, but adjacent to, the structural member in non-contacting relationship therewith. The energy absorbing elements are deformable in response to a force which causes the distal end of the elements to contact the structural member to absorb and dissipate the energy generated by the force.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.