Pedestrian protection leg spoiler
US6513843B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 2002 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/82
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A bumper system for reducing injury to a pedestrian struck by an automotive vehicle by lessening the likelihood of pedestrian knee joint damage or underbody entrapment while minimizing the point load applied to the lower leg. The bumper assembly includes a bumper beam having a front surface, cushioning material such as energy absorbent high-density foam disposed on the front surface of the bumper beam, and a pedestrian protection leg spoiler secured to the bumper beam and extending downwardly and forwardly therefrom to position the leading edge of the leg spoiler below the cushioning material. The cushioning material absorbs energy of the initial impact with the leg in the vicinity of the knee, and the leg spoiler contacts the leg at a lower position. The leg spoiler has stiffness characteristics such that the impact load applied by the leg to the leading edge causes the leg spoiler to bend rearward in the manner of a cantilever beam. As it bends, the leg spoiler absorbs the impact load until reaching a maximum deflection, whereupon the leg spoiler sweeps the lower leg in the direction of vehicle travel to prevent pedestrian underbody entrapment. The bumper assembly further include…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.