Collision attenuating system
US6845874B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 13, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2019/005
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A collision attenuator for a vehicle including an energy absorbing cylinder, a mounting assembly adapted to secure the energy absorbing cylinder to an end of the vehicle, a contact plate mounted to the energy absorbing cylinder, a control valve for extending and retracting the energy absorbing cylinder in order to move the contact plate with respect to the end of the vehicle. A comparator is operably coupled with the control valve, wherein the comparator is configured to adjust the energy absorbing cylinder based upon a speed signal indicative of the speed of the moving vehicle. A coupler detector is operably coupled with the control valve, wherein the coupler detector inhibits the extension of the energy absorbing cylinder unless the coupler detector determines that the coupler is open. A pivot assembly pivotally secures the contact plate to the energy absorbing cylinder allowing the contact plate to pivot laterally about an upright axis with respect to the energy absorbing cylinder. A quick-release mechanism detachably secures the energy absorbing assembly to the end of the vehicle. A vehicle support portion extends horizontally forward adjacent a bottom edge of the contact plate…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.