Tubular energy management system for absorbing impact energy
US7021686B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 24, 2004 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16F7/125
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An energy-absorbing system includes a tube made of a continuous material, such as heat-treatable steel. The tube has first and second ring sections connected by an intermediate section. In one aspect, the intermediate section is flared and/or pinched to cause one tube section to predictably telescopingly roll upon impact. In another aspect, one section is annealed to optimize elongation and yield properties to facilitate rolling upon impact. By this arrangement, upon the bumper system receiving a longitudinal impact, the first and second ring sections telescopingly collapse with a predictable and consistent rolling collapse. Methods related to the above are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.