Method of constructing bumper incorporating thermoformed energy absorber
US7222897B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49622
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A bumper system includes a tubular beam and a thermoformed energy absorber with crush boxes formed into a base flange, such as by vacuum or thermoforming processes. The crush boxes have planar energy-absorbing sidewalls a depth of about 10 mm to 35 mm, wall thicknesses of about 1 mm to 3 mm, and are formed from polyethylene or other thermoform materials having a memory. The base flange can include thermoformed features engaging recesses in the beam, and is combinable with injection-molded or foam energy absorbers for design flexibility. In one form, the energy absorber includes a thermoformed first sheet forming crush boxes and a second sheet bonded to the first sheet to define apertured air pockets. A method of manufacture includes providing a plurality of separately usable thermoformed energy absorbers which can be used in conjunction with a common vehicle structure to vary the absorption characteristics of a vehicle bumper.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.