Reversibly deployable energy absorbing assembly and methods for operating the same

US7264271B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• General Motors LLC · US

Inventors

• William Barvosa-Carter · Ventura, US
• Nancy L. Johnson · Northville, US
• Alan L. Browne · Grosse Pointe, US
• Guillermo A. Herrera · Calabasas, US
• Geoffrey P. Mc Knight · Los Angeles, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 13, 2004
• Grant date: Sep 4, 2007
• Expiry date: Jun 21, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/0407
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A reversibly deployable energy absorbing assembly includes a rigid support structure having at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a flexible covering sealingly engaged with the rigid support structure to define an inflatable interior region; a gas source in fluid communication with the at least one inlet; an inlet control valve positioned intermediate the gas source and the at least one inlet; and an actively controlled pressure relief valve in fluid communication with the at least one outlet. The inlet control valve and the pressure relief valve are adapted to provide a response suitable for use in vehicle impact management.