Reversibly expandable energy absorbing assembly utilizing shape memory foams for impact management and methods for operating the same

US7267367B2 · 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
• Cameron Massey · Hawthorne, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 1, 2004
• Grant date: Sep 11, 2007
• Expiry date: Dec 19, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R21/045
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A reversible energy absorbing assembly including a shape memory foam disposed within an interior region, wherein the shape memory foam is adapted to expand to an expanded configuration in response to fluid communication with a fluid source. The shape memory foam is a material selected from the group consisting of shape memory alloys and shape memory polymers. Once expanded, the assembly effectively absorbs kinetic energy of an object upon impact with the assembly. The shape memory foam can be thermally activated to restore the original configuration of the energy absorbing assembly. Methods of operating the energy absorbing assembly are also disclosed.