Reversibly expandable energy absorbing assembly and methods for operating the same

US7350851B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS 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
• Alan J. Jacobsen · Santa Monica, US
• Cameron Massey · Hawthorne, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 8, 2005
• Grant date: Apr 1, 2008
• Expiry date: Sep 15, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16F2224/0258
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A reversible energy absorbing assembly including a cellular lattice comprising a shape memory material disposed within an expandable interior region of the assembly, wherein the shape memory material is adapted to expand from a first configuration to an expanded configuration in response to fluid communication with a fluid source. Once expanded, the assembly effectively absorbs kinetic energy of an object upon impact with the assembly. The shape memory material can be thermally activated to restore the first configuration of the energy absorbing assembly. Methods of operating the energy absorbing assembly are also disclosed.