Structural knee bolster

US7393013B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Salflex Polymers Limited · CA

Inventors

• Michael Best · Newmarket, CA
• Dale Carson · Lake Orion, US
• Timothy W. Chapman · Mississauga, CA
• Rimas Ciplijauskas · Mississauga, CA
• Babak Fana · Mississauga, CA
• Gary Gerlach · Rochester, US
• Raj S. Roychoudhury · Bloomfield Hills, US
• Changize Sadr · North York, CA
• Ali Totonchian · Toronto, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 31, 2004
• Grant date: Jul 1, 2008
• Expiry date: Aug 12, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/0051
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A bolster for assembly to an instrument panel assembly of an automotive vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a steering column with a steering column axis and at least two energy absorbing brackets located laterally to either side of the steering column axis. The bolster comprises a unitary structure having a generally forward wall and a generally aft wall. The forward wall has a forward wall, forward surface. The forward wall, forward surface includes first and second bolster transfer surfaces for transferring forces from the bolster to the energy absorbing brackets. The bolster further comprises a plurality of generally laterally extending rib structures. The rib structures extend from adjacent the first bolster transfer surface to adjacent the second bolster transfer surface. The plurality of generally laterally extending ribs structures have sufficient strength to inhibit bending of the bolster about a vertical plane when struck by a driver's knees at a point or points that are not directly aft of the bolster transfer surfaces, when the force is equal to or less than an amount specified by a test standard.