Energy-absorbing vehicle hood
US7399028B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/343
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An energy-absorbing vehicle hood includes outer and inner layers defining a cavity filled with foam material. The outer layer fractures when subjected to a crush load to thereby transmit the load to the foam material where it is absorbed, and both layers are continuously and directly bonded to the foam material. A vehicle includes a vehicle hood assembly having outer and inner layers defining a cavity, with foam material filling the cavity. The outer layer fractures when subjected to a crush load to transmit the load to the foam material for uniformly absorption of the crush load. A hood panel is also provided for use with a vehicle, including an energy-absorbing polymer foam material entrapped between an outer and inner polymer membrane. The membranes have a crush strength, and the foam material is characterized by an absence of a reinforcing structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.