Device for increasing the degree of occupant protection in a vehicle during a side impact

US7610984B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. · DE
• Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Tobias Melz · Darmstadt, DE
• Eric Zimmerman · Kassel, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 16, 2005
• Grant date: Nov 3, 2009
• Expiry date: Apr 21, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60J5/0445
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A device is described for a motor vehicle for occupant protection during an energy impact acting laterally on the door area of the motor vehicle comprising a vehicle seat being located on the side of the motor vehicle door (2) facing away from the energy impact, which provides at least one side-impact member (1) projecting through the interior of the motor vehicle door (2). The side-impact member (1) has at least two sections (4) connected to one another via a joint region (3) in longitudinal extension, the joint region (3) has an adjustable flexural resistance, and the flexural resistance of the joint region (3) is changeable as a function of the energy impact acting on the motor vehicle door (2).