Deformable pull cup arrangement and method of assembly
US7789455B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 2007 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 7, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60J5/0413
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pull cup in a vehicle door is fitted to a door trim panel substrate and is connected to the door inner sheet metal panel of the vehicle door by way of a bracket or by one of a pair of inner and outer support brackets. The pull cup is provided with a bending initiator feature which is positioned a trigger area formed in the door trim panel substrate. In the event that a horizontal force is applied to the vehicle door, the vehicle inward movement of the door inner sheet metal panel causes the pull cup to be pushed upward. The bending initiator feature pushes on the trigger area causing the door trim panel substrate to buckle, thus substantially preventing vehicle inward movement of the door trim panel substrate during the impact event. The bending initiator feature also reduces the lateral stiffness of the door trim sub-system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.