Patent · US Active

Side impact door trim buckle initiatory design in armrest and grab handle region

US7794009B2 · kind B2 · utility

17Cited by
11References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 28, 2007
Grant dateSep 14, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 19, 2028

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60N3/02
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A side impact door trim buckle initiator design is provided in a vehicle armrest and grab handle region. The disclosed support structure design induces buckling in the door handle supports while continuing to provide acceptable durability and strength. Two modifications to the door armrest and grab handle structures are made. First, an angled section is added to the material flow strap of the armrest supporting structure to promote buckling. This approach overcomes the difficulty of known material flow straps which tend to be horizontal, thus introducing a strong compressive load path. By adding an angle to the flow straps the vertical motion is forced upon a lateral impact. Second, vertical components of the door handle support structure are removed while a buckle initiator in the door handle support is added.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.