Pedestrian impact mitigation system and method of use

US8056961B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Jan H. Aase · Oakland Charter Township, US
• Alan L. Browne · Grosse Pointe, US
• Nancy L. Johnson · Northville, US
• Gary L. Jones · Farmington Hills, US
• Peter J. Gareau · Warren, US
• Hanif Muhammad · Ann Arbor, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 26, 2010
• Grant date: Nov 15, 2011
• Expiry date: Feb 25, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/346
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A system for and method of mitigating pedestrian impact utilizing an energy absorption member, such as an expandable honeycomb celled matrix, and at least one tether disposed within a recessed formation defined by the vehicle and interconnected to the member and a drive mechanism, wherein the member is selectively caused to extend and be spaced from an exterior surface.