Impact absorbing armrest for a motor vehicle

US8172311B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. · JP

Inventors

• Larry Gene Hughes, Jr. · Worthington, US
• Ryan W. Van Voorhis · Powell, US
• Akira Miyazaki · Powell, US
• Craig A. Markusic · Marysville, US
• Christopher Mampe · Delaware, US
• Takayuki Sugama · Saitama, JP
• Peter J. Cardimen · Powell, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 13, 2010
• Grant date: May 8, 2012
• Expiry date: Jul 13, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60N2/78
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A collision absorption system including a collapsing armrest. The armrest is configured to provide support for vertical loading during use. During a side impact collision, the armrest is configured to deform or collapse in a lateral direction. The collapsing armrest may include multiple layers with at least one layer having grooves and channels, or containing cross-ribs, to allow greater deflection in a lateral direction during a side impact collision.