Energy absorbing countermeasure

US8267428B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Todd DePue · Brighton, US
• Arun Chickmenahalli · Ann Arbor, US
• Michael W. Cass · New Baltimore, US
• Robert J. Adams · Ypsilanti, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 18, 2009
• Grant date: Sep 18, 2012
• Expiry date: Jul 4, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/0273
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An energy absorber for a vehicle includes an elongate member having lateral and longitudinal axes. The elongate member may include one or more channels which are oriented to have walls which extend in the general direction of the lateral axis. An upper surface of at least one of the channels may have an engagement feature that may be configured to engage a stationary member of a vehicle when an impact force brings the engagement feature into contact with the stationary member. The channels may be configured to deform and collapse to absorb at least some of the impact force.