Compact energy absorbing vehicle crash structure
US8353545B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 22, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jan 15, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 22, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R19/34
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A crash structure is provided that is interposed between a vehicle's bumper and a vehicle side rail, the crash structure providing relatively level loading in a compact structure that is easily removed and replaced during post-collision repairs. The structure includes an actuator member coupled to the bumper, the actuator member passing into, and slidably disposed within, a hollow housing of the crash structure. The hollow housing contains a plurality of deformable members that at least partially surround a first portion of the actuator member. A second portion of the actuator member, which is between the bumper and the first portion of the actuator member, has a larger diameter than that of the first portion of the actuator member and may be coupled to the first portion via a chamfered transition region.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.