Energy absorber with double-acting crush lobes
US8602183B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 2010 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/0273
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An energy absorber includes opposing aligned crush lobes expandable in opposite directions, and when expanded, potentially collapse with different energy-absorbing rates and stroke distances. The energy absorber forms a subassembly design that is adaptable and easily modified for predetermined energy absorption crush curves and specific energy-absorbing circumstances, such that it can be used inside a vehicle passenger compartment or outside a vehicle in different locations, such as for a knee bolster on the instrument panel, or on a door inner panel, or on an under-knee seat component, or on a headliner or A-pillar cover, or hood-lifter for pedestrian safety. One version of the energy absorber includes formed sheets bonded along a perimeter to define two cavities and an inflator-holding pocket connected to the cavities by integrally-formed tunnels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.