Energy absorbing collapsible armrest with tunable stiffening feature
US9505325B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60N2/78
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicular armrest assembly includes a laterally collapsible substrate having a gap defined between inner and outer substrate portions. A tunable stiffening feature is disposed on the collapsible substrate and has an aperture positioned over the gap, and engagement tabs that engage the inner and outer substrate portions. The stiffening feature provides lateral support to the collapsible substrate to selectively allow the inner and outer substrate portions to deflect toward each other after a predetermined lateral load is placed on the collapsible substrate and an elastic bed disposed on the tunable stiffening feature and covering the aperture. The elastic bed vertically supports a cover member at the aperture and the lateral support provided to the collapsible substrate is solely provided by the stiffening feature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.