Crushable Element Patents (Class 188/377)
  • Publication number: 20130221714
    Abstract: A soldier platform and energy attenuation system and method include a soldier platform system and energy attenuation system in a vehicle. In an embodiment, a tuneable energy attenuation system includes a plurality of energy attenuation units. The energy attenuation units are disposed to allow each energy attenuation unit to be in series and/or parallel to another energy attenuation unit. In addition, the tuneable energy attenuation system includes a base and a top. The energy attenuation units are disposed between the base and the top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: BLACK MOUNTAIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: BLACK MOUNTAIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
  • Patent number: 8511745
    Abstract: A crash structure is provided that is integrated within a vehicle side rail, the crash structure providing relatively level loading during a collision. 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 is configured to deform the deformable members during a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael John Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20130175128
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a multi-stage energy absorbing system can comprise: a base; and an energy absorber comprising elements, wherein the energy absorber elements comprise a pair of outer sidewalls having a narrow section with a narrow section angle and a wide section with a wide section angle, wherein the narrow section and the wide section are connected by a diverging section with a diverging section angle, wherein the diverging section angle is less than 90°; a connecting wall between the outer sidewalls; a pair of inner sidewalls; and an inner connecting wall, wherein the energy absorbing elements are in a nested arrangement creating an open area between adjacent sidewalls and adjacent connecting walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS IP B.V.
    Inventors: Subramanian Muthu Kumar, Dinesh Mana, Matthew Douglas Marks, Gregory Everett Tremblay
  • Patent number: 8474583
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an impact device comprises: a metal component comprising greater than or equal to three walls forming a metal component channel; and a plastic component having a honeycomb structure with a plurality of walls defining comb channels therein. The combs channels are oriented perpendicular to at least one of the three walls, and the plastic component is inseparable from the metal component without damage to at least one of the metal component and the plastic component. A wall of the metal component can comprise an aperture, and wherein plastic material from the plastic component is located in the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sabic Innovative Plastics IP B.V.
    Inventors: Dhanendra Kumar Nagwanshi, Kent Allen, Takaaki Nemoto, Shingo Imai, Arunachala Parameshwara
  • Patent number: 8465087
    Abstract: An energy absorber includes a base sheet and a plurality of crush lobes extending from the base sheet. Each crush lobe includes a side wall oriented to crush and collapse to absorb energy when impacted in a first direction and includes an end wall. At least one of the base sheet and the end wall of at least one crush lobe includes an integrally-formed protruding countermeasure of lower standing strength than the crush lobes so that the protruding countermeasure acts to dampen movement causing buzzes, squeaks and/or rattles between the end wall and an adjacent structure. The countermeasure can be integrally formed or an insert, such as a magnet or other insert. Methods related to the above are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Oakwood Energy Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew M. Gerwolls, Michael A. Rossi, Dane Winbigler, Donald S. Smith, Joel M. Cormier, Richard F. Audi
  • Publication number: 20130147230
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a first shock absorbing member formed of a foam, and a second shock absorbing member formed of a foam and having hardness greater than the first shock absorbing member. The first shock absorbing member and the second shock absorbing member are arranged in adjacent to each other and connected to each other such that a part of one of the first shock absorbing member and the second shock absorbing member is surrounded by another one of the first shock absorbing member and the second shock absorbing member, thereby the first shock absorbing member and the second shock absorbing member are connected integrally with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
  • Patent number: 8443950
    Abstract: [PROBLEMS] An impact absorption body for a vehicle can have desired impact absorption performance, exhibits excellent impact absorption performance particularly immediately after an impact is applied to the body, and can maintain high impact absorption performance. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] The impact absorption body (1) for a vehicle is installed within a vehicle forming member and absorbs impact energy in a collision. The impact absorption body (1) has a first wall (4) placed on the side that receives an impact, a second wall (5) facing the first wall (4) with a hollow section (2) between them, and one or more impact absorption ribs (9) constructed from deep groove sections (15) and shallow groove sections (16). The deep groove sections (15) are formed by depressing the first wall (4) and second wall (5) into groove shapes and integrally joining the top surfaces, which function as fusion bonding surfaces, of the depressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Kyoraku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruo Tamada
  • Publication number: 20130068578
    Abstract: A cask cushioning body includes an end-surface side member (2) in which a plurality of plates (21, 22) made of steel are formed at a distance between plate surfaces of the plates (21, 22) that face each other, and in which the plate surfaces of the plates (21, 22) are arranged along an end surface (100a) of a cask (100), and a circumferential-surface side member (3) that forms a cylindrical body (31) made of steel, one end of which is connected to a periphery of the end-surface side member (2), and that is arranged along an end-portion outer-circumferential surface (100b), wherein an impact absorber (4) that absorbs an impact by deforming is provided outside of the end-surface side member (2) and the circumferential-surface side member (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichi Saito, Junichi Kishimoto, Tadashi Kimura, Akio Kitada, Hiroki Tamaki
  • Patent number: 8392105
    Abstract: Operating a vehicle includes receiving, by a central controller, positional data related to the vehicle and environmental data related to a current route of the vehicle. The central controller calculates a desired energy allocation based on the positional data and the environmental data, and transmits the desired energy allocation to the vehicle for use in controlling engine function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Lane David Desborough
  • Publication number: 20130048455
    Abstract: A crash box for a motor vehicle, having at least one crash box component which is deformable in the event of a collision, and which in the event of a collision absorbs energy as a result of the deformation. The crash box includes at least one weakening tool which, for adjusting the energy absorption capability of the crash box component, weakens the overall structure of the at least one crash box component, as a result of which the rigidity of the crash box component is reducible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Friedrich, Sven Robert Raisch
  • Publication number: 20130043101
    Abstract: A main body portion (12) of an impact absorber (10) is a three-dimensional structure formed of stiff polyurethane foam. A ratio (W2/W1) of a width W2 of a slot (30) formed in an impact surface (12A) of the main body portion (12) to a width W1 of the impact surface (12A) of the main body portion (12) is in a range from ? to ½. In consequence, when a knee area M1 of an occupant M impacts against the impact surface (12A) of the main body portion (12) of the impact absorber (10), a concentration of loading on the impact surface (12A) in an initial impact period is suppressed because the slot (30) is formed in the impact surface (12A), which is most liable to bear the load in the initial impact period, and the load is dispersed. Thus, a large breakage or significant scattering of the main body portion (12) of the impact absorber (10) in the initial impact period may be suppressed, and amounts of impact absorption energy in a middle impact period and a later impact period may be assured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Takahashi, Shin Tada
  • Patent number: 8371425
    Abstract: A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Ruthinowski, Ian Brewster Hall, Parakrama V. Weerappuli, Brian Robert Spahn, Kevin Siasoco
  • Publication number: 20130026289
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an energy absorption structure that can suppress the fall of an energy absorption member when a load is applied to the energy absorption structure. According to the energy absorption structure of the invention, when a load is applied to the energy absorption structure, the relative displacement between a first member and an energy absorption member is suppressed by a displacement suppressing member that connect the first member with the energy absorption member. Accordingly, the fall of the energy absorption member can be suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenji Uegaki
  • Patent number: 8353545
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael John Baldwin
  • Patent number: 8348033
    Abstract: The impact absorbers having different lengths are formed by providing notches in one of opposed surfaces on front end side in a collision direction of a square pipe having a square in cross section. The three impact absorbers are disposed in a width direction while two impact absorbers are disposed in a height direction such that directions of the notches differ from each other, and the impact absorbers are disposed in integrally welded to form the impact-absorbing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Nippon Sharyo, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kentaro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8348032
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a component for the absorption of energy on an impact having a frame as well as having a section located in the frame and connected to the frame, with the section consisting of a multilayer fiber composite or comprising a multilayer fiber composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Jacob Composite GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johannes D. Jacob, Marco Wacker
  • Publication number: 20130001963
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a cylindrical small diameter portion, a cylindrical large diameter portion, and an annular step portion that connects the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion to each other. The shock absorber absorbs load applied thereto through plastic deformation that starts at the annular step portion thereby absorbing impact energy. In the deformation, the small diameter portion is folded back into the large diameter portion. The large diameter portion has protrusions, which extend in the axial direction and protrude radially outward. Therefore, the shock absorber stabilizes turning deformation and is capable of efficiently absorbing impact energy. A bumper device for a vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Shinichi Haneda, Kiyoichi Kita, Kyousuke Matsui, Tamaki Obayashi
  • Publication number: 20120306235
    Abstract: A restraining device of a shading system for absorbing the kinetic energy of a slidable shading arrangement given an unforeseen movement is provided. The restraining device includes a first restraining arrangement configured to absorb a first portion of the kinetic energy by at least partially deforming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Bernd Weber, Thomas Bietz, Holger Hanfeld, Frank Annawald
  • Publication number: 20120273312
    Abstract: A separator-shock absorber to avoid that charges which are going to be transported by land, by sea or by air collide and damage the loads collision to each other and damage the loads, and including: a retention base; a retention element near to a first end of the retention base; a separator-shock absorber member having a first articulated end and a second end to be coupled to the retention base; a retention element at the second end of the separator-shock absorber member, cooperating with the retention element of the first end of the retention base, in order to regulate the width of the separator-shock absorber member when it is articulated, to be coupled to the retention element of the retention base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: David-Israel MEDINA-ELIZONDO
  • Publication number: 20120261221
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing an energy-absorbing component composed of profile elements, made of a polymer material, which are open on one side, respectively orientated in opposite directions, and connected to one another on at least one side as a single piece to give a linearly continuous structure. The process involves (a) closure of a mold comprising at least two mold-section profiles, which can be moved in opposite directions and respectively have protruding regions and recessed regions such that, in a closed condition, the protruding regions of oppositely arranged profiles intermesh; (b) injection of the polymer material into a mold; and (c) opening of the mold, by moving the mold-section profiles apart in an opposite direction, and removing the energy-absorbing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Andreas Wuest, Marco Gross, Helge Weiler
  • Patent number: 8286765
    Abstract: A mechanical device including an elongated structural element provided for absorbing, at least in part, certain shocks by deformation. The structural element or piece has a selected right sectional profile, the profile being provided with localized alterations, shapes, and with selected respective positions for approximately satisfying a given law of deformation under the combined effort of compression in an axis of the piece and of the moment of the axis perpendicular to a plane passing through the axis. The law includes an energy absorption phase followed by a retraction of the piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Vallourec Composants Automobiles Vitry
    Inventors: Cyril Canot, Arnaud Cocu, Jean-Louis Colmont
  • Publication number: 20120255247
    Abstract: Provided is an energy absorber for use in an opening of a wall of a building, the opening defined by a perimeter surface, the wall supporting a closure substantially filling the opening, the closure having respective edges which are substantially parallel to the perimeter surface of the opening. The energy absorber having a planar wall connecting portion, a planar closure connecting portion and a plastically deformable deforming surface therebetween. The connecting portions being substantially parallel to one another and, the deforming surface adapted to absorb, by plastic deformation, a force applied to the closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: ARPAL ALUMINIUM LTD.
    Inventor: Igor TEMNYENKOV
  • Publication number: 20120228073
    Abstract: A shock absorbing system applicable to the bumper of a vehicle including a shock absorber with a deformable tube and a retaining device of the absorber including a mechanism susceptible to adopting at least one blocking position and one releasing position in which it prevents and allows, respectively, the displacement of a retaining portion of the absorber in an axial direction. The mechanism includes two rotating retaining connecting rods in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the deformable tube, linked to one another such that the rotation of any one of the connecting rods is transmitted to the other to achieve a similar movement but in the opposite direction; and an electromechanical transducer to displace the mechanism from the blocking position to the releasing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: AUTOTECH ENGINEERING, AIE
    Inventors: Francesc PERARNAU RAMOS, Isabel GARCIA BONILLA, Antoni BECARES LOPEZ, Martin Antonio MECA MARTINEZ
  • Patent number: 8262131
    Abstract: An automotive knee bolster system includes a cross-car beam, and a variable stiffness member attached to the cross-car beam and configured to absorb occupant knee impact energy. The member includes a plurality of nested panels each having a different length and substantially the same radius of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Laike Misikir, Wanjun Lei, Ami Nicole Kapadia
  • Patent number: 8256516
    Abstract: A system and a method provide a downhole mechanical energy absorber that protects downhole tools from impact loads and shock loads that occur during run-in contacts, tool drops, perforating blasts, and other impact events. A continuous localized inelastic deformation of a tube is a primary energy absorber in a load limiting design of the downhole mechanical energy absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Starboard Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: John P. Rodgers
  • Publication number: 20120175206
    Abstract: An interdigitated cellular cushioning system includes an array of void cells protruding from each of two binding layers interdigitated between the two binding layers. Peaks of each of the void cells are attached to the opposite binding layer forming the interdigitated cellular cushioning system. The interdigitated cellular cushioning system may be used to absorb and distribute a source of kinetic energy incident on the interdigitated cellular cushioning system (e.g., an impact or explosion) so that the amount of force transmitted through the interdigitated cellular cushioning system is low enough that it does not cause injury to personnel or damage to personnel and/or equipment adjacent the interdigitated cellular cushioning system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: SKYDEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Trevor Kanous, Peter Maurice Foley, Collin Metzer, Eric Sugano, Gerald Buchen, Mark Massman, Jon Neal
  • Publication number: 20120175534
    Abstract: There is described an open cell porous structure the cells of which are optionally filled with an elastomeric or thermosetting plastic comprising a nanocrystalline metallic or nanocrystalline metal matrix composite coating wherein the nanocrystals have a crystallite size of from about 5 nm to about 150 nm. A process for preparing the coated open cell porous structures is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITAET DES SAARLANDES
    Inventors: Anne Jung, Harald Natter, Rolf Hempelmann, Ehrhardt Lach
  • Publication number: 20120153644
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle energy absorber system, comprises: blow molded crush lobes that are open on one side, wherein the energy absorber comprises fillets having a fillet radius of less than 20 mm and a thickness of less than or equal to 1.5 mm; a bumper beam adjacent the open side; and a fascia, wherein the energy absorber is located between the fascia and the bumper beam. In one embodiment, a method for making a blow molded energy absorber comprises: introducing a molten plastic to a first mold cavity; introducing gas into the plastic to conform the plastic to the interior of the first mold cavity and form a first preform; and separating the first preform along a centerline thereof to form open, first preform portions having first crush lobes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS IP B.V.
    Inventors: Somasekhar Venkat Bobba, Dinesh Mana, Dhanendra Kumar Nagwanshi, Kent Allen, Matthew Douglas Marks
  • Publication number: 20120152675
    Abstract: There is provided a shock absorbing structure that can improve shock absorption performance by stabilizing the compressive deformation of a shock absorbing member in an axial direction. High-strength portions controlling deformation and low-strength portions controlling deformation are alternately disposed. Accordingly, when a shock is applied to a front side member from the front side of a vehicle, the front side member can be deformed in the shape of a bellows. Further, the respective low-strength portions, which are disposed closer to a rear end side in a longitudinal direction, have higher strength. Therefore, the front side member can be sequentially deformed from a front end side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeo Mori
  • Publication number: 20120152674
    Abstract: A second shock absorbing portion (18) includes an encirclement wall (42) and ribs (46) which are formed to have a height greater than that of an encirclement wall (40) and ribs (44) in a first shock absorbing portion (20). The ribs (44) and the ribs (46) have substantially the same wall thickness, and the number of the ribs (44) is the same as the number of the ribs (46). Accordingly, the second shock absorbing portion (18) is more brittle than the first shock absorbing portion (20), since the second shock absorbing portion (18) is made to have a height greater than that of the first shock absorbing portion (20). Further, the first shock absorbing portion (20) is placed in a vehicle inner side, while the second shock absorbing portion (18) is placed in a vehicle outer side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: NIFCO INC.
    Inventors: Michihiro Fukuo, Takahiro Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8201671
    Abstract: An impact absorption plate for absorbing impact in the event of a vehicle crash and a method of manufacturing the impact absorption plate includes a base plate and a plurality of bosses. The base plate has on an upper surface thereof a patterned rib unit. Each boss has fitting notches into which the patterned rib unit is fitted, and has the shape of a truncated cone which is open at a bottom thereof. Thus, when it is required to change the structure of the impact absorption plate, the removable bosses may be rearranged on the base plate as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Min Ho Cho
  • Patent number: 8181759
    Abstract: A bumper for use at a loading dock has two ranges of front-to-back movement: one range for sealing the gap that might otherwise exist between the rear edge of a truck and the front face of the bumper and a second range for absorbing the impact of the truck backing into the dock. In some cases, a spring provides a relatively light sealing force between the bumper and the truck, and a compressible core provides a much greater impact-absorbing force that helps stop the rearward movement of the truck. In some embodiments, the bumper pivots by gravity when operating in the sealing range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Schmidt, Ronald P. Snyder, Jason Miller, Don Grant, Paul Maly
  • Publication number: 20120118690
    Abstract: An energy absorbing device having a shell comprising at least one external wall defining an internal area, wherein said internal area is further defined by one or more interior wall(s) spanning across at least a portion of said internal area, between opposing sections of said external wall(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Dallas Rex James
  • Patent number: 8177044
    Abstract: An automotive impact absorbing member integrally formed of synthetic resin material having lengthwise shape that extends with a constant hollow cross section. The impact absorbing member includes: plate-shaped rib portions each extending in a direction perpendicular to an impact load input direction; and load transmitting portions connecting with rib portions at either widthwise end thereof for transmitting a widthwise direction component force of the impact load to the rib portions. At least one of the plate-shaped rib portions has a thin portion of minimum thickness dimension situated in a widthwise center section thereof, and has a pair of gradual change portions situated to either side of the thin portion in a width direction and which increase gradually in thickness dimension outwardly in the width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Murayama, Junichiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8157309
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure a support structure includes a contact surface configured to deform, a base section configured to receive the contact surface, a first set of ribs extending from the contact surface toward the base section and inclined in a first direction, and a second set of ribs extending from the contact surface toward the base section and inclined in a second direction, in which the first set of ribs and the second set of ribs are disposed such that there is no contact with each other in a relaxed position, and in which the first set of ribs and the second set of ribs are configured to deform and contact each other upon application of a force to the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinya Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8157066
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an impact absorbing member capable of reinforcing a desired reinforcement object portion. The impact absorbing member includes a long impact absorbing body which absorbs energy at the time of a collision by being deformed itself and a mounting member which is disposed at a reinforcement object portion of the impact absorbing body so that it is deformed along deformation of the reinforcement object portion at the time of the collision and mounted to a mounting object member. When the reinforcement object portion is deformed at the time of the collision, the mounting member is deformed along deformation of the reinforcement object portion. Due to that deformation, the mounting member can reinforce the reinforcement object portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Murayama, Junichiro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20120049569
    Abstract: An energy absorber for an overhead system in a vehicle includes a molded member having one or more corrugated sections, the corrugated sections including a plurality of channels wherein the channels include a top wall and a pair of spaced apart horizontally extending side walls and a base portion extending between channels. The energy absorber may be tuned for a desired impact and be located between a vehicle roof and a headliner to provide occupant impact protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Arun CHICKMENAHALLI, Mike DYKMAN
  • Publication number: 20120013149
    Abstract: A mechanical device including an elongated structural element provided for absorbing, at least in part, certain shocks by deformation. The structural element or piece has a selected right sectional profile, the profile being provided with localized alterations, shapes, and with selected respective positions for approximately satisfying a given law of deformation under the combined effort of compression in an axis of the piece and of the moment of the axis perpendicular to a plane passing through the axis. The law includes an energy absorption phase followed by a retraction of the piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Vallourec Composants Automobiles Vitry
    Inventors: Cyril CANOT, Arnaud Cocu, Jean-Louis Colmont
  • Patent number: 8070197
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy absorption device (1) for a bumper arrangement of a vehicle, with a hollow longitudinal section (2) intended for deformation, a rolled-back region (3) adjoining the hollow longitudinal section, and an extension section (4) connected to the rolled-back region. In order to improve an energy absorption device of this type to the extent that obliquely acting accident forces can be absorbed with a high degree of efficiency in as simple a manner as possible, it is proposed, in an initial state prior to energy absorption, to orient the hollow longitudinal section (2) obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the extension section (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Cosma Engineering Europe AG
    Inventors: Toros Akgün, Michael Blümel
  • Patent number: 8056685
    Abstract: A mechanical device including an elongated structural element provided for absorbing, at least in part, certain shocks by deformation. The structural element or piece has a selected right sectional profile, the profile being provided with localized alterations, shapes, and with selected respective positions for approximately satisfying a given law of deformation under the combined effort of compression in an axis of the piece and of the moment of the axis perpendicular to a plane passing through the axis. The law includes an energy absorption phase followed by a retraction of the piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Vallourec Composants Automobiles Vitry
    Inventors: Cyril Canot, Arnaud Cocu, Jean-Louis Colmont
  • Publication number: 20110233017
    Abstract: A mouse hole damper device positioned at the bottom portion of a mouse hole pipe, the mouse hole damper being arranged to dampen an impact from an object falling in the mouse hole pipe, and the mouse hole damper including a material which has been worked into forming walls around elongated openings, and the material being arranged in such a way that the openings are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouse hole pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: National Oilwell Varco Norway AS
    Inventor: Jan Erik Pedersen
  • Publication number: 20110226574
    Abstract: An impact absorber device includes at least one first portion having a short tubular shape, and at least one second portion having a short tubular shape concentrically disposed in a stacked relationship with the first portion. The first portion and the second portion engage with each other at an engagement portion which is inclined with respect to a concentric axis of the first portion and the second portion. With this arrangement, impact energy is absorbed in the case of collision accidents of vehicles such as an automobile and trains, and the dropping accidents of lifts such as elevators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Dai-heng Chen, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Shigeyuki Haruyama, Hironobu Nisitani
  • Patent number: 8016332
    Abstract: A container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is within the container. A plate is located within the container. An elongated member having a proximate end and a distal end is located with the proximate end of the elongated member proximate to the plate. A first bumper is integral with the distal end of the elongated member. A first engagement mechanism is proximate to the plate, wherein the engagement mechanism has a first position that fixes the plate to the elongated member and a second position that uncouples the plate from the elongated member. A first sensor is located to quantify a collision force on said first bumper. The sensor communicates with the first engagement mechanism whereby the position of the engagement mechanism is dependent on a quantity of the collision force sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 7980607
    Abstract: An impact absorbing member comprises a first main body and a second main body. The first main body comprises a first partial tube wall and first flange members. The second main body comprises a second partial tube wall and second flange members. The first flange members are joined with the respective second flange members in a discontinuous manner along the axial direction of the tube. In at least one segment where the first flange members and the second flange members are not joined in the axial direction of the tube, spaces are formed between ends part of a first partial tube wall side of the first flange members and end parts of a second partial tube wall side of the second flange members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignees: Toyotomi Kiko Co., Ltd., Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takakuni Kanaya, Hiroyuki Demizu, Kohei Hodoya
  • Patent number: 7967118
    Abstract: An impact absorber device includes at least one first portion having a short tubular shape, and at least one second portion having a short tubular shape concentrically disposed in a stacked relationship with the first portion. The first portion and the second portion engage with each other at an engagement portion which is inclined with respect to a concentric axis of the first portion and the second portion. With this arrangement, impact energy is absorbed in the case of collision accidents of vehicles such as an automobile and trains, and the dropping accidents of lifts such as elevators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventors: Dai-heng Chen, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Shigeyuki Haruyama, Hironobu Nisitani
  • Patent number: 7967119
    Abstract: The invention provides a telescopic member that includes a cylinder in which a rod carrying a piston is mounted to slide telescopically, the telescopic member including internal abutment mechanisms that are overridable over a predetermined force when the rod comes into abutment inside the cylinder in the shortening direction. The internal abutment mechanisms include an abutment piece extending in an open bore within the rod and projecting therefrom, the abutment piece being held to the rod via a pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Messier-Dowty S.A.
    Inventors: Andre Lahargou, Marc Brune
  • Patent number: 7963378
    Abstract: An energy absorbing tubular structure is formed of a molded or extruded polymer. The tube has a quadrangular cross-section with rounded corners. The walls of tube are corrugated with alternating convex and concave corrugations surfaces having a continuous constant radius, preferably with no flat spots. The corrugated walls have a constant thickness. The corrugations progressively deform during impact thereby providing a near perfect square wave force vs. deflection energy absorption curve at any predetermined nearly constant force level. The tube may be filled with polymer foam to vary the impact performance of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: O-Flex Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Glance, Sidney T. Winter, Robert J. Bauer, Eddy R. Finch, Bryant A. Tokarz
  • Patent number: 7934587
    Abstract: An injected part (26) designed to form by being folded, an energy absorbing device and a spacer, the energy absorbing device having a number of hollow elements (12) projecting from a first plate portion (10), and a number of hollow elements (16) projecting from a second plate portion (14), associated in pairs. The spacer includes a number of spacing elements (20) projecting from a third plate portion (18), one of the plate portions (10, 14, 18) is articulated on the other two, and the articulations (28, 30) are such that, after each of the plates has rotated by 180°, a first hollow element (12), a second hollow element (16) and a spacer element (20) are aligned. The energy absorbing device is designed to motor vehicle doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventors: Hervé Thenier, Nathalie David, Stéphane Baxiu
  • Patent number: 7913795
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for raising the bonnet of a motor vehicle in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. The safety device includes a pyrotechnic actuator provided with a thrust piston secured to a mechanism for raising the bonnet and able to deploy the said mechanism which is itself secured to the said bonnet, and a blocking device intended to block the said actuator in a given position. The main characteristic of this device is that it is made up of a shock-absorbing device employed when a pedestrian hits the bonnet which has been raised, so that the assembly consisting of the bonnet, the raising mechanism and the piston can move under the effect of the impact while at the same time being retarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: SNPE Materiaux Energetiques
    Inventors: Evrard Borg, Eric Laspesa, Jean-Paul Nadeau
  • Patent number: 7891726
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy absorption body with essentially in axial direction oriented side elements, whereby the side elements are convex, and with at least one energy absorption element, whereby the energy absorption element is located between the side elements, and whereby the energy absorption element is formed for absorption of a tensile force (F?) which can be applied by the side elements on the energy absorption element, and for deformation upon a compressive force (F?) applied in radial direction on one of the side elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Christo Gavrilov