Abstract: An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat is disclosed, utilizing an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) for mitigating occupant injury due to extreme vehicle movement (e.g., during a vehicle shock event), and/or for mitigating vibration experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat during normal vehicle operating conditions. Various configurations of dual-goal energy absorption apparatuses using both VPEA and fixed load energy absorbers (FLEAs) that enable both shock mitigation and vibration isolation are disclosed. A semi-active control absorption system, comprising a VPEA and FPEA configured to work in series, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle hood stop arranged to collapse if the vehicle hood is struck by an object with an impact force exceeding a predetermined limit. The hood stop includes an upper section arranged below a lower surface of the hood, a lower section arranged to be attached to the vehicle, and at least one impact absorbing sections, where a first impact absorbing sections includes at least three collapsible supporting members arranged to diverge from one another as they extend from the upper section toward the lower section.

Abstract: While comprising filled minor compartments being filled with an inclusion in which a liquid makes the major component, and vacant minor compartments being filled with the air, at least one of the vacant minor compartments adjoins the filled minor compartments, and a fragile section is formed in at least one of ribs that demarcate the filled minor compartments and the adjoining vacant minor compartments. After the fragile section has fractured, shock energy can be absorbed furthermore by means of circulation resistance to the inclusion that flows from the filled minor compartments to the vacant minor compartments.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for protecting supporting structures, such as those of a bridge or other such marine supporting structure, from the force of an impact of a vehicle/vessel. Such a system includes a plurality of modular components arranged in series and configured to dissipate the energy of the force through the progressive buckling of one or more of the modular components. Each modular component contains an energy dissipation unit that includes a plurality of adjacent cells. The energy of the force is dissipated in the buckling of the walls of the cells of the energy dissipation units through the formation of one or more plastic hinges and/or volume reduction of the cells.

Abstract: An object is to provide an impact-absorbing structure superior in impact-absorbing capacity. An impact-absorbing structure includes a pair of flat, plate-like face plates arranged to oppose each other with a predetermined distance therebetween; a core member arranged between the face plates and fixed to the face plates; and a composite-material tube arranged between the face plates, at the core member side, the impact-absorbing member extending in one direction and fracturing progressively due to an impact compression force acting in the one direction. The composite-material tube is fixed to the face plates at one portion constituting a bonded region and is allowed to move relative to the face plates at a remaining portion constituting a non-bonded region B.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes an outer jacket, an inner shaft that is received in and rotatable relative to the outer jacket, and an energy absorbing bracket. The energy absorbing bracket includes a mounting portion rigid attached to the vehicle and a body portion extending from the mounting portion. The outer jacket is rigidly attached to the body portion and the body portion is deformable to absorb energy in response to movement of the outer jacket. A tab is connected to one of the body portion and the mounting portion and abuts the outer jacket for applying a resistive force against movement of the outer jacket. The tab releases the resistive force in response to a predetermined collapsing force to allow the outer jacket to move while the body portion of the energy absorbing bracket deforms to absorb energy from the outer jacket.

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.

Abstract: The peak value of an initial load in a self-fracture occurring during transition to a stable sequential fracture mode is controlled, and a desired amount of absorbed energy is ensured. An impact-absorbing member (3) is formed of reinforcing fiber and resin and includes a plurality of fiber-reinforced resin layers that absorb an impact through a self-fracture when subjected to the impact. Reinforcing fibers in at least one fiber-reinforced resin layer (5) at a leading portion (3a) extend in a direction falling within the range of 90°±45° with respect to an energy-absorption axis direction, whereas reinforcing fibers (7) in the same fiber-reinforced resin layer in a impact-absorbing-member main body (3b) excluding the leading portion (3a) extend in a direction falling within the range of 0°±45° with respect to the energy-absorption axis direction.

Abstract: An impact absorber for a vehicle has a tubular shape and is disposed between a side member and a bumper beam of the vehicle, so as to be crushed in an axial direction thereof upon application of a compressive load, for absorbing an impact energy. The impact absorber includes: a tubular main body and attachment plates that are fixedly welded to respective axially opposite end portions of the main body. The main body has a thin plate portion having a plate thickness smaller than 1.4 mm and constituting an axially intermediate portion of the main body, and a pair of thick plate portions having a plate thickness not smaller than 1.4 mm and located on axially opposite sides of the thin plate portion. The thick plate portions are held in contact with the respective attachment plates, and are arc-welded to be fixed to the respective attachment plates.

Abstract: Brake pawls for use in safety systems for power equipment are disclosed. The brake pawls include an energy-absorbing region. The energy absorbing regions may include a deformable or collapsible region made from apertures in the brake pawl or from collapsible members or from materials of differing hardnesses, strengths, or structures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shock absorbing and indicating bumper. The bumper includes, a spherical shaped body with a surface mountable to a corner of a device to which shock is to be absorbed. The bumper includes a crushable conical member engaged with a conical recess of the spherical shaped body, the crushable conical member having a hole therethrough from the vertex to the center of the base, and a shell with a substantially hollow semispherical shape slidably engaged with a surface of the spherical shaped body. The bumper further includes a rigid shaft with a first end fixedly attached to a central portion of the hollowed side of the shell and a second end pivotally engaged with the spherical shaped body at substantially the center of the spherical shaped body, the shaft extending through the hole in the crushable member and aligned thereby.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing structure configured to absorb an impact load in a specific direction includes a first steric portion having a hollow steric structure; and a second steric portion disposed inside the first steric portion and having a hollow steric structure. In the shock-absorbing structure, the second steric portion includes a wall portion along a direction crossing the specific direction.

Abstract: Impact damping arrangement, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a cross member and at least one impact damper, an impact damper being positioned between the cross member and a vehicle frame for absorbing a force (FL) in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the impact damper, wherein the connection of the impact damper to the vehicle frame comprises an absorbing arrangement having at least one deformation zone to bring about the attenuation of a force introduced transversely to the longitudinal axis of the impact damper by means of a material deformation in the deformation zone. An impact damping arrangement is thus provided which absorbs an impact in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle as well as an impact with a force effect extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle.

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.

Abstract: A collapsible concrete system for slowing a vehicle is provided. The system including: a predetermined thickness of collapsible concrete disposed over a base; and a covering disposed over a top surface of the collapsible concrete over which the vehicle travels. The covering can be a layer of non-extensible and flexible material or a plurality of interconnected panels.

Abstract: An impact attenuator, which is arranged to be flexible longitudinally as well as sideways, has a rear part with two wheels, an attenuating part, a front part with two pivot wheels, and a coupling part for connection to a vehicle. The coupling part has a damper for dampening part of the force during a collision against the impact attenuator. During a minor collision against the impact attenuator the collision force is mainly absorbed by the damper. The damper regains after a collision its original position and the impact attenuator can remain operative. During a larger collision against the impact attenuator, the collision forces are also absorbed by the attenuating part.

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.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle having an engine support structure. A cradle for supporting an engine is provided that has first and second apertures that are spaced apart from each other and receive a frame rail.

Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.

Abstract: An impact absorber for a vehicle, which has a tubular shape and which is to be disposed between a side member and a bumper beam of the vehicle, so as to be crushed like an accordion in an axial direction thereof upon application of a compressive load thereto, for absorbing an impact energy. (a) The impact absorber has a tubular main body and a pair of attachment plates that are welded to be fixed to respective axially opposite end portions of the tubular main body. (b) The main body has a thin plate portion having a plate thickness smaller than 1.4 mm and constituting an axially intermediate portion of the main body, and a pair of thick plate portions having a plate thickness not smaller than 1.4 mm and provided integrally on axially opposite sides of the thin plate portion, the thick plate portions being arc-welded to be fixed to the respective attachment plates while being held in contact with the respective attachment plates.

Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.

Abstract: The energy absorber system is adapted to a motor vehicle having side rails. The system comprises a top absorber beam positioning in front of the side rails of the motor vehicle, a bottom absorber beam for being positioned beneath the top absorber beam, and at least two uprights providing a rigid connection between the top and bottom beams. The system also includes a rigid cross-member extending between the side rails and being secured directly to the side rails, the top beam being secured to bear against the cross-member.

Abstract: A crash energy absorption member is provided which has excellent crash energy absorbing properties with the ability of repeated buckling in a stable manner, a high average load at the time of collapse, and the maximum load which is within a range which does not break other members. It is a crash energy absorption member which preferably has a transverse cross-sectional shape of an octagon and which is intended for absorbing impact energy by buckling in the lengthwise direction into a shape of bellows when it receives an impact load. With respect to at least one side forming the transverse cross-sectional shape, when the angle formed by the two sides which adjoin the opposing ends of the one side is ?, the relationship between the length L1 of the one side and the distance L2 between the two furthest ends of the two sides interposing the one side satisfies the following equation: 0<L1/L2<1/{2×sin(?/2)+1}.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an energy absorption device for a motor vehicle steering column in which there is mounted an adjustment slide, the adjustment slide including a female part, provided with an entry orifice, connected respectively either to a steering wheel or to a rack system, and a male part connected respectively either to the rack system or to the steering wheel, the male part sliding in the female part upon adjustment of the depth of the steering column, wherein at least one sleeve is fixed on the male part in a manner to absorb the energy by coming into contact at least partially with the entry orifice of the female part in the case of violent impact.

Abstract: An energy management structure includes an elongated polygonal tube with at least four walls, the tube having a larger first end and a smaller second end, at least two of the walls including a longitudinally-extending channel-shaped tapered rib starting at the smaller second end and extending toward the larger first end. The ribs become shallower near the larger first end. The walls include crush initiators so that the ribs do not provide undesired strength to the tube during a longitudinal impact. A related method includes roll-forming a polygonal tubular shape with at least four walls, at least two of the walls including longitudinally-extending channel-shaped ribs, and reforming the tubular shape into a tapered polygonal shape with a larger end and a smaller end, the ribs becoming shallower as the ribs extend closer to the larger end.

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.

Abstract: A block of compressible material, such as cellular concrete, provides compressive failure characteristics suitable for arresting travel of an aircraft (or other vehicle) overrunning a runway (or other surface). Relatively thin frangible material positioned above the block provides a stronger, more damage resistant surface, while still readily fracturing in an arresting incident. Intermediate material, such as a foam layer, positioned under the frangible material may be included to provide a protective cushioning effect by mitigating transmission of external phenomena forces to the block. A fastening configuration at least partially enclosing other portions of the arresting unit provides a stable unified composite, without destroying desired compressive failure characteristics of the unit. Arresting units may also include a bottom layer of material stronger than the block of compressible material and a sealant coating with water resistant properties.

Abstract: A shock absorbing steering device for vehicle includes an intermediate shaft that couples a steering shaft and a steering gear. The intermediate shaft includes a hollow accordion portion allowed to undergo plastic deformation. The accordion portion has plural pairs of crest portions and trough portions disposed alternately in an axial direction. At least in a part of the accordion portion in the axial direction, a depth from apexes of the crest portions to bottoms of the trough portions includes a first depth corresponding to a part of the accordion portion in a circumferential direction and a second depth corresponding to a rest part of the accordion portion in the circumferential direction. The first depth and the second depth are different from each other.

Abstract: A tunable inner fender structure including a body having a set of apertures and a tunable member that extends through the set of apertures.

Abstract: A system for absorbing energy to attenuate a force caused by an impact includes: an elongated tubular element; a fixed ring having a plurality of wedge-shaped flanges associated with the elongated tubular element; and a mobile element associated with the fixed ring. In response to movement toward the wedge-shaped flanges, the mobile element interacts with the wedge-shaped flanges, which in turn interact with the elongated tubular element so as to trigger collapse of the elongated tubular element.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an energy absorber are included. In one embodiment, the energy observer includes a base, a top spaced apart from the base and a plurality of legs that extend from the top to the base and that are spatially arranged relative to one another with window openings interposed between them. In another embodiment, the interface of each of the plurality of legs that contact the top are vertically offset from the interface of each of the legs at the base. The present invention also provides for an energy absorber system that includes at least one energy absorber comprising at least one mating connector component that connects to another mating component of another energy absorber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy dissipation device (1) for a car body of a multielement vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, the energy dissipation device (1) having a damping unit (10) having a regeneratively implemented damping element (11) for damping traction and impact forces occurring in normal travel operation and an energy dissipation unit (20) having a destructively implemented energy dissipation element (21), and the energy dissipation element (21) being designed to respond after a previously determinable critical impact force is exceeded and to transmit at least a part of the impact forces transmitted via the energy dissipation device (1) into heat and deformation work by plastic deformation and thus dissipate them.

Abstract: A frame deformation control apparatus to be used for a frame being constructed of a plurality of sub-frames, the frame deformation control apparatus has a joint unit connecting adjoining sub-frames, the joint unit allows the adjoining sub-frames to turn around the joint unit, a detector measuring a bending moment to be added to the joint unit, and a brake unit restricting the turn around the joint unit of the adjoining sub-frames.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy-absorbing unit, including a UIC buffer or a side buffer, which provides an additional irreversible shock-absorbing stage for e.g., a UIC buffer which can be retroactively installed, an energy-absorbing unit, is proposed which is mountable to the support frame or undercarriage, of e.g., a railborne vehicle as one complete exchangeable unit. The energy-absorbing unit hereto includes a base plate for preferably detachable connecting of the energy-absorbing unit to the support frame or undercarriage of a car body, a connecting plate, to which e.g., the UIC buffer can be connected, and a destructively-configured energy-absorbing element which is braced between the base plate and the connecting plate without play.

Abstract: A shock absorbing steering apparatus for motor vehicle includes an intermediate shaft including first and second ends. The intermediate shaft includes a hollow bellows portion having convexes and concaves alternating with each other. The convexes include at least one slant convex. A plane including a ridge line of the slant convex is tilted to a perpendicular plane perpendicular to a center axis of the intermediate shaft. As a result, a part of an axial force exerted on the intermediate shaft at a motor vehicle collision is converted to a bending force on the intermediate shaft.

Abstract: This invention is an impact energy absorption device, in which a long part (1) made of a high strength material is disposed with its lengthwise direction kept different from an impact direction, and both terminals of the long part (1) are connected with columns (2) through upper platens (3) covering the upper faces of the columns (2) kept standing apart from each other with a predetermined distance (L), comprising a structural system, in which a deformation of the long part (1) caused by the impact force applied to it, causes the upper platens (3) to move for compressing or deflecting the columns (2), thereby absorbing the impact energy. The conventional column type energy absorption member is weak against an impact applied in a direction within a wide angle (?) such as an impact applied in an oblique direction.

Abstract: Impact absorbing assembly for slope protection systems, fitted in the containment and protection screens to guard against stones or other bodies landsliding, comprising two cables arranged in the form of loops, each being cased in a “U” shaped tube. The cables are interlaced or arranged in parallel, the loops being fastened together in their upper and lower part by a clamping element compressing the tubes. The cables comprising the invention may be installed taut between the hill anchoring and the protection system, or alternatively, fitted on the mesh support cables with the posts. When an overload occurs on the containment screen, the sudden pull on the cables will force the tubes to become distorted to slide within the clamping elements, the friction leading to a dissipation of energy.

Abstract: There is provided a shock absorbing structure for a vehicle that exhibits more stable shock absorbing performance regardless of the shape of an installation space. The shock absorbing structure comprises: a plurality of shock absorbing members for absorbing an externally applied shock by being deformed by the application of the shock; and at least one connecting body each connecting adjacent ones of the shock absorbing members, wherein each of the at least one connecting body is provided with a spacer member which has a configuration corresponding to at least a part of that of a gap which is formed between each of the shock absorbing members and at least one of the vehicle interior component and the body structural component, when the plurality of shock absorbing members are installed in the installation space.

Abstract: A crash energy absorption member capable of reducing the initial load without provision of a crushing bead and capable of achieving a sufficient amount of shock absorption with stable buckling behavior. The crash energy absorption member is formed from a tubular body which has a length L and a polygonal transverse cross-sectional shape with 2n corners due to having 2n ridge lines (wherein n is a natural number greater than or equal to 3) and 2n surfaces partitioned by these 2n ridge lines, and which absorbs impact energy by buckling when an impact load is applied to one end in the axial direction towards the other end, characterized in that some of the 2n ridge lines only exist in a region which extends from a position spaced by a distance h in the axial direction from the one end to the other end, and if the number of the remaining ridge lines which have a length L is m, the following equations are satisfied: h?L×0.30 ??(1) 4?m?2×(n?1).

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.

Abstract: A truck mounted attenuator (TMA) is constructed to minimize length during use in a horizontal position and height in a vertical transport position, as well as to minimize wind resistance and buffeting at highway speeds. A modular construction is employed, so that only damaged portions of the TMA can be removed and replaced in the field after a vehicle impact. The TMA comprises a plurality of outwardly curved tubular structural members which are designed to buckle upon application to the TMA of forces resulting from vehicular impact. The rigid tubes buckle at a high initial force, then proceed to crush at a lower force once the sides have buckled outwardly sufficiently to protect vehicle occupants during the critical first two feet of travel after impact. This design also provides increased protection for errant vehicles which impact the TMA device from an angle (i.e. “coffin corner” impact).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy absorption apparatus having a first hollow longitudinal section (2) with a first cross-sectional width (5) and a second hollow longitudinal section (3) with a second cross-sectional width (6) and having an overlapping transition region (4) between the hollow longitudinal sections. The invention also relates to a method for producing an integral energy absorption apparatus. In order to provide an energy absorption apparatus having an easily determinable deformation response, the second hollow longitudinal section is designed to have a higher strength than the first hollow longitudinal section. In the method according to the invention for producing an energy absorption apparatus, a tube with a first cross-sectional width is narrowed, in sections, to the second cross sectional width so as to form the hollow longitudinal sections and the tube is compressed, as a result of which the overlapping transition region is formed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an energy-absorbing device includes a section of material having a plurality of crush zones along a longitudinal length thereof, a first crush zone of the plurality of crush zones including a pair of opposed first bends formed in a first side and a second side of the section, a pair of opposed second bends formed in a third side and a fourth side of the section, and a first set of notches spaced around a perimeter of the section at a longitudinal location corresponding to the first bends and second bends. The first bends project in a direction that is one of inward and outward and the second bends project in a direction opposite that of the first bends. At least one of the other crush zones includes a second set of notches spaced around the perimeter of the section.

Abstract: A vehicle knee bolster assembly including a cross member extending laterally across a vehicle and a knee bolster including a frame having a closed cross sectional configuration with a hollow interior. The knee bolster further has a plurality of partition walls dividing the interior of the frame so as to form, together with the frame, a plurality of inner frames each having a closed cross sectional configuration and a hollow interior. The plurality of inner frames define at least two crush zones that collapse sequentially as the knee bolster is forcibly deflected.

Abstract: An adaptive crash structure of a vehicle body or chassis of a motor vehicle includes a first metal casting and a second metal casting. A deformation element in the form of a metal casting for absorbing energy interconnects and forms with the first and second metal castings a single piece construction through a casting process. The deformation element is comprised of a plurality of funnel-shaped wedge bodies which are disposed in succession, with neighboring wedge bodies being connected through intervention of a predetermined breaking web. Each wedge body is defined by a diameter, wherein the diameters of the wedge bodies are sized to allow the wedge bodies to move telescopically into one another when a limit stress is reached and the predetermined breaking webs rupture so as to effect a tight intergrip of the telescoping wedge bodies in a self-locking manner.

Abstract: Shock absorbing rectangular boxes (16, 17) are mounted between each one of two structural side beams (14, 15) of a vehicle and a bumper beam (11). The boxes are deep drawn from a steel sheet, and their sidewalls have deformation guides (35) so that the boxes are deformable in a controlled manner during a crash of the vehicle.

Abstract: A utility trailer provides a frame defining a forward open bottom work space, a medially rearward deck and a rearwardmost extendable impact attenuator. Hitch structure encloses the forward portion of the work space. The impact attenuator is deployable spacedly rearwardly of the utility trailer in work site mode and provides frictional, mechanical and inertial devices to attenuate a forwardly directed impact. Additional impact attenuators extend between the hitch structure and a vehicle in towing motion. Plural jacks provide work site leveling and positional stability. The utility trailer provides an arch supported hoist to service the workspace and carries signs to provide traffic information and direction.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an impact energy absorbing structure in the form of resin moldings such as interior components of automobiles and other impact energy absorbing structures, with better impact properties, particularly the performance in absorbing impact energy to passenger heads. The invention relates to an impact energy absorbing structure for absorbing the kinetic energy of a colliding object by means of its own deformation, wherein when a certain colliding object collides with the impact energy absorbing structure at a certain velocity, the relationship between dimensionless displacement D, where the deformation of the impact energy absorbing structure is normalized by the permissible deformation, and the dimensionless energy E, where the kinetic energy absorbed by the impact energy absorbing structure is normalized by the kinetic energy of the colliding object prior to collision, meets E>D.

Abstract: A highway crash cushion includes a single, central, rigid, guide tail that guides the crash cushion in axial collapse. Diaphragm assemblies are each provided with recessed legs, and a central guide that slides along the rail while locking against the rail in a lateral collision. The diaphragm assemblies support fender panels that include four longitudinally extending ridges, a central slot, and a tapered trailing edge that reduces vehicle snagging. Energy absorbing elements are disposed between the diaphragm assemblies, and each includes an indicator that clearly indicates when the element has been compressed and possibly damaged.