Abstract: A multi-sectional, modular energy absorber 10 comprising one or more modules, which have one or more energy absorbing units 12. Some have a first section 14 and a second section 16 that are united like a clamshell to form the energy absorbing unit 12. There is a means for locating the sections 18 in relation to each other. First and second flange sections 20,22 extend from at least some of the first and second sections. There are means for coordinating energy absorbing units 24 in one of the one or more modules, the means for coordinating 24 having a topography including a number (n) of apertures 26 defined therein, where n is an integer ?0. At least some of the sections include an upper perimeter 28, a lower perimeter 30 and an intermediate wall 32 extending therebetween with a number (m) of breaches defined in the intermediate wall before impact, where m is an integer ?0.

Abstract: A modular energy absorber 10 that is tunable. It comprises one or more energy absorbing modules 12. The energy absorbing modules 12 have means for coordinating 14 energy absorbing units 16 of the one or more modules. The means 14 for coordinating position and support the units 16 in relation to each other before and during relative motion between an incident object and the energy absorber. The units 16 are provided with an upper perimeter 22, a lower perimeter 24 and an intermediate wall 26 with stiffening male 36 or female 38 ribs. A method for configuring and for making the modular energy absorber are also disclosed.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure A modular energy absorber 10 that is tunable. It comprises one or more energy absorbing modules 12. The energy absorbing modules have means for coordinating energy absorbing units 16 of the one or more modules. The means 14 for coordinating position and support the units in relation to each other before, during and after relative motion between an incident object and the energy absorber.A crushable member is provided that has an upper perimeter, a lower perimeter and an intermediate section extending therebetween. It also includes a number (m) of breaches defined therein before impact. A method for configuring the modular energy absorber is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular energy absorber 10 that is tunable. It comprises one or more energy absorbing modules 12. The energy absorbing modules have means for coordinating energy absorbing units 16 of the one or more modules. The means 14 for coordinating position and support the units in relation to each other before, during and after relative motion between an incident object and the energy absorber. A crushable member is provided that has an upper perimeter, a lower perimeter and an intermediate section extending therebetween. It also includes a number (m) of breaches defined therein before impact. A method for configuring the modular energy absorber is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular energy absorber 10 that is tunable. It comprises one or more energy absorbing modules 12. The energy absorbing modules have means for coordinating energy absorbing units 16 of the one or more modules. The means 14 for coordinating position and support the units in relation to each other before, during and after relative motion between an incident object and the energy absorber. A crushable member 16 is provided that has an upper perimeter 22, a lower perimeter 24 and an intermediate wall 26 extending therebetween. It also includes a number (m) of breaches defined therein before impact. A method for configuring the modular energy absorber is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for in-molding an energy-absorbing countermeasure to a headliner 18 for use in a vehicle, plus the intermediate and final assemblies formed by the process. The process includes the steps of (1) preparing a sheet; (1A) optionally affixing to the sheet a means for adhering to form a composite sheet; (2) thermoforming the composite sheet into a composite energy-absorbing countermeasure; (3) preparing a headliner layup (including optionally a means for adhering, a headliner core, and a cover stock) before forming a bond between the headliner layup and the composite energy-absorbing countermeasure. The assembly thus includes the energy-absorbing countermeasure 22 and a means for adhering it to the headliner core 18.