Plastic Deformation Or Breakage Of Retarder Element (e.g., Impact Absorber) Patents (Class 188/371)
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Patent number: 11577105Abstract: A locking system is provided for fall protection. The locking system includes a housing. The housing defines a guide path through which the housing is slideably attached to a guide member. The locking system also includes a braking lever having a braking end. The braking lever is configured to rotate so as to allow the braking end to engage the guide member. The guide path defines at least one bending slot configured to allow the housing to deform in response to a predetermined amount of force being applied by the guide member upon the housing. A housing for a locking system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Pavel Marak, Jan Hrouzek, Scott Hugh Bradford, Frank Muessig, Josef Novotny
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Patent number: 11504558Abstract: A safety climb attenuation apparatus provides a more robust and visually inspectable apparatus for climbing safety. In an upper bracket, a pivot arm is attached to a base that is disposed upon a structure. The upper bracket includes an attenuation member such as an elastic bushing, mounted on the pivot arm or the base, that resists pivoting of the pivot arm relative to the base when a safety cable attached to the pivot arm causes the pivot arm to pivot. In a lower bracket, a similar attenuation member is attached to a base disposed on the structure, with an anchor bolt connecting the cable to the attenuation member so that the attenuation member resists upward movement of the cable.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2021Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: Crown Castle USA, Inc.Inventor: Allen Gaston Turcotte
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Patent number: 11505254Abstract: A vehicle body includes a structural member having an inner surface defining an elongated cavity. The structural member includes an outer panel member joined to an inner panel member. A tension web secured in the cavity separates the outer and inner panel members. A reinforcement member is positioned in the cavity of the structural member. The reinforcement member contacts the transverse web and a gap is provided between the reinforcement member and the inner surface of the structural member. The reinforcement member including a base member having a plurality of bumpers extended in a width direction of the reinforcement member. The plurality of bumpers face one of the inner surface and the tension web. An adhesive secured to the reinforcement member is activatable to expand toward the inner surface to define a joint between the reinforcement member and the structural member and to at least partially fill the gap.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2020Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Eric J. Boettcher, Derik Thomas Voigt
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Patent number: 11311757Abstract: A post system for use in fall protection includes a connector to connect to a structure and a support in operative connection with a lifeline to maintain the lifeline at a first height above the structure. When a first threshold force is experienced on the lifeline, the support is operable to lower the lifeline to a second height which is lower than the first height. The ratio of a change in effective length of the lifeline resulting from the lowering of the lifeline to a change in height resulting from lowering of the lifeline (or the ?L/?H ratio) is less than 1. The ratio of the change in effective length of the lifeline resulting from the lowering of the lifeline to the change in height resulting from lowering of the lifeline may also be less than 0.5 or less than 0.4.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2020Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Brian C. Montgomery, Justin Shane Patton, Preston L. Anderson
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Patent number: 11235658Abstract: A stiffness reinforcement structure for a fuel tank of a vehicle is capable of maintaining the stiffness of the fuel tank even with changes in pressure such as positive pressure and negative pressure in the fuel tank. In particular, a stiffness reinforcement column inside a fuel tank made of a plastic material is capable of preventing heat fused portions between the reinforcement column and the upper and lower plates of the fuel tank from being ruptured by allowing the stiffness reinforcement column to have self-reactive impact dispersion movement in case of a vehicle collision accident.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2019Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: Bu Yeol Ryu, Myeong Hwan Kim
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Patent number: 11207956Abstract: A bodywork part of a motor vehicle includes a main body of plastic material and at least one structural reinforcement fastened at least partially to a first part main body. The piece also includes at least one connecting member of the first part and of a second part of the main body including an end, a portion of which forms a lock loop around a clamping element so as to secure the connecting member, the structural reinforcement and the first part.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Compagnie Plastic OmniumInventor: Philippe Coudron
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Patent number: 11130563Abstract: A breakaway support configured to selectively release an actuator from a fitting and a method of providing the breakaway support. The breakaway support includes a race positioned between the actuator and the fitting. The second end of the actuator is connected to the fitting via a ball joint is positioned within the race. The ball joint permits the actuator to pivot about the ball joint in a vertical plane between a first position and a second position. The breakaway support includes a first knuckle that causes the actuator to release from the fitting when the actuator moves in a first direction beyond the first position. A portion of the fitting or a second knuckle may cause the actuator to release from the fitting when the actuator moves in a second direction beyond the second position. A portion of the actuator may break to release the actuator from the fitting.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2018Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Steven Scott Heer, Eric Sean Kamila, Benjamin Joseph Palmer
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Patent number: 11091198Abstract: An energy absorption strap assembly for a steering column includes a first strap. Also included is a second strap, the first and second strap having respective edge regions that are laterally engageable with each to switch the energy absorption strap assembly between a high load condition and a low load condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Joen C. Bodtker, Randy Jones, Jorge Flores
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Patent number: 11040737Abstract: A device for assembling a column tube (30) in an adjustable steering column assembly (20), comprising a spacer portion (70) adapted to provide rotational damping; provide damping during adjustment of the steering column assembly (e.g., telescope adjustment); and assist in centering the column tube when in an unlocked position and assist in resisting lash, The device further comprises a stop bracket portion (50) adapted to limit rotational travel of the column tube when in an unlocked position; and retain the column tube longitudinally within the steering column assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: NSK Americas, Inc.Inventors: Scott Lewis Strong, Victor Corona Martinez, Jun Yamada, Dale E. Estes
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Patent number: 11014598Abstract: A steering column may include an outer casing unit in which an inner casing tube that rotatably mounts a steering shaft is received such that the inner casing tube is displaceable and fixable in an axial direction. An energy absorption device operatively disposed between the casing tube and the casing unit may absorb at least some energy in a crash event where the casing tube is telescopically displaced relative to the casing unit. The energy absorption device may include a deformation strip fastened to but spaced apart from the casing tube, fixed in a radial direction by a spacer on the casing tube, to which deformation strip a deformation slide that is connected to the casing unit is disposed. The deformation slide may encompass and jam outer narrow sides of the deformation strip such that the deformation slide deforms the deformation strip in a crash event.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2017Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignees: thyssenkrupp Presta AG, thysseukrupp AGInventors: Markus Domig, Gerhard Waibel
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Patent number: 11014516Abstract: Disclosed herein is an energy absorber having excellent impact resistance and excellent impact energy absorbability. The energy absorber includes an olefin-based resin composition obtained by mixing an olefin resin, a polyamide resin, and an elastomer having a reactive group that reacts with the polyamide resin, wherein the olefin-based resin composition has a continuous phase containing the olefin resin and a polyamide resin-based dispersed phase dispersed in the continuous phase, and the polyamide resin-based dispersed phase has a structure in which the elastomer is contained in a matrix phase containing the polyamide resin.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2017Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masayuki Kito, Goro Takahashi, Toshihiro Suzuki, Yasuyuki Shimizu, Yohei Migaki
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Patent number: 10974673Abstract: A vehicular structure includes: a first member formed in a tubular shape and having protrusions on an outer periphery thereof; and a second member formed in a tubular shape and having a locking wall with a hole in which the first member is inserted. The first member is joined to the second member such that a portion of the first member that is inserted in the hole of the second member is expanded, and the protrusions are in contact with the locking wall of the second member.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventors: Toru Hashimura, Ryohei Yukishige, Yasuhiro Maeda
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Patent number: 10953810Abstract: Described are passenger seat assemblies having an impact bracket for a support pin. The support pin may be a component of a monitor assembly. The impact bracket includes a body that defines an aperture and a flex member within the aperture. The flex member defines a support region and a travelling region of the aperture. The flex member retains the support pin in the support region responsive to a load that is less than a minimum impact load, and releases the support pin from the support region into the travelling region responsive to a load that is at least the minimum impact load.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Safran Seats USA LLCInventors: Juan Hernandez, Cinthya Caro, Suman Beeram, Ryan King
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Patent number: 10947681Abstract: A protective construction, such as a fence for a race track, may include a device for energy dissipation, e.g., in line with a guy wire. In some examples, the energy dissipation device may have a braking profile and a cutting unit having at least one blade that can be pulled through the braking profile along its longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2017Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Trumer Schutzbauten Ges.m.b.HInventors: Gernot Stelzer, Daniel Jäger
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Patent number: 10926807Abstract: A vehicle front body structure containing an upper longitudinal beam and a upper fender rail for supporting a fender of the vehicle, said upper fender rail extending in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the upper longitudinal beam and having a front end and a rear end spaced apart along the longitudinal direction. The resistance to plastic deformation of the upper fender rail increases from the front end of the upper fender rail to the rear end of the upper fender rail. The yield strength of the material of the rear section is greater than the yield strength of the material of the front section and/or the rear section has a greater wall thickness than the wall thickness of the front section.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2016Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: ARCELORMITTALInventors: Ivan Viaux, Yves Drouadaine
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Patent number: 10793180Abstract: A method for producing a length-adjustable steering shaft having a hollow shaft in which a toothed shaft is received so as to be axially telescopic. The toothed shaft has a toothing with teeth on an external circumference that extend in the axial direction and which engages in a form-fitting manner in an inner toothing of the hollow shaft. A sliding layer of thermoplastic plastics material is at least in portions attached between the inner toothing and the toothing. In order to enable an improved fastening of the sliding layer to the toothing, prior to attaching the sliding layer, form-fitting elements which for forming a form-fitting connection that is effective in the axial direction are brought to engage with the sliding layer are configured in the region of the toothing of the toothed shaft or the inner toothing of the hollow shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Marius Breuer, Janick Durot, Paul Schwarzhans, Joachim Tuertscher, Robert Josef Maerk
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Patent number: 10710529Abstract: A pedestrian protection device for a motor vehicle, in particular for a front part of the motor vehicle, includes a bumper crossbeam and a deformation element arranged in front of the bumper crossbeam. The deformation element has a bending section, the end of which is in contact with a surface or which comes into contact with the surface in the event of a collision, in particular a front collision of the motor vehicle. The end of the bending section is designed such that it can move along the surface as a result of the collision, wherein the surface has an engaging device with which the end of the bending section can be, in particular, engaged.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Oeztzan Akif, Gerhard Fichtinger, Wilhelm Riedl
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Patent number: 10710531Abstract: A shock absorber system includes a body, a component, and at least one primary attachment that secures the component on the body. A secondary attachment is configured to secure the component to the body upon breakage of the primary attachment. The secondary attachment includes a single-use shock absorber and a cable that is attached to the body and secured through the single-use shock absorber to the component.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Yalla Abushawashi, Marwan Elbkaily, Tushar Kamble, Abdelrahim Khal
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Patent number: 10703234Abstract: The invention relates to a seat carrier for a vehicle seat having a position displacement device for the vehicle seat, which is secured to at least one transverse seat carrier which is arranged on the base of the vehicle, and having a deformation device which is arranged between the position displacement device and the transverse seat carrier and which absorbs by means of deformation catapult movements of vehicle occupants which occur in the event of a collision. It is proposed that at least one crashbox be provided between the position displacement device and the transverse seat carrier as a deformation device.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Johannes A. Varcus
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Patent number: 10703403Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket assembly extending along a steering column axis. Also included is an upper jacket assembly at least partially received within the lower jacket assembly, the upper jacket assembly translatable along the steering column axis relative to the lower jacket assembly. Further included is an energy absorption strap operatively coupled to the upper jacket, the energy absorption strap having an aperture defined therein. Yet further included is a rake bolt extending through the lower jacket and through the aperture of the energy absorption strap.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2017Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Tyler M. Reno, Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Randy Jones
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Patent number: 10661819Abstract: A motor-adjustable steering column may include a support unit that is connectable to a vehicle body and holds an adjustment unit. The adjustment unit may include a steering spindle mounted in a casing unit rotatably about a longitudinal axis. The casing unit may include an outer casing tube that receives an inner casing tube in an axially displaceable, telescopic fashion. An adjustment drive may be connected to the inner and outer casing tubes. The inner casing tube can be retracted and deployed axially relative to the outer casing tube. An intermediate casing tube may be disposed coaxially between the inner and outer casing tubes so as to be axially displaceable in telescopic fashion relative to the inner and outer casing tubes. The intermediate casing tube can be axially retracted and deployed relative to the inner and outer casing tubes by the adjustment drive.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Thomas Heitz, Daniel Kreutz, Francisco Sinis Jáuregui
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Patent number: 10625695Abstract: The present invention provides buckling inducing-type vehicle crash boxes. The buckling inducing-type vehicle crash boxes are arranged at both ends of a back beam and comprise: a box body part; and a reinforcing part, which is formed in a lattice shape, is formed to integrally protrude from the outer surface of the box body part, induce buckling along the longitudinal direction of the box body part by an external impact, and absorb energy generated by to the impact.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2016Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: LG Hausys, Ltd.Inventors: Hyun-Jin Choi, Dong-Won Kim, Yong-Han Kang, Hee-June Kim, Kang-Hyun Song, Sang-Gyu Cho, Kye-Woong Byun
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Patent number: 10562389Abstract: An inlet-air management device for a motor vehicle may include a flexible duct for guiding the air entering via a motor vehicle grille and a shutter device fixed in the flexible duct. Additionally, an inlet-air management device is configured to be fixed in a motor vehicle via the flexible duct. Further, the shutter device is then being suspended in the motor vehicle via the flexible duct.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2016Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Valeo Systemes ThermiquesInventor: Frédéric Vacca
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Patent number: 10507862Abstract: A steering device includes a column pipe, an outer column A, a fixed bracket, a stopper bracket, and a tightening tool. The stopper bracket has a first suspended plate-like portion and a second suspended plate-like portion. A telescopic long hole and an impact absorbing long hole into which a bolt shaft can be inserted from the front side toward the rear side are formed in each of the first and second suspended plate-like portions. A first collapse portion that is bent by colliding with the bolt shaft is provided between the telescopic long hole and the impact absorbing long hole of either the first suspended plate-like portion or the second suspended plate-like portion. A second collapse portion is provided as an inclined side on either the top sides or the bottom sides of the impact absorbing long holes of the first and second suspended plate-like portions.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2017Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Tatsuya Abe, Takuya Aiba
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Patent number: 10479396Abstract: A second toothed member is configured to change its position between a meshing position where first teeth mesh with second teeth and a meshing releasing position where the first teeth do not mesh with the second teeth. A first toothed member and a facing member move together with an upper jacket. The second toothed member located at the meshing position receives an impact from the first toothed member so as to collide against an impact absorbing member after rupture of a guide shaft and deform the impact absorbing member. The second toothed member located at the meshing releasing position receives an impact from the facing member so as to cause rupture of the guide shaft and deformation of the impact absorbing member to occur concurrently.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Rika Kagawa, Kiyoto Takei, Akihiro Takami, Tomoki Arai, Hideyoshi Hanai, Tsuyoshi Kojima, Hiroshi Obata
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Patent number: 10471981Abstract: A buckling control assembly for a steering column energy absorption strap assembly is provided. The buckling control assembly includes an inner energy absorption strap operatively coupled to a steering column jacket. Also included is an outer energy absorption strap surrounding at least a portion of the inner energy absorption strap and operatively coupled to the steering column jacket. Further included is a strap constraining structure disposed on a constraint side of the outer energy absorption strap to inhibit buckling of the outer energy absorption strap in a first direction, the outer energy absorption strap having a free side unconstrained to accommodate buckling of the outer energy absorption strap.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Nicholas M. Messing, Benjamin D. Reichard, Matthew J-T Vincent, Robert Dubay
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Patent number: 10364017Abstract: The present invention relates to structural component for an aircraft. The structural component comprises a body with a first surface and a lug that extends out of the first surface. The body and lug comprise a composite material and are integrally formed.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2016Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITEDInventor: Steven Evans
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Patent number: 10336373Abstract: A lateral energy absorption system includes a first carbon structure. The first carbon structure includes a first plurality of carbon tubes. The first plurality of carbon tubes have a first end with a first width and a second end with a second width. The first plurality of carbon tubes define a first taper between the second end and the first end that facilitates crumpling of the first plurality of carbon tubes during an impact. A first plurality of carbon flanges connects the carbon tubes together.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2017Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Thunder Power New Energy Vehicle Development Company LimitedInventor: Peter Tutzer
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Patent number: 10315683Abstract: One steering column assembly includes an outer jacket having a first end, a cavity defined by an inner surface extending from the first end, and protrusions extending from the inner surface into the cavity. Each protrusion includes a front end at or adjacent the first end, a rear end, and a curved contact surface telescopically supporting an inner jacket. The front end has first and second endpoints, the rear end has third and fourth endpoints, and one side connects the first and third endpoints while another side connects the second and fourth endpoints. Each protrusion is configured such that, when the front and rear ends and the sides are projected onto a flat surface and an angle is measured between one straight line passing through the first and third endpoints and another straight line passing through the second and fourth endpoints, the measurement is from one to fifteen degrees.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventor: Sascha Fricke
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Patent number: 10279834Abstract: A rake adjustment mechanism of a steering column assembly includes a lower jacket defining a first tapered slot and a second tapered slot, the first and second tapered slots disposed on opposing sides of the lower jacket. Also included is a rake bracket coupled to the lower jacket. Further included is a first rake guide and a second rake guide, each rake guide a single, integrally formed component and disposed between the lower jacket and rake bracket, the first rake guide disposed at least partially within the first tapered slot and the second rake guide disposed at least partially within the second tapered slot, each rake guide translatable within the tapered slot in an axial direction of the lower jacket. Yet further included is a rake bolt extending through the lower jacket, the rake bracket and the first and second rake guides.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2016Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Scott A. Stinebring, Robert D. Maida, Nicholas M. Messing
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Patent number: 10239551Abstract: A steering wheel device that can absorb an applied impact load. A steering wheel device includes a lower cover that covers a steering column side of the steering wheel. The lower cover includes: a bottom member facing the steering column; an open portion which at a center of the bottom member and through which a steering shaft passes; slit portions formed on both sides, the slit portions being bent and curved in predetermined shapes; buffer portions formed in the bottom member and outlined by the slit portions, the buffer portions having a free end formed on a vehicle front side and a stationary end formed on a vehicle rear side; and bridge members that can be broken and bridge each of slit portions on the free end side of each of the buffer portions.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT ABInventor: Hiroyasu Kumagawa
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Patent number: 10214243Abstract: A vehicle frame includes two frame rails fixed relative to each other and each having a tubular shape defining an exterior surface and an interior surface, a crush-initiating notch on each exterior surface, and a reinforcement extending along each interior surface and positioned in a vehicle-rearward direction from the notches.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2017Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Marwan Ahmad Elbkaily, Tushar B. Kamble, Gururaj Aralikatti, Greg Gombert, Benjamin Mansfield
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Patent number: 10099638Abstract: A bumper assembly includes a beam and a plurality of members attached to and positioned sequentially along the beam. Each member includes an outer tube extending transverse to the beam and an inner tube extending parallel to and in the outer tube. Adjacent ones of the members are configured to contact each other when both adjacent ones of the members are deformed.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Saied Nusier, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Jamel E. Belwafa, Saeed David Barbat, Rahul Arora
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Patent number: 10081391Abstract: A vehicle structural beam includes four inner walls, four outer walls, and a plurality of ribs. The four outer walls and the four inner walls respectively form outer and inner rectangular tubes. The inner tube is disposed within the outer tube such that the outer walls are non-parallel with the inner walls. Each of the plurality of ribs are disposed between the outer and inner walls. The plurality of ribs is arranged to define a plurality of triangular and/or quadrilateral cells between the outer and inner tubes.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Tau Tyan
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Patent number: 10077077Abstract: A vehicle front structure includes side rails, rail tips, and a tension member. The side rails extend longitudinally in a front portion of the vehicle on left and right sides of a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The rail tips have a plurality of flat walls that define a hollow polygonal body disposed about a tip axis. The rail tips have proximal and distal ends. The proximal end is fixedly coupled to a forward terminal end of the side rail inboard of an outer quarter of a total vehicle width. The rail tip extends outboard and forward such that the distal end is disposed within the outer quarter. The flat walls have a forward wall thickness that is less than a rearward wall thickness. The tension member is fixedly coupled to the distal ends and spans laterally therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2017Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: FCA US LLCInventors: James V Legray, Bryan G Mrozinski, Adrian J Purvis, Scott E Zilincik
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Patent number: 10059374Abstract: An impact absorption unit provided between an inside member and an outside member that form a vehicle body and configured to absorb an impact may include: a first absorption body which includes composite material and protrudes from an inside surface of the inside member toward the outer member, with an open receiving space formed in the first absorption body; and a second absorption body which includes composite material and protrudes from an inside surface of the outside member toward the inside member such that the second absorption body is inserted into the open receiving space.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2016Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Sung Don Pyun, Chang Dong Kim, Min Soo Kim, Hoon Chang
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Patent number: 10035525Abstract: An energy-absorbing device, in particular for a rail-car, extends along an axis and has an attachment member, which can be connected to a fixed structure, an impact member, designed to withstand an impact, and an energy-absorbing member, constituted by a first tube and a second tube, which are coaxial and are made of composite material in order to collapse and hence absorb energy in the event of impact; the first tube is fixed to the attachment member, whereas the second tube is fixed to the impact member and is axially slidable, during impact, guided by the first tube; the radial thickness of the two tubes decreases along the axis, towards their free ends; in a non-collapsed resting condition, the axial gaps present between the two free ends and the attachment and impact members are substantially the same so that the two tubes start to collapse simultaneously in the event of impact.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2015Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: HITACHI RAIL ITALY S.P.A.Inventors: Luca Lenzi, Angelo Surini, Samuele Pacini
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Patent number: 9969421Abstract: An energy absorption device for a steering column for a motor vehicle may include a bending bracket for energy absorption in a crash event. The bending bracket may comprise a first fastening element and a second fastening element, with the first fastening element being displaceable relative to the second fastening element if, in a crash event, the bending bracket is deformed along a guide track delimited by a start and an end. The energy absorption device may further include one or more collision elements arranged on the guide track. An example collision element may interact with the first fastening element or an element on a retaining part that is secured to the first fastening element such that the collision element, the first fastening element, and/or the element on the retaining part are deformed and absorb additional energy.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2014Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AGInventors: Arne Klepp, Hansjörg Sulser, Felipe Segatto, Sebastian Forte
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Patent number: 9944322Abstract: A subframe for a vehicle includes a subframe structure and a rear end joint. The rear end joint is formed on the subframe structure for attachment to a floor via a bolt. The rear end joint defines a notch, having a collar surrounding the bolt. The rear end joint is configured such that, upon impact, the rear end joint interacts with the bolt to break the collar, split the notch, and detach the subframe structure from the floor.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Saied Nusier, David Anthony Wagner, Matthew John Zaluzec
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Patent number: 9862412Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a steering column assembly is provided. The assembly includes a tubular jacket having a first end and a second end, a steering shaft at least partially disposed within the tubular jacket, and an elastic vibration damper disposed between the steering shaft and the tubular jacket.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh
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Patent number: 9849913Abstract: A vehicle front section structure including: a front side member that includes an inside sidewall portion; a first wall portion that configures part of a power unit support section, and that is joined to the inside sidewall portion by a first join portion; a second wall portion that configures part of the power unit support section, and that is joined to the inside sidewall portion by a second join portion; and a low rigidity portion of the inside sidewall portion that is disposed at another side in a vehicle front-rear direction, and the vehicle lower side, of the first join portion, that is disposed further toward one side in the vehicle front-rear direction than the second join portion, and that has lower rigidity than a portion of the inside sidewall portion further toward the one side in the vehicle front-rear direction than the first join portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Chitoshi Sugano
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Patent number: 9828030Abstract: Longitudinal members for motor vehicles may generally include a supporting element that is releasably connectable to an energy absorption mechanism. The supporting element may typically include a joining zone that can be used to secure the supporting element to one or more chassis or drive components of the motor vehicle. The supporting element and the energy absorption mechanism may be comprised of fiber-reinforced plastic. More specifically, the supporting element may be comprised of a plurality of length portions having different fiber orientations. For example, a first length portion may have fibers oriented substantially parallel to a horizontal longitudinal plane about which the supporting element is positioned, whereas a second length portion between the first length portion and the energy absorption mechanism may have intersecting fibers oriented oblique to the horizontal longitudinal plane.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2014Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP STEEL EUROPE AGInventors: Lothar Patberg, Stefan Mayer, Torsten Krahnert, Werner Hufenbach, Enrico Ladusch, Jens Werner, André Kieβling, Alexander Herbig, Jörn Kiele, Martin Lepper
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Patent number: 9821833Abstract: An energy absorbing member is fixed to an outer periphery of an inner column, extends in a front-rear direction and is introduced into a slit of an outer column. During a secondary collision, a tightening rod is displaced forward together with the outer column, so that the energy absorbing member is vertically restrained to the tightening rod and the inner column from a up-down direction, is crushed by the tightening rod and generates impact absorption load.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2015Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventor: Ko Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9789897Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a column pipe, an outer column, a fixed bracket, a stopper bracket, and a clamping tool. The stopper bracket has a first suspending planar portion and a second suspending planar portion. A telescopic slot and an impact absorbing slot are formed in the first and second suspending planar portions. A first collapsing portion, which is configured as a protruding plate piece positioned between the telescopic slot and the impact absorbing slot of the first suspending planar portion and bent by colliding with a bolt shaft in an event of a secondary collision, is provided in the first and second suspending planar portions. A second collapsing portion, the height dimension of which decreases toward a trailing end is provided in the impact absorbing slot of one of the first suspending planar portion and the second suspending planar portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2016Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Katsuya Yamamoto, Takuya Aiba, Tatsuya Abe
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Patent number: 9764707Abstract: A structure of an underrun protection bound to a plurality of brackets disposed at the front or rear portion of a frame of a vehicle is disclosed. The structure has a hollow having a closed section defined by a distal face of a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a proximal face of the longitudinal direction, an upper face, and a lower face. A plurality of lightening holes are formed in line along an extending direction of the underrun protection on at least one of the distal face and the proximal face. The plurality of lightening holes have diameters in vertical direction set larger as departing farther from binder parts each at which the underrun protection is bound to one of the plurality of brackets.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Daimler AGInventor: Shigeki Kurihara
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Patent number: 9718434Abstract: An energy absorber according to various embodiments can include a structure having a predetermined cross-sectional profile. A hollow profile is formed within the structure. The pre-determined cross-sectional profile of the structure is configured based on a deceleration-time profile that includes a first period and a second period. The first period is defined by a substantially sharp and linear increase in magnitude of the deceleration of an impact until a maximum deceleration value is achieved. The second period is defined by a rapid decrease in the magnitude of the deceleration.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Louis G. Hector, Jr., Anil K. Sachdev, Jeff Wang, Hanif Muhammad, Nilesh D. Mankame
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Patent number: 9701344Abstract: A bead portion is provided at a compression-side wall portion to be recessed toward an inside of a main closed cross section. A first reinforcing member is provided in the closed cross section and joined to a tension-side wall portion so as to form a first sub cross section extending in a longitudinal direction between the tension-side wall portion and the first reinforcing member. A second reinforcing member is provided in the closed cross section and joined to a portion of the compression-side wall portion where the bead portion is provided so as to form a second sub cross section extending vertically between the portion of the compression-side wall portion and the second reinforcing member. The first and second reinforcing members are configured to be spaced apart from each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2016Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Yuki Kodama, Chikara Kawamura, Masanori Honda
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Patent number: 9694842Abstract: A first plate of a stationary bracket has long holes which extend parallel to a column movement direction, and through which large-diameter portions of suspension bolts are passed. The inner circumferences of the long holes include: recessed curved surface portions of end portions in a direction opposite to the column movement direction; first inner edge portions which are on the side of a middle position between the long holes; and second inner edge portions. In a secondary collision, when the one suspension bolt slides over the first inner edge portion of the long hole, for example, a gap is formed between the other suspension bolt and the second inner edge portion of the long hole.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignees: JTEKT CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Eiji Tanaka, Susumu Imagaki, Atsushi Tano, Hiroshi Kawakami, Kenji Imamura
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Patent number: 9682676Abstract: The impact absorber disposed between a vehicle panel and a trim has a hollow main body with a first wall disposed adjacent the trim and a second wall disposed adjacent the vehicle panel and opposed to the first wall. The hollow main body is defined by a first portion and a second portion. The impact absorber has at least one first concave rib formed in the second portion by recessing the first and second walls such that they approach each other and joining tips of recessed first and second walls each other, and at least one groove-like depression formed in the first portion by recessing the second wall. The first portion is greater than the second portion in a total thickness from the first wall to second wall.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2014Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: KYORAKU CO., LTD.Inventor: Teruo Tamada
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Patent number: RE46861Abstract: A crash attenuator for decelerating an impacting vehicle includes a first end that can be releasably secured to a vehicle, and a second end that is longitudinally spaced from the first end. The second end includes an impact member that is movable in the longitudinal direction from a pre-impact position to an impact position. At least a pair of spaced deformable attenuator members extend in a longitudinal direction and have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends are staggered downstream from the impact member in the pre-impact position. At least a portion of the deformable attenuator members are bent in a non-outboard direction as the impact member is moved from the pre-impact position to the impact position.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: John F. LaTurner, Michael J. Buehler, Brent S. Sindorf