Abstract: An energy absorbing device includes a plastically deformable metal strap for resisting the collapse of a steering column. The strap is initially deformable into one or more V-shaped wave formations by anvils to increase the energy required to advance the strap, thereby increasing the resistance to collapse of the steering column. One of the anvils may be removed to eliminate one of the wave formations and thereby reduce the amount of resistance to collapse of the steering column. Alternatively, the position of an anvil may be varied to vary the shape of a wave configuration from a deep V to a shallow V.

Abstract: A support mechanism of a steering system that supports a steering column to a part of a vehicle body includes an energy absorbing member mounted on the side of a steering column or the vehicle body, a support pin mounted on the side of the vehicle body or the steering column, that deforms the energy absorbing member when the steering column moves relative to the vehicle body, and an actuator mounted on the side of the steering column or the vehicle body, that changes deformation characteristics of the energy absorbing member.

Abstract: A tensioner for a safety belt includes a cylinder, a piston which is slidably arranged within the cylinder, and a traction transfer element which is connected with the piston to transfer a movement of the piston to the safety belt. The tensioner further includes a drive which may exert a driving force on the piston to tension the safety belt. The piston is provided with a deformation element which the traction transfer element engages.

Abstract: Tunable pull-through energy attenuator and decelerator devices is disclosed which provide for variable force-time profiles, deceleration and kinetic energy attenuation of moving objects so as to prevent damage or injury to impacting objects, vehicles or persons. The device employs either consumable inelastic or reusable, viscoelastic deforming elements, such as tubes, rods, plates or strips, which absorb substantial amounts of energy through repeated inelastic or viscoelastic deformation when the deforming element is pulled-through a tunable array of rigid pins having a variety of configurations and settings. The disclosed devices provide for variable force-time profiles which control the cumulative deformation and thereby the amount of energy absorbed and rate of deceleration of impacting objects.

Abstract: A linear pretensioning drive for tightening a vehicle seat belt has a guide tube. A piston is located inside of the guide tube and can be driven along a longitudinal axis of the guide tube. A reverse movement lock is formed by balls that are arranged on a ring around the longitudinal axis of the guide tube. In the drive direction in front of the reverse movement lock at least one support part is provided which lies against the inner wall of the guide tube in the locking position with in each case a greater supporting surface than each ball of the reverse movement lock.

Abstract: A kinetic energy absorption device suitable for use with a collapsible steering column includes a first and second plastically deformable member have a traveling bight, a pusher proximate to a first part of the first member attached to a first body, a catch allowing the second member move a limited distance with respect to the pusher, and an anvil arrangement fixed to a second body. The anvil arrangement is positioned proximate the traveling bights, which have a shape corresponding with an anvil surface of thereof. The anvil arrangement forces the traveling bight of the first member to travel along a length of the first member upon initial relative movement between the first and second bodies, and then forces the traveling bight of the second member to travel along a length of the second member.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a collapsible steering column has a plastically deformable strap extending along a track in a base. When the steering column collapses in a collision, the strap moves along the track and a portion of the strap is displaced by a ball in a pocket in the track, which resists strap movement in an amount related to the diameter of the ball. Different diameter balls are provided. One ball is selected depending on the amount of resistance desired. The ball is selected by an actuator operable by a signal generated by a controller in response to a vehicle collision. Alternatively, an anvil displaces a portion of the strap into a U-shape to resist linear movement of the strap. The position of the anvil is adjustable by a stepped adjuster bar to vary the displacement of the U-shaped portion.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a collapsible steering column of a vehicle includes an M-shaped plastically deformable strap for imposing a resistance to collapse of the steering column when the steering column collapses in a vehicle collision. An anvil adjusts the resistance to collapse imposed on the steering column by the strap. A controller produces a signal of a magnitude indicative of an amount of resistance needed to be imposed on the steering column by the strap to better protect from injury a driver seated behind the steering column at the time of the collision. An actuator receives the signal and actuates the anvil to adjust the amount of resistance imposed by the strap in accordance with the magnitude of the signal.

Abstract: An energy absorber comprises housing means (1), a store (15) of plastically deformable material (8) mounted in the housing means and having an endstop (27), means (3) for attaching the energy absorber to a structure, means (10) for attaching the plastically deformable material (8) to a structure, and means (7, 5, 6) responsive to a predetermined tensile load effective to deploy said plastically deformable material (8) in a controlled manner from its store whereby said material (8) is permanently plastically deformed during said deployment, thereby absorbing energy. The energy absorber is able to support a load at least twice the predetermined tensile load when further deployment of the material (8) is prevented by the endstop (27).

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly has an arrangement to absorb energy upon steering column collapse. In a preferred form, the arrangement includes a skid member acting to deform a length of wire having arms to embrace at least one retaining pin. The or each pin is selectively extendable and retractable in order to vary the energy absorption capability.

Abstract: Impact suppression devices having energy absorbing capability. The devices utilize a spline configuration for two separate shafts that are movably joined such that one can move axially inside the other. The shafts themselves can act as a piston, or a piston is used as part of the components. Impact absorption is provided by a gel layer or gel layers that have hydraulic fluid properties when a force is applied to them.

Abstract: An energy absorber for a steering column includes a pair of plastic guides each of which is molded flat and closes at an integral living hinge around a corresponding one of a pair of serpentine flat metal straps so that the straps are captured in the guides between pairs of convex anvils on the guides. Each guide snaps into a guide slot in a mounting bracket on the steering column mast jacket. An inboard end of each flat metal strap is clamped to a vehicle body so that during a collapse stroke of the mast jacket, relative linear translation between the mounting bracket and the serpentine flat metal straps causes each of the straps to be thrust against and pulled across corresponding ones of the convex anvils. Plastic deformation of the flat metal straps at the convex anvils resist linear translation of the mast jacket. The dimensional accuracy of the molded plastic guides contributes to consistently predictable performance of the energy absorber.

Abstract: A system for continuous energy absorption with relative displacement, by squeezing a metallic strip between two components of defined section comprising three separate components which are an upper component, a lower component and a strip. The upper components has a bottom surface; the lower component has a top surface spaced from and extending complementarily to the upper surface, each of the top and bottom surfaces having spaced apart first and second portions and an intermediate portion between the first and second portions located between and joining first and second portions, the intermediate portion being bent off from both of the first and second portions; and a metallic strip squeezed between the top and bottom surfaces of the upper and lower components and the metallic strip conforms to the top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: Impact absorber (1) of the type comprising two aligned parts of tubular overall shape and different cross sections, a plunger tube (3) and an absorber tube (4) joined together by a joining zone (2) where, in any plane of section passing through the axis of the tube formed by these two aligned parts, the following relationships are simultaneously satisfied: Ep>Ea; Rp<Rr.p; Ra>Rr.a; ½(Da−Dp)>2×Rr.a; Ra>Rp, and a method for manufacturing this absorber by hydroforming.

Abstract: An energy attenuating apparatus for use with a seat includes an elongated attenuator having a resistance to bending which varies along its length. A bending mechanism defining a nonlinear path receives the attenuator. Translation of the bending mechanism relative to the attenuator in a lengthwise direction of the attenuator produces bending of the attenuator to absorb energy applied to the energy attenuating apparatus.

Abstract: An energy absorption device is disclosed for use both as in-line and horizontal life line shock or energy absorbers for fall arrest systems. The device includes a sleeve through which a bolt head is drawn. The bolt head compresses from the interior surface of the sleeve and thus absorbs energy as the device is stretched during a fall.

Abstract: A device to absorb impact energy between an impacted component and a component to be protected from the effects of the impact (in particular between the bumper bracket (1) and the frame side rail of a vehicle). The device has a deforming section (3) to plastically absorb energy (that is between the bumper bracket (1) and the frame rail), and a hydraulic part to elastically absorb energy. The hydraulic part is before the deforming part (3) (viewed in direction of impact) inside the frame side rail. With this design, it is possible to have a large plunger diameter for the hydraulic section and an aluminum construction.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly includes a male shaft and a female shaft slidably engaged with the male shaft. The shafts absorb energy during axial deformation of the driveshaft while substantially maintaining radial alignment of the male and female shafts.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column comprises a steering shaft mounted in a body-tube connected via a support assembly to the chassis of the vehicle, the support assembly comprising a mobile support, a fixed support attached to the chassis of the vehicle and a double winding mounted on a member rotating on a fixed shaft. The double winding has a central portion mounted on the mobile support connected to the body tube so that in the event of an impact the mobile support pushes the double winding and unwinds it to absorb energy.

Abstract: A shock absorber for a motor vehicle has a deformation body, which can be deformed in the case of a collision and into the path of which a blocking part protrudes, with which, due to the forces acting during a collision, a plastic deformation of the deformation body is achieved with absorption of the collision energy, it being possible to increase the deformation resistance of the deformation body by directing it into an additional deformation stage. For this purpose, the blocking body has at least two switched positions, in which it protrudes into the path of movement of the deformation body, as a result of which the deformation body is plastically deformed to a greater or lesser extent due to the forces acting during impact.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for isolating and absorbing energy associated with shock forces that are exerted upon an object, such as the energy attendant to shock forces experienced during and immediately following a mild to severe impact. The apparatus generally having: (a) a housing defining an enclosure; (b) at least one segment of non-liquid material contained within the enclosure; and (c) a piston placed within the enclosure. When the shock or impact force is applied to either the piston or housing, the piston urges the non-liquid material to pass or extrude through an aperture, orifice, channel or slot located either within the piston or the housing. The non-liquid material passes or extrudes through the aperture, orifice, channel or slot in a direction that is generally transverse to the relative movement of the piston within the enclosure.

Abstract: A push rod of a vacuum booster includes an inner rod section, a pipe-shaped outer rod section which is slidably fitted over an outer periphery of a rear portion of the inner rod section and connected to a brake pedal, and a buffer member made of a synthetic resin and fitted over the outer periphery of the inner rod section in front of the outer rod section. Usually, an end face of the outer rod section is retained in a position in which it abuts against a projection of the inner rod section. When an axial compressing force is applied to the push rod upon a collision of an automobile, the end face of the outer rod section slides forwards over and past the projection, while buckling the buffer member. Thus, the pushing-up of the brake pedal toward a vehicle compartment due to the retreating movement of a master cylinder is prevented, and the load applied to a driver's foot is alleviated.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing device, particularly for rolling stock to provide protection therefor when potentially damaging impact occurs, includes first and second tubular elements which are fitted into one another and which are of unlike material.

Abstract: An apparatus (40) pretensions seat belt webbing (16) which is extensible about an occupant of a vehicle seat (14). The apparatus (40) includes a movable first member (140), a connector (42) for connecting the first member (140) with the seat belt webbing (16), a movable second member (200), a pyrotechnic device (120) for applying a force to the second member (200) to move the second member, and force limiting coupling device (240). The force limiting coupling device (240) couples the first member (140) and the second member (200). The coupling device (240) moves the first member (140) with the second member (200) until a predetermined force is applied by the connector (42) to the first member (140) resisting movement of the first member with the second member. Thereafter, the coupling device (240) enables the second member to move relative to the first member.

Abstract: An impact damper includes two tubes which are slidable one in the other for braking a vehicle impact against an obstacle by hydraulic damping forces and pneumatic spring forces. The inner tube is closed off by a bottom. A gas chamber containing a high pressure gas cushion is arranged adjacent to the bottom and bounded by a separating piston that is guided sealingly and displaceably in the inner tube. A first fluid chamber is arranged between the separating piston and a partition fixed in the inner tube and provided with choke openings. A second fluid chamber is formed by the outer tube and connected to the first fluid chamber via the partition. The outer tube has a tapering region directed away from the partition, and a deformation element dividing the second fluid chamber into two part chambers.

Abstract: A load limiting device is used with a vehicle seat belt during a crash to allow a limited and controlled forward motion of a vehicle occupant after the retractor has locked. The load limiting device decreases the forces exerted by the seat belt on the vehicle occupant's torso. The load limiting device has a metal member and means for deforming the metal member associated with the seat belt. Excessive load on the seat belt is transferred to the metal member by deforming the metal member.

Abstract: A pipe restraint and methods for its use are disclosed. The pipe restraint includes a hollow cylindrical housing of varying diameter. A shaft having first and second wedges is received by the housing. The housing is attached to a fixed structural member, such as a wall and the shaft is attached to the pipe. Depending on the force being applied to the pipe, one of the wedges engages the housing at a point where the diameter changes. The housing's resistance to movement of the wedges varies between two points of differing diameter of the housing. In one embodiment a disc spring assembly is located at one end of the housing. In one method a gapped restraint is attached to a pipe and the size of the gap in the restraint is less than the anticipated movement of the pipe due to a static load.

Abstract: An anchor plate (2) mounted on the outside (15) of an inner vehicle body panel (8) having an elongate member with first, second and third holes (22,24,26) aligned on the plate (2), the second hole (22) being disposed between the first and third holes (24,26), and closer to the first hole (24) the third hole (26), the first hole (24) being directed to the front of the vehicle and the third hole (26) being directed to the rear of the vehicle. First, second and third nuts (32,34,36) are aligned with the first, second and third holes (22,24,26), respectively, for receiving respective bolts and screws (16,18,20) which fix the anchor plate (2) to the inner vehicle body panel (8).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for isolating and absorbing energy associated with shock forces that are exerted upon an object, such as the energy attendant to shock forces experienced during and immediately following a mild to severe impact. The apparatus generally having: (a) a housing defining an enclosure; (b) at least one segment of non-liquid material contained within the enclosure; and (c) a piston placed within the enclosure. When the shock or impact force is applied to either the piston or housing, the piston urges the non-liquid material to pass or extrude through an aperture, orifice, channel or slot located either within the piston or the housing. The non-liquid material passes or extrudes through the aperture, orifice, channel or slot in a direction that is generally transverse to the relative movement of the piston within the enclosure.

Abstract: A steering column assembly. The steering column assembly comprises an upper column member and a lower column member mounted to the upper column member such that the upper column member can move relative to the lower column member. A shock absorption assembly is interconnected between the upper column member and lower column member. The shock absorption assembly includes a piston member and a piston receiver, the piston receiver including absorbing material which, upon impact to the upper column member, is compressed by the piston member within the piston receiver and extruded from the piston receiver so as to absorb impact energy as the upper column member moves relative to the lower column member.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing steering column for a motor vehicle including a housing, an energy absorber between the housing and a body structure of the motor vehicle, a box-shaped bracket on the body structure surrounding a first end of the housing for vertical support, and a horizontal rod on the housing near a second end thereof, the lateral ends of which are seated on horizontal shoulders of a pair of vertical hangers on the body structure for vertical support of the second end of the housing. A cam is rotatably supported on the horizontal rod and locked in a retracted position by a retainer until the housing achieves vertical support on the body structure by the box-shaped bracket and the horizontal shoulders of the vertical hangers. When the retainer is withdrawn from the cam, a torsion spring rotates the cam to a position wedged between the body structure and the housing to eliminate vertical lash.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system for a vehicle having an energy absorbing device. The energy absorbing device is attached to a vehicle pillar and is also attached to the vehicle's seat belt. When a predetermined load is placed on the seat belt, the energy absorbing device is activated to reduce the peak load. The energy absorbing device includes a spool rotatably mounted to the pillar, a wire member attached at one end to the spool, wound around the spool, and attached at another end to the seat belt. Tear resistant media at least partially encases the wire member and the spool such that as the wire member unwinds from the spool, it cuts through the tear resistant media thereby absorbing energy so as to reduce the peak seat belt load.

Abstract: A shock absorbing apparatus for a steering column includes an energy absorbing member which is immovably fixed to a vehicle body and a bracket adapted to move together with the steering column with respect to the energy absorbing member. The bracket is provided with a horizontally crushing through-hole portion, while the energy absorbing member is provided with a pair of crushable abutment portions formed respectively on opposite sides of a flat plate-like main portion. The energy absorbing member is disposed by being passed through the horizontally crushing through-hole portion, and both sides of the horizontally crushing through-hole portion normally abut against the crushable abutment portions.

Abstract: A system for limiting the movement of a pipe due to a seismic event is disclosed, including an energy absorbing device for restraining the pipe in the event of the seismic event, and a clamp adapted be attached about the pipe at a point where the anticipated unrestrained movement due to a seismic event is greater than the anticipated thermal movement of the pipe. The energy absorbing device is connected at one of its ends to the clamp, and the opposite end of the energy absorbing device is adapted to be connected to a substantially immovable support structure or wall. The device includes a first elongated member having a hollow portion therein and a second member mounted within the hollow portion of the first member. One of the first and second members has its front end fixedly connected to the clamp, and the other one of the members has its rear end adapted to be connected fixedly to the support structure.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel lock housing is mounted as an interference fit on the end of a steering column which has an extended slot. The lock housing has an internal peg which slides in the slot and is spaced from the inner end of it. In the event of vehicle crash, the lock housing is driven further down the slot continuing to be loaded as a result of the interference fit, the tube closing around the slot after the tube has passed the peg. Instead of the steering lock housing, another tubular member could be mounted on the end of a steering column to achieve the required collapse facility.

Abstract: An underframe for a passenger aircraft seat, the underframe including at least one element forming a front leg and at least one element forming a rear leg, and energy absorption structure that is active when a moving element of the seat moves relative to another element of the seat or of the floor of the aircraft cabin, under the effect of the seat being subjected to deceleration above a predetermined value. The energy absorption structure includes an energy absorption device including a male part that penetrates by force and with plastic deformation into an aperture in a female part. Either the female part or the male part is attached on and directly associated with the moving element, and the other part, i.e. the male part or the female part, is attached on and directly associated with the other element.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column including a tubular lower mast jacket anchored on a vehicle body, a tubular upper mast jacket telescoped inside the tubular lower mast jacket, a plurality of steel spheres interference fitted in an annulus defined an overlap between the mast jackets, and a plastic ball sleeve in the annulus having pockets loosely receiving respective ones of the steel spheres. The ball sleeve has a plurality of notches in an edge thereof exposed through an outboard end of the lower mast jacket. An anti-rotation bracket is welded to a stationary mounting bracket attached to the lower mast jacket and includes a plurality of tangs which project through the outboard end of the lower mast jacket into respective ones of the notches in the ball sleeve whereby rotation of the ball sleeve about a longitudinal centerline of the steering column is positively foreclosed.

Abstract: An energy absorbing structure is employed in a front or rear portion of a vehicle body. The structure is in the form of a unitary and one-piece longitudinally extending aluminum or aluminum alloy member that is extruded to have a substantially uniform cross section. The member is subjected to an aging heat treatment operation to impart a material strength to the member. Subsequently, at least one longitudinal zone of the member is subjected to an overaging heat treatment to thereby lower the material strength of such zone. As a result, by the member being subjected to longitudinally differential heat treatment, the member has material strengths differing longitudinal of the member. Upon an impact being imparted to the portion of the vehicle body, a force acting on the member will cause the zone thereof to be subjected to axial compression deformation.

Abstract: An energy absorbing apparatus having a deformable strip (20) with prefabricated projections (28) thereon is disclosed for use in passive restraint systems of motor vehicles (10). Examples are shown with the energy absorbing apparatus integrated in a steering column system (12) and a seat belt system (14). Specifically, the prefabricated projections (28) on the deformable strip (20) permit an impact force to be dissipated at a variable rate as the deformable strip (20) is drawn through a set of rollers (30,32).

Abstract: In an energy converter in a restraining system for vehicle occupants a particularly smooth profile of the force as a function of the travel is achieved in that only a few deformation members are provided which effect a plastic deformation of a tubular converter body (10). A plate (30) is pivotal between a rest position inclined to the axis of the converter body (10) and an erected operating position in which it brings the deformation members (30a) formed at its radially outer ends into engagement with the inner side of the converter body (10).

Abstract: A shock absorber comprises a tubular sleeve (46) and a load applying member (45) having a nut (47) normally in engagement with an end of the sleeve (46). Under loading the nut is drawn into the sleeve to cause permanent radial deformation of the sleeve wall thereby absorbing the loading.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having a backrest part hingedly connected to the frame so as to break forwardly about the hinged connection from a normal substantially upright position includes a braking device for preventing forward movement of the backrest part about the hinged connection under forces equivalent to less than a predetermined maximum forward force applied to the top of the backrest part but to permit forward movement of the backrest part under greater forces against a reaction provided by the braking device. The backrest part is preferably so constructed that no significant force may be applied to it by the knees of a passenger in a seat immediately behind. For example it may have an aperture in the region which will be immediately in front of the knees of a passenger occupying a seat immediately behind.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing shock absorber with two telescoping tubes, in particular for motor vehicles, for decelerating, as a result of hydraulic damping forces and pneumatic spring forces, a vehicle which collides with an obstacle, has an inner tube closed by a bottom, a gas chamber adjacent to the bottom and containing a gas cushion at high pressure, a separating piston guided in a sealed manner so that it can move inside the inner tube, a first fluid chamber, a partition which has throttle openings, and a second fluid chamber which is connected via the throttle openings of the partition to the first fluid chamber. Above a defined energy absorption threshold, the partition is can be displaced from its original installed position toward the gas chamber, with an accompanying change in the shape of the inner tube.

Abstract: An impact damper for supporting a bumper of a vehicle on the latter's chassis consists of two tubes one guided within the other, the external tube having at least one inwards-directed projection reinforced by a reinforcement ring and engaging with a suited depression of the internal tube. A deformation face is formed on the projection and tapers towards the axis of the tubes.

Abstract: A crushing through-hole section is formed at an upper portion of a bracket adapted to move together with a steering column. An energy absorbing body is inserted in the crushing through-hole section. The energy absorbing body has a flat fixed portion and a crushable protruding strip portion continuing therefrom, and is mounted immovably. The crushing through-hole section is normally retained at an end portion of the crushable protruding strip portion.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for use alongside a roadway to decelerate an impacting vehicle includes first and second elements. The first element extends in an axial direction and includes a threaded portion that defines a multitude of projecting ridges. The second element is movable relative to the first element in the axial direction, and the first and second elements are sized to create an interference fit such that relative axial movement of the second element applies a shear load to the first element to progressively deform successive ones of the projecting elements. This progressive deformation of the projecting elements retards relative axial movement between the first and second elements.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column arrangement for a vehicle comprises a U-shaped deformable member connected to a fixed support for the steering column and a deforming member connected to the steering column itself. Under impact conditions caused by an accident the members move relative to one another thus allowing the steering column to collapse. This relative movement of the members enables the deforming member to contact the base of the `U` to deform the U-shaped deformable member to reduce its overall length thus absorbing the energy of the impact and allowing the column to collapse in a controlled manner. The members can be shaped and dimensioned to give the desired energy absorption characteristics.

Abstract: In an energy converter in a restraining system for vehicle occupants a particularly smooth profile of the force as a function of the travel is achieved in that only a few deformation members are provided which effect a plastic deformation of a tubular converter body (10). As deformation member at least one ball (18) is provided which rests on a ramp face of a piston element (14).

Abstract: An energy absorbing device comprising: an elongate body arranged along a longitudinal axis to receive an axial impact force at a first end thereof; apparatus arranged adjacent a second end of the body for deformation thereof; die apparatus for producing deformation of the body and a ring fixed to the die apparatus and surrounding the body. Also disclosed is a repeatable energy absorption device including crushing apparatus having threaded apparatus on its outside surface. Upon receipt of the axial impact, the first end of the body moves from a first position away from the crushing apparatus to a second position closer to the crushing apparatus. The device additionally includes threaded sleeve apparatus having a first end for supporting the crushing apparatus and for moving the crushing apparatus toward the first end after the axial impact, to return the first end of the body to the first position.

Abstract: A steering shaft is rotatably mounted within a steering column housing and is formed of two telescopingly engaged steering shaft members. A portion of one of the steering shaft members is deformed into a notch formed at one end of the other steering shaft member to mechanically and non-separably interconnect the two shaft members together during normal operating conditions, and allowing separation and telescoping collapse of the steering shaft members under axial force on the steering column shaft. A longitudinally extending projection is formed in the outer steering shaft members and engages the inner disposed steering shaft member to rigidly interconnect the two steering shaft members.