Crushable Element Patents (Class 188/377)
-
Patent number: 12214811Abstract: Anti-climbing device for a rail vehicle includes a baffle plate, wherein a plurality of mutually parallel protruding first formations are arranged along a linear path on the baffle plate, and a plurality of mutually parallel protruding second formations are arranged along a linear path on the baffle plate and are orientated normally with respect to the first formations, where the extent of the second formations over the face of the baffle plate is smaller than the extent of the first formations over the face of the baffle plate, and where the first formations, at intersection locations of the formations, each have a recess in which the extent of the first formation is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2020Date of Patent: February 4, 2025Assignee: Siemens Mobility Austria GmbHInventor: Richard Graf
-
Patent number: 12070994Abstract: A battery pack is provided, including at least one layer of battery cells in a height direction thereof. Each layer of battery cells includes either or both of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns of battery cells. The battery cells in each row are arranged end-to-end in a length direction of the battery pack. The rows are arranged in a width direction of the battery pack. At least a part of the battery cells in each row are staggered with corresponding battery cells in an immediately adjacent row of battery cells. The battery cells in each column are arranged end-to-end in the width direction of the battery pack. The columns are arranged in the length direction of the battery pack. At least a part of the battery cells in each column are staggered with corresponding battery cells in an immediately adjacent column of battery cells.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2021Date of Patent: August 27, 2024Assignee: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITYInventors: Qing Zhou, Po-Wen Chen, Yong Xia
-
Patent number: 12005682Abstract: Described are various dual-tapered composite laminate structures. These structures may comprise a plurality of finite sub-laminate cards, each one of the plurality of cards having the same shape and size as the other ones of the plurality of cards and having opposing surfaces oriented in a card plane, opposing primary edges of the planar surfaces, and opposing secondary edges of the planar surfaces, the opposing secondary edges being perpendicular to the opposing primary edges. The finite sub-laminate cards are stacked relative to one another in a successively offset manner. Also described are methods of stacking and sliding (for offset) the finite sub-laminate cards. Tapered fuselage skin and fuel tank covers are also considered.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2021Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITYInventor: Stephen W. Tsai
-
Patent number: 11732555Abstract: A downhole perforation system includes a ballistic device having an first end and a second end, the ballistic device carrying an explosive material. The system further includes a shock absorption device coupled to at least one of the first or second end of the ballistic device and configured to absorb at least a portion of impact energy produced from detonation of the explosive material. The shock absorption device includes a shock absorption module which includes a viscoelastic body and a rigid structure molded within the viscoelastic body. The rigid structure is configured to break or deform when impacted by a threshold amount of impact energy. Broken or deformed portions of the rigid structure are contained within the viscoelastic body.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2020Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLCInventor: Saeed Rafie
-
Patent number: 11547166Abstract: A helmet to be worn on a head of a wearer includes a shell comprised of a hard impact resistant material. The shell has inner and outer surfaces and is adapted to surround at least a portion of the cranial part of wearer's head with the inner surface of the shell being spaced from the wearer's head at an initial pre-impact relative position when the helmet is worn. A subliner, at least a part of which is adapted to be in contact with the wearer's head when the helmet is worn prior to an impact and during an impact, includes at least one subliner element extending from the inner surface of the shell. The at least one subliner element is constructed of an energy absorbing viscoelastic foam material. The at least one subliner element is radially partitioned into individual and independent segments. The independent segments are nested with respect to each other with double-sided nano tape positioned therebetween such that the nested segments have side surfaces in direct contacting engagement with the nano tape.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2022Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: LIONHEAD HELMET INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, LPInventor: Robert L. Leon
-
Patent number: 11386726Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to predict damage to one or more components of a host vehicle and predict a hazard for a user of the host vehicle based on the predicted damage of at least one of the components disposed at the collision location. The computer predicts the damage based on an energy transfer between a target vehicle and the host vehicle. The energy transfer is based on a speed of a target vehicle, a mass of the target vehicle, a predicted contact area of a collision location of the host vehicle where the target vehicle is predicted to collide, and a deformation strength of material at the collision location.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2019Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brendan Diamond, Erik J. Christen, Matthew Joseph, Shehan Haputhanthri
-
Patent number: 11299117Abstract: An energy absorbing device includes a deformable elongate member that is arranged in a manner such that the device, in use, deforms in a controlled manner upon the absorption of impact energy. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing the energy absorbing device.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2017Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: City University of Hong KongInventors: Jian Lu, Yuan Gao, Tao Tang, Lu Yao
-
Patent number: 11247624Abstract: A crash impact attenuator is adapted for deployment on a vehicle, and includes a cartridge portion having at least one energy absorbing module, as well as a backup system having a backup frame, which is adapted to attach the cartridge portion to the vehicle. The backup system includes an actuator configured to pivot the cartridge portion between a deployed orientation and a stored orientation about a pivot axis disposed on a lower half of the backup system. The backup system further includes a lockout frame member having a contact surface on one end thereof, the lockout frame member being actuatable between a deployed orientation wherein the contact surface engages a portion of the backup frame to support the backup frame against vehicular impact forces and a stowed orientation wherein the contact surface is not engaged with the backup frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2021Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.Inventors: Geoffrey B. Maus, Ryan Selvius
-
Patent number: 11235807Abstract: A rear vehicle-body structure of a vehicle can enhance the performance of protecting a vehicle component disposed under a rear floor against a rear-end collision load. The rear vehicle-body structure of a vehicle includes a rear bumper reinforcement having a rear bumper beam extending in a vehicle width direction along a rear bumper and load absorbing parts extending from left and right ends of the rear bumper beam toward a vehicle front side, and rear side frames extending in a vehicle front-rear direction respectively along left and right side portions of a rear floor and coupled at rear ends to front ends of the load absorbing parts, with a vehicle component being disposed under the rear floor. A vertical center of the rear bumper beam is located lower than a respective vertical center of each of the rear side frames.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Harumitsu Kubota, Taichi Hirakawa, Nobuyuki Nakayama, Yasunori Isshiki
-
Patent number: 11230240Abstract: The proposed connection device includes attachment portions that are separated from each other such that the one of the crash absorbing member and the vehicle body component is insertable between the attachment portions. This allows for a transverse slidable motion of the one of the crash absorbing member and the vehicle body component with respect to the main body. Thus, the crash absorbing member or the vehicle body component, whichever is going to be attached to the attachment portions, is slidable in transverse direction, i.e. substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of e.g. the crash absorbing member.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2020Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventor: Johan Eklund
-
Patent number: 11167705Abstract: A vehicle component for a vehicle has a component body which is formed from a core material. The component body has a localized deformation zone which extends flat in the core material, and the deformation zone has a locally variable tensile strength according to a predetermined tensile strength profile configured to influence a deformation profile of the component body upon a force acting on the component body.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2019Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventors: Georg Frost, Mathias Lohberg
-
Patent number: 11155303Abstract: A structural arrangement for a vehicle includes a vehicle frame including an upper front rail, a frame rail, and a front hinge pillar, the frame rail extending parallel to a vehicle body axis and the front hinge pillar extending perpendicular to the vehicle body axis, the frame rail including a pulley, a load deflection system including a load member coupled to the upper front rail at a first attachment point, coupled to the frame rail at a detachable attachment point, and coupled to the front hinge pillar at a non-detachable attachment point such that the cable member extends generally longitudinally along the frame rail. The load member passes around the pulley from the first attachment point to the detachable attachment point and defines a load path between the upper front rail and the front hinge pillar utilizing the strength the frame rail.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ashish Nayak, Dheeraj Jha, Manoj Marella
-
Patent number: 11091108Abstract: A bumper reinforcement mounting structure includes a plurality of vehicle body skeleton members disposed at an interval in a vehicle width direction and extending in a vehicle front-rear direction, a bumper reinforcement that extends in the vehicle width direction and is mounted on the vehicle body skeleton members, and a first mounting member that is used to mount a mounting portion of the bumper reinforcement on one of the vehicle body skeleton members. The first mounting member has shear strength that is lower than shear strength of the mounting portion of the bumper reinforcement.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2018Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kohei Hisada, Kazuki Ohtake, Tetsuo Nuruki
-
Patent number: 11046364Abstract: A front support apparatus for a vehicle may include an upper back beam mounted at a front of the vehicle, extending in a width direction of the vehicle, and connected to front end portions of a pair of fender aprons positioned at the front of the vehicle; a middle back beam mounted below the upper back beam, extending in the width direction of the vehicle, and connected to front end portions of a pair of front side members extending to the front of the vehicle; and a lower back beam mounted below the middle back beam, extending in the width direction of the vehicle, and connected to a front portion of a front sub-frame mounted below the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Do Hoi Kim
-
Patent number: 11046368Abstract: In a shock-absorbing member in which a wood member is embedded in a resin covering member so as to be integrated therewith and in which the wood member is collapsed when subjected to an impact load, thereby absorbing a portion of the impact load, sealing members are disposed between both end surfaces of the wood member in an axis direction of annual rings and an inner surface of the covering member, so as to hermetically cover both end surfaces of the wood member.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA SHATAI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Toshihisa Miura
-
Patent number: 11040679Abstract: A structure of the vehicle includes a rear side member, a crush box and a bumper reinforcement. The rear side member is arranged outside in a width direction of the vehicle and is extended with a length direction of the rear side member coinciding with a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The crush box plastically deforms through compression of the vehicle. The bumper reinforcement is provided with a hat-shaped open cross-section where a recess portion recessed outward with respect to the vehicle is provided in an inner surface of the bumper reinforcement in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A width of an open-end portion of the recess portion in a vertical direction of the vehicle is set larger than a width of the rear side member and a size of the crush box in the vertical direction of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2019Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kohei Hisada, Kazuki Ohtake
-
Patent number: 11034326Abstract: A bracket for mounting an anchor pretensioner and a retractor for a vehicle seat is provided. The bracket comprises a first plate facing the anchor pretensioner, a second plate facing the retractor and a hollow spacer extending between the first and second plates, and connected to the first and second plates. The hollow spacer is configured to allow a fastener to pass through to connect the anchor pretensioner and the retractor to a vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Shannon Alan Anthony Buhagiar
-
Patent number: 11001214Abstract: A bumper system with a bumper beam and two crash boxes, and two intermediate elements, wherein the intermediate elements have a first wall and a second wall that are arranged such that, from the perspective of direction x, the first wall points toward the exterior of the vehicle and the second wall points toward the interior of the vehicle, wherein walls are linked to each other at their one end in direction y, and wherein the linked ends point toward the exterior of the vehicle. The walls continue to be connected to at least one first support wall. The intermediate elements are arranged in the bumper system so that, in the event of a force striking the bumper beam in direction x, the intermediate element is deformed first and thereafter the crash box assigned to the intermediate element is subsequently deformed.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: BENTELER AUTOMOBILTECHNIK GMBHInventors: Odd Perry Sovic, Vincent Vilamosa
-
Patent number: 10939719Abstract: A helmet has inner and outer shells separated by a plurality of interconnected relatively soft columns or posts. The columns each have a middle post or pillar section, a capital that is of larger diameter than the post, and a base also of larger transverse dimension than the post. When an impact above a design threshold occurs on the outer shell, the columns, particularly the post sections thereof, near the impact location compress and buckle, dissipating impact kinetic energy, while columns spaced from the impact zone stretch and support more of the impact force. The applied force is therefore reduced and spread out over a relatively large area, and a resultant wave created within the column manifold disperses additional heat, further reducing the force and torque applied on the outer shell and transmitted to the inner shell and onto the skull of a helmet user. A method and mold for fabricating the column manifold are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2020Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Inventors: Richard A. Brandt, Dragoslav Scepanovic
-
Patent number: 10882482Abstract: The inner side of the crush can 4 in the vehicle width direction extends forward relative to the outer side. The inner side of the crush can 4 in the vehicle width direction is formed with the cutout portions 70 to 73 by cutting off a part of a material.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2017Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Kuniyoshi Tashiro, Ippei Kuroda, Satoshi Nakamura
-
Patent number: 10816054Abstract: An energy absorber includes a monolithic length of ductile material comprising a first end and a second end. The material is formed to include at least a first longitudinally extending section that extends continuously between the ends, a first discontinuous section extending longitudinally from the first end toward the second end and at least a second discontinuous section extending longitudinally from the second end toward the first end. The first longitudinally extending section is deformed over at least a portion thereof out of a plane running through both ends. The first discontinuous section and the second discontinuous section are connected such that tensile force of a threshold magnitude is required between the ends to disconnect the first discontinuous section from the second discontinuous section, letting the first longitudinally extending section free to deform under tensile force and extend in longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2020Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Justin Shane Patton, Brian C. Montgomery
-
Patent number: 10703484Abstract: An aircraft seat assembly for supporting a seat occupant, and a method for fabricating an aircraft seat assembly for supporting a seat occupant are provided. In one non-limiting example, the aircraft seat assembly includes a seat structure and a seat cushion that is supported by the seat structure. A vibration mitigating apparatus is operatively coupled to the seat structure to prevent or reduce vibrations from transferring to the seat occupant.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace CorporationInventor: Michael Knight
-
Patent number: 10696255Abstract: An impact absorbing element comprising a tubular body for absorbing the impact energy in a vehicle is proposed, the impact absorbing element having a double honeycomb-shaped cross section and being configured as a 10-face polygonal line, and honeycomb points being configured which are situated at a spacing (b2) from one another of approximately half the overall height (b1) of the impact absorbing element and define a width.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Roland Keller, Satish Shivpanor
-
Patent number: 10669004Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft includes an airframe having a transverse axis and a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular relative to the transverse axis. A transmission and rotor support platform is arranged in the airframe. A transmission is supported by the transmission and rotor support platform. An energy attenuation system mechanically links the transmission and rotor support platform with the airframe. The energy attenuation system includes a first plurality of collapsible support members selectively facilitating rotation of the transmission and rotor support platform about the transverse axis and a second plurality of collapsible support members, the first and second pluralities of support members selectively facilitating translation of the transmission and rotor support platform along an axis that is substantially parallel to the rotor axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventor: Alan R. Goodworth
-
Patent number: 10661741Abstract: There is provided a crash box comprising a pedestal portion attached to one of two members that are placed in an inward-outward direction of a vehicle; and a bottomed tubular portion integrally molded with the pedestal portion and configured to include a base end portion that is arranged to rise from the pedestal portion and an extended portion that is extended from the base end portion and that has a leading end wall which forms a bottom of the tubular portion and which is attached to the other of the two members, wherein the tubular portion is configured such that a side wall of the extended portion has a smaller thickness than a thickness of a side wall of the base end portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2016Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Keikinzoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takanobu Kaneko, Takafumi Hayashi, Katsuhiko Nakajo, Kiyoichi Kita, Jun Shobo, Tamaki Obayashi, Kyosuke Matsui
-
Patent number: 10660389Abstract: A helmet has inner and outer shells separated by a plurality of interconnected relatively soft columns or posts. The columns each have a middle post or pillar section, a capital that is of larger diameter than the post, and a base also of larger transverse dimension than the post. When an impact above a design threshold occurs on the outer shell, the columns, particularly the post sections thereof, near the impact location compress and buckle, dissipating impact kinetic energy, while columns spaced from the impact zone stretch and support more of the impact force. The applied force is therefore reduced and spread out over a relatively large area, and a resultant wave created within the column manifold disperses additional heat, further reducing the force and torque applied on the outer shell and transmitted to the inner shell and onto the skull of a helmet user. A method and mold for fabricating the column manifold are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Inventors: Richard A. Brandt, Dragoslav Scepanovic
-
Patent number: 10647358Abstract: A hollow interconnecting member for connecting vehicular frame members is provided. The hollow interconnecting member is formed of a metal material and defines a centerline. The hollow interconnecting member comprises a first end and a second end. The centerline extends through the first end and the second end. A plurality of walls cooperate to define a continuous passageway that extends between the first end and the second end and defines a first opening and a second opening at the first end and the second end, respectively. The hollow interconnecting member is formed as an as-cast one-piece construction.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Brian E. Dressel, Rajendra L. Kakarla, Jason T. Hardesty, Andrew George Bakun, Kevin A. Hothem, Brian C. Bray, Hirotomo Yamada
-
Patent number: 10640066Abstract: A bumper assembly includes a bumper beam and a fin supported by the bumper beam. The fin extends along an axis from a proximate end proximate to the bumper beam to a distal end distal to the bumper beam. The fin has a sinuous cross section and a thickness each normal to the axis. The thickness at the distal end is less than the thickness at the proximate end.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2018Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: S. M. Iskander Farooq, Mohammad Omar Faruque, Ching-Hung Chuang, Srinivasan Sundararajan, Ninad Trifale, Nirmal Muralidharan, Dean M. Jaradi
-
Patent number: 10618483Abstract: An energy-absorbing assembly includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first polymer and a first plurality of reinforcing fibers. The first component includes a first peripheral wall defining a first interior compartment. A first interior portion of the first peripheral wall includes a first corrugated surface. A second component includes a second polymer and a second plurality of reinforcing fibers. The second component includes a second peripheral wall. A second interior portion of the second peripheral wall includes a second corrugated surface. The first corrugated surface is complementary to the second corrugated surface. The first corrugated surface is joined to the second corrugated surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2018Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Bradley A. Newcomb, Hamid G. Kia
-
Patent number: 10576921Abstract: A pedestrian protection device for a motor vehicle includes a bumper crossmember and a deformation element which is arranged on the bumper crossmember and which has a first element and a second element which are displaceable relative to each other in the event of a collision of the motor vehicle, and a mechanical locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a movable locking element which is pretensionable or is pretensioned with a spring device and which is arranged on the first element or on the second element, and with a depression or step to which the other of the first element and the second element can be latched in a form-fitting manner. In the event of a high displacement speed which is greater than or equal to a predetermined second displacement speed, the locking mechanism prevents displacement of the first element relative to the second element by means of self-locking of the locking element.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Stefan Hiermaier, Oeztzan Akif, Gerhard Fichtinger, Wilhelm Riedl
-
Patent number: 10578178Abstract: An energy absorber (10, 10?, 1010, 1110) includes a monolithic length of ductile material (20,1020,1120) comprising a first end (20a, 1020a, 1120a) and a second end (20b, 1020b, 1120b). The material is formed to include at least a first longitudinally extending section (40, 401, 1040, 1140) that extends continuously between the ends, a first discontinuous section (50a, 50a? 1050a, 1150a) extending longitudinally from the first end toward the second end and at least a second discontinuous section (50b, 50b?, 1050b, 1150b) extending longitudinally from the second end toward the first end. The first longitudinally extending section is deformed over at least a portion thereof out of a plane running through both ends.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Justin Shane Patton, Brian C Montgomery
-
Patent number: 10538213Abstract: A vehicle frame member includes a first wall portion formed into a band plate shape extending in a predetermined direction, a second wall portion and a third wall portion formed into a band plate shape extending in the predetermined direction, the second wall portion and the third wall portion extending in a first direction and in a second direction, respectively, from opposite ends of the first wall portion in a width direction of the first wall portion. Respective recessed groove portions extending in the predetermined direction are formed on respective outer surfaces of the second wall portion and the third wall portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Keikinzoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kohei Hodoya, Kiyoichi Kita, Jun Shobo
-
Patent number: 10486636Abstract: A side pillar air curtain guide includes a main body having a ramp receiver and an air curtain ramp insert connected to the main body. The air curtain ramp insert is of honeycomb construction.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2018Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Diego Fabricio Villacres Mesias, Alfredo Cuevas Vega, Hector Hernandez Hernandez, Robert Ralph Armitage, Jr., Amy Marie Boardman
-
Patent number: 10487465Abstract: A guardrail extruder head includes: top and bottom feeder channels; an impact plate having a face for facing oncoming traffic, wherein the face of the impact plate has an upper substantially planar area and a lower substantially planar area separated by a horizontal tooth projecting out between the upper and lower areas; a top plate connecting the impact plate to the top feeder channel; a bottom plate connecting the impact plate to the bottom feeder channel; a front extruder plate coupled between the top and bottom plates; a curved deflector plate attached to the front extruder plate and coupled between the top and bottom plates; a front brace on the front extruder plate near the curved deflector plate and coupled between the top and bottom plates; a back extruder plate opposite to the front extruder plate and coupled between the top and bottom plates.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Inventors: Joshua Harman, Donald Leo Monin, Jr.
-
Patent number: 10464516Abstract: An energy-absorbing knee bolster frame (10) for a vehicle (1) comprises a longitudinal knee contact member (20), a first energy-absorbing transverse bracket member (30) and a second energy-absorbing transverse bracket member (40). The first energy-absorbing transverse bracket member (30) and the second energy-absorbing transverse bracket member (40) extend in a transverse direction (Y) and are spaced apart on the longitudinal knee contact member (20). The longitudinal knee contact member (20) has a knee contact surface (22) for receiving a part of a knee (80) of an occupant (P) upon a collision. The first energy-absorbing transverse bracket member (30) has a cross section defining an open profile, and is adapted at one end (32) to engage with a vehicle interior component (100), and includes a plurality of first deformation segments (34A-N) configured for absorbing energy generated by a knee impact.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Ningbo Geely Automobile Research & Development Co., Ltd.Inventors: Christer Gewert, Henrik Hellekant
-
Patent number: 10428894Abstract: Provided is a resin-made impact absorption member including: an impact absorption portion which includes a fiber-reinforced resin material containing reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic resin and has a hollow structure including an outer cylindrical portion and a hollow portion, in which the reinforcing fiber has an average fiber length of 1 mm to 100 mm, the thermoplastic resin has a fracture elongation of 10% or more, the fiber-reinforced resin material has a compressive elastic modulus of 10 GPa or more and a compressive strength of 150 MPa to 500 MPa, and in the impact absorption portion, a maximum value of a ratio L1/t1 of a distance L1 from a position of the center of gravity to the outer cylindrical portion on a same section in a sectional shape in a direction orthogonal to an impact absorption direction, to a thickness t1 of the outer cylindrical portion, is 40 or less.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2015Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Teijin LimitedInventors: Shuhei Onoue, Tadashi Yamaji, Keizo Yokoyama, Kohei Oka
-
Patent number: 10422401Abstract: An energy-absorbing structure includes a first mounting fixture having a base and a cavity formed in the base. The cavity is structured to receive a portion of an energy-absorbing member therein. The cavity has at least one wall, a bottom, and at least a pair of opposed crush initiator portions extending between the at least one wall and the bottom. A portion of an energy-absorbing member is inserted into the cavity. The energy-absorbing member is in contact with the first mounting fixture along the first mounting fixture crush initiator portions.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2016Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Umesh N. Gandhi
-
Patent number: 10370092Abstract: A vehicle load-limiting suspension apparatus comprises at least one shear tab for controlling an amount of impact load applied to a vehicle structure when a vehicle impact event occurs. The vehicle load-limiting suspension apparatus further comprises at least one crush tube for limiting the amount of impact load applied to the vehicle structure after the at least one shear tab shears in response to occurrence of the vehicle impact event.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2016Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Akif O. Bolukbasi, Timothy R. Gleason
-
Patent number: 10330168Abstract: A vehicle beam is provided. The vehicle beam may include an outer tube having four outer walls an inner tube having four inner walls inside the outer tube and a first set and a second set of ribs. The first set of ribs may extend from a midpoint of each inner wall to a midpoint of each outer wall. The second set of ribs may extend from a midpoint of each of the first set of ribs to one corner of the outer tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Tau Tyan
-
Patent number: 10300874Abstract: A front-end carrier for a passenger vehicle is disclosed. The front-end carrier has at least one cross member element and at least two lateral strut elements which are connected to one another via the cross member element and extend downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle away from the cross member element. Via the strut elements, the front-end carrier can be supported on a main longitudinal support plane of the passenger vehicle. At least one further load plane is above the main longitudinal support plane and below the cross member element.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Jens Humpenoeder, Robin Kaiser, Thomas Metzner, Joerg Russ
-
Patent number: 10286933Abstract: The present invention discloses a honeycomb type cowcatcher and energy absorber for rail transit vehicles, comprising a high rigidity supporting back frame for cowcatcher and energy absorber, arranged detachably on a frame body of rail transit vehicle; at least one honeycomb type cowcatcher and energy absorber unit fixedly screwed on supporting back frame, applied to absorbing an impact energy generated by collision through plastic deformation; the honeycomb type unit comprises honeycomb structured accommodation cavity, where a honeycomb structure arranged. Through a method of mounting a honeycomb type unit onto the high rigidity supporting back frame, the present invention makes part of energy have been absorbed by the unit before a rigid collision between obstacle and train body happens, thus weakens a relatively large impact afforded by train body, therefore, decreases a damage from obstacle to train body.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2016Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: SHENZHEN CANSINGA TECHNOLOGY CO., LTDInventors: Changjie Luo, Wenze Yu, Zhaojing Liu, Shun Hu
-
Patent number: 10286865Abstract: A crash box for a vehicle, which mediates a back beam and a side member disposed in a width direction of the vehicle and absorbs crash energy when a crash occurs, may include a connecting body including a front coupling portion coupled to the back beam, a pair of side connecting portions bent from the front coupling portion to face each other, and a rear coupling portion extending from an end portion of each of the side connecting portions by being bent to be coupled to the side member; and a pair of connecting plates coupled to open upper and lower end portions of the connecting body, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp., Hanwha Advanced Materials Corporation, Automobile Industrial AceInventors: Sang Wook Nam, Hyun Gyung Kim, Seok Jae Park, Jeong Du Noh, Ki Jo Jeong
-
Patent number: 10266269Abstract: An inertia reel mount for a seat includes a slide, a carriage arranged to support a seatbelt inertia reel, and a damper. The carriage is movable between first and second positions relative to the slide. The damper is fixed to the slide, is arranged between the carriage and the slide to oppose movement of the carriage, and is arranged to absorb kinetic energy from the carriage from sudden acceleration of a seat occupant secured in the seat by the seatbelt as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2017Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Barton J. Hainsworth, Walter Thomas Mayo, IV
-
Patent number: 10214866Abstract: An end treatment array for crash attenuation includes a transition barrier module formed of side walls, end walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, wherein the module walls together define an enclosed interior space. The end treatment array further includes a containment impact sled having an axially extending frame. The frame has a width sufficient to contain the transition barrier module within the frame when in an assembled configuration, and has an axial length which is at least one-half the length of the transition barrier module. The frame defines an interior volume, the purpose of which is to contain a substantial portion of the transition barrier module in the assembled configuration, and to contain debris caused by destruction of the plastic barrier modules in a vehicular impact. The containment impact sled is attached to the transition barrier module.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2017Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.Inventors: Geoffrey B. Maus, Felipe Almanza, Jeremy Smith
-
Patent number: 10207747Abstract: A reinforcement member is provided and includes a reinforcement unit that has a pair of reinforcement unit bodies. Each of the reinforcement unit bodies has a protruding surface protruding from a middle part of the reinforcement unit body relative to a longitudinal direction of the reinforcement unit body. The protruding surfaces of the reinforcement unit bodies are in contact with each other while opposing each other, and opposite end parts of the reinforcement unit have rectangular cross sections when cutting the reinforcement unit perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the reinforcement unit. A plurality of reinforcement units are arranged and the cross sections of the opposite end parts of the reinforcement units form columns and rows of the reinforcement member.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Hoon Chang, Dong Keun Yoo, Huen Sick Min
-
Patent number: 10202025Abstract: A vehicle roof module having a transparent roof element and a roller blind apparatus arranged under the roof element and having a roller blind track, which is wound on a winding shaft and can be pulled out to cover the underside of the roof element, and which is guided by a drain edge when pulled out from the winding shaft, wherein, according to the invention, foam material attached on or around the roof element contains a drain edge body having the drain edge.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: WEBASTO SEInventor: Guido Bott
-
Patent number: 10174540Abstract: A refrigerator has a heat-insulated carcass which has an inner container with a cool able interior space for storing food, a refrigeration device for cooling the interior space, an electromechanical opening assisting device, and a door leaf mounted to the carcass for opening and closing the interior space. The opening assisting device contains an actuator configured to open the door leaf automatically by displacement of a control body. The actuator has a displaceable base body, a plunger mounted in the base body as the control body and an overload protection device arresting the plunger in the base body. The overload protection device fixes the plunger rigidly in the base body, for as long as an impact force acting on the plunger remains smaller than a trigger force and to release the plunger from the base body as soon as an impact force acting on the plunger exceeds the trigger force.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2016Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Adolf Heydel, Nikolaus Schmidt
-
Patent number: 10151108Abstract: Architectural precast concrete construction relies on mechanical connectors at discrete location that may be damaged in a blast or seismic event, posing specific design problems to the engineer. These problems can be overcome with proper detailing. The performance of precast concrete cladding wall panel connection details may be enhanced by incorporating a specific connection hardware, herein described, that deforms elastically or inelastically to accommodate relative displacements due to building motion and/or energy associated with blast pressures.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Inventor: Mark Hildebrand
-
Patent number: 10119348Abstract: An inner barrel assembly for use with a coring tool may include a sleeve located coaxially within an inner barrel in a telescoping manner. The core barrel assembly may also include a cap located above a top end of the sleeve when the inner barrel assembly is in an initial coring position. The cap may include a skirt having a portion extending downwardly from the cap. A coring tool including an inner barrel assembly and methods of forming an inner barrel assembly are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Audun Kvinnesland
-
Patent number: RE47971Abstract: A child restraint includes a juvenile vehicle seat and an energy-absorption apparatus coupled to the juvenile vehicle seat. The energy-absorption apparatus is configured to absorb external energy associated with an external impact force applied to the energy-absorption apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc.Inventors: Alan Tanner, Kim Tat, Stephen B. Oltman, Meihui Lin