Electric Patents (Class 293/10)
  • EXTENDABLE BUMPER
    Publication number: 20090152880
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for extending a bumper on a motor vehicle having driven wheels. The apparatus includes a drive to derive power from the rotating wheels, an actuator for extending the bumper, and a controller for connecting the actuator to the drive. When bumper extension is desired, drive power is transferred from the motor vehicle's rotating wheels to the actuator to effect deployment of the bumper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Donovan
  • Active vehicle front structure for energy management
    Patent number: 6773044
    Abstract: An active vehicle front structure for energy management including a bumper movable from a retracted position during low speed maneuvering and parking to an extended position during operation of the vehicle over a pre-defined threshold speed. The bumper in the extended position serves to extend the crumple zone, reducing overall vehicle damage, and to increase the time over which vehicle decelerates during a collision, reducing the likelihood and severity of injuries to occupants of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: John E Schambre, L Guy Montford, Darrell Ferraiuolo, David L Garber, Michael O Forker