One-shot Type Patents (Class 293/133)
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Publication number: 20140312637Abstract: A support structure assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a side member extending in a generally longitudinal direction and having a forward end; a link member having a generally fixed shape and having outer and inner mounting portions with the inner portion being mounted to the side member via an inner hinged connection; and a bumper having a main bumper member and a bumper extension member forming an end portion of the bumper. The bumper extends generally transverse and lateral to the longitudinal direction of the side member, and the bumper extension member extends laterally across and beyond the forward end of the side member. The bumper extension member includes forward and rearward wall portions. The rearward wall portion is sandwiched between the main bumper member and the forward end of the side member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Naipaul D. Ramoutar, Taichi Yamashita
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Publication number: 20140312636Abstract: A vehicle bumper system comprises a bumper reinforcement beam and an energy absorber with top and bottom rows of similarly-shaped spaced-apart crush lobes in alternating relation for uniform impact resistance across the bumper system. The illustrated top row of crush lobes provides a high first force-deflection curve for high impact forces, and the bottom row of crush lobes provides a lower second force-deflection curve, for pedestrian reduced injury. An elongated sensor is positioned under shear walls of the top and bottom crush lobes, and is retained by tabs on the energy absorber. This positively retains the sensor in position on the bumper system, with few (or zero) separate fasteners, while facilitating quick assembly and reliable operation of the sensor tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Shape Corp.Inventors: Cort Corwin, Joseph Matecki, Craig Oomen
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Patent number: 8857894Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle, notably a motor vehicle, chassis frame side rail made up of two section pieces of U-shaped cross section, welded together by longitudinal connecting tabs juxtaposed contiguously and more or less perpendicularly extending the ends of the branches of the U, in which each section piece has, between each of the tabs and the branches of the U that it extends, a joining area that forms two separate longitudinal plastic hinges that deform if the side rail is deformed by longitudinal compression so as to keep the welded joint between the tabs intact.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SAInventor: Loic Grall
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Patent number: 8857897Abstract: A lower garnish arranged adjacent to the lower part of a tailgate includes a surface portion extending along an outer surface of an outer panel and a mounting portion disposed between the outer surface of the outer panel and an inner surface of the surface portion. The mounting portion includes a mounting seat extending along the outer surface of the outer panel and being mounted on the outer panel and a connecting wall connecting the mounting seat and the surface portion. The connecting wall has a first slit extending along a first direction directing from the surface portion toward the mounting seat and a second slit intersecting the first slit at right angles.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masayuki Ogawa, Hiroyuki Hazawa, Takenobu Haga, Keiichi Honda, Takashi Yamanaka, Ryuichi Murai
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Patent number: 8857870Abstract: A recess is formed at the center of a bumper absorber, provided on the vehicle outer side of a bumper reinforcement, so as to face forward, and an upper recess wall face of an upper absorber portion located on the upper side of the recess is inclined downward. If the subject vehicle is small in height and the amount of vertical overlap between the bumper absorber and the rear bumper of other vehicle (a barrier used in the narrow vertical overlap barrier test of the IIHS) is small, in the initial collision stage, the rear bumper of the other vehicle is guided by the inclined upper recess wall face to move relatively downward while the bumper of the subject vehicle moves relatively upward, preventing underride, increasing the amount of vertical overlap between the rear bumper of the other vehicle and the bumper absorber, and thus achieving reliable impact absorption.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenji Chiba, Hitoshi Suehiro, Takahiro Ishijima, Daisuke Nakashima
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Patent number: 8857584Abstract: A shock absorbing system applicable to the bumper of a vehicle including a shock absorber with a deformable tube and a retaining device of the absorber including a mechanism susceptible to adopting at least one blocking position and one releasing position in which it prevents and allows, respectively, the displacement of a retaining portion of the absorber in an axial direction. The mechanism includes two rotating retaining connecting rods in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the deformable tube, linked to one another such that the rotation of any one of the connecting rods is transmitted to the other to achieve a similar movement but in the opposite direction; and an electromechanical transducer to displace the mechanism from the blocking position to the releasing position.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Autotech Engineering, AIEInventors: Francesc Perarnau Ramos, Isabel Garcia Bonilla, Antoni Becares Lopez, Martin Antonio Meca Martinez
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Publication number: 20140292007Abstract: A shock absorbing member according to the present invention includes an outer peripheral wall (1) having a polygonal cross-sectional shape and including a plurality of side portions (2), and a plurality of ribs (5), on an inner side of the outer peripheral wall (1), radially extending from a central axis and connected to an intermediate position of each of the side portions (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2012Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.Inventors: Yasuji Kawamata, Satoshi Yamaguchi
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Publication number: 20140292008Abstract: A method of making a beam-box crash management system comprises forming a first shell (100a) from a first sheet metal blank by a hot forming process. The first shell has a high tensile strength beam portion (102a) and integrally formed there-with a first low yield strength crash box portion (104a) proximate a first end of the beam portion and second low yield strength crash box portion proximate a second end of the beam portion. The first shell also has an open face extending continuously along the beam portion and each of the first and second crash box portions (104a, 106a). A closing element (100b) is formed from a second sheet metal blank, and is fixedly secured adjacent to the open face of the first shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventors: Michael Blumel, Christian Hengst, Ernst Lindtner
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Patent number: 8844987Abstract: Provided is a crash box to be installed to a bumper reinforcement including an outer-wall section, an upper-wall section and a lower-wall section, an upper inner-wall section, a lower inner-wall section, and a clearance between the upper inner-wall section and the lower inner-wall section. The crash box includes a body section provided between a member of a vehicle body side and the bumper reinforcement, an upper support section provided to protrude from the body section to a bumper reinforcement side, a lower support section provided to protrude from the body section to the bumper reinforcement side, and an insertion section provided to protrude from the body section to the bumper reinforcement side, inserted from the clearance into the bumper reinforcement and contacting a lower end portion of the upper inner-wall section and an upper end portion of the lower inner-wall section.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takanobu Kaneko, Kiyoichi Kita, Tamaki Obaysahi, Kyosuke Matsui
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Patent number: 8844988Abstract: An energy absorber system for a vehicle includes a brace assembly having a front end. The system includes an energy absorber attachable to the assembly and having an inner wedge and an outer wedge. The inner wedge is attachable to the front end, defines a cavity, and has a primary side, a secondary side, a proximal side, and a distal side. The outer wedge is attachable to the inner wedge to cover the cavity, and has a first side configured for contacting and covering the primary side, a second side configured for contacting and covering the secondary side, a third side configured for contacting and covering the proximal side, a fourth side extending from the third side at an angle of less than or equal to 90 degrees and having a deflection surface and an interior surface, and a plurality of bulkheads projecting from the inner surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Syed R. Albeez
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Patent number: 8844986Abstract: A vehicle bumper apparatus includes a bumper reinforcement member formed to have a hollow cross section and including a vehicle interior portion formed to have an open cross section including an opening, and a crush box supporting the bumper reinforcement member to mount the bumper reinforcement member to a side member of a vehicle body, the crush box including a connecting portion arranged at a vehicle exterior portion, the connecting portion closing the opening of the bumper reinforcement member to restrict the opening from being expanded, and a retaining portion protruding from the connecting portion toward an exterior side of a vehicle to retain the bumper reinforcement member.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Keikinzoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takanobu Kaneko, Kiyoichi Kita, Tamaki Obayashi, Kyosuke Matsui
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Publication number: 20140284947Abstract: A vehicle front body structure includes: a vehicle body structural member disposed below a front end of a hood and extends substantially along the vehicle width direction; and an energy absorbing member that protrudes toward a vehicle front side from the vehicle body structural member, extends substantially along the vehicle width direction, and deforms so as to absorb energy upon a collision. The energy absorbing member is secured to the vehicle body structural member at opposite ends of the energy absorbing member in the vehicle width direction. A clearance is defined between a central part of the energy absorbing member in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle body structural member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroki NAGAYA, Kyohei SUWA, Hiroshi SUEMUNE, Koichi IMAMURA
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Publication number: 20140284948Abstract: An energy absorbing assembly, sometimes referred to as a crush tip assembly, that is mounted to a body-on-frame vehicle, either behind a front or rear bumper, so that the assembly absorbs energy in during a collision. The energy absorbing member is a multi-piece assembly where adjoining segments are secured together with a welded joint that may include a non-linear portion having one or more junction features. The specific arrangement of the non-linear portion, along with other optional secondary features like strengthening ribs, holes, slots, etc., can be used to achieve more desirable energy profiles during a collision event.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: Clifford J. Hoschouer, Stephen A. Fetsko
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Patent number: 8843246Abstract: An unmanned vehicle comprising a body and a crush zone combined with the body. In a preferred embodiment, the crush zone is a crushable bumper connected to the body. The unmanned vehicle including the crush zone may be used to swarm a vehicle in training during a training exercise. Particularly, the unmanned vehicle including a crushable bumper may be used to swarm a warship during a live fire exercise.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Meggitt Training Systems Canada Inc.Inventors: Spencer Fraser, Siobhan K. Penzes
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Patent number: 8827352Abstract: A system for controlling displacement of a vulnerable component in connection with an impact event at the system. The system includes a frame structure, the vulnerable component, and a composite crush member (a) connected to the frame structure and the vulnerable component, forming a first close connection between the composite crush member and the vulnerable component and a second close connection between the composite crush member and the frame structure, (b) comprises primarily a polymer composite and is configured, and (c) is arranged in the system to fail in a predetermined manner in response to the impact event. The system also includes a retention feature configured and connected, directly or indirectly, to the vulnerable component and to the frame structure to, in operation of the system, maintain at least one of the first close connection and the second close connection during and following the composite crush member the impact event.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chen-Shih Wang, Hamid G. Kia, John N. Owens, Elisabeth J. Berger, Venkat Aitharaju
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Patent number: 8827333Abstract: There is provided a vehicle bumper structure. The vehicle bumper structure includes a bumper face exposed outward from a vehicle at a front end of a vehicle body, and a load transmission member having a front end opposing a surface of the bumper face at a vehicle rear side and a rear end secured to a vehicle body structural member. The load transmission member has a groove in either of an upper portion and a lower portion thereof. The groove serves as a starting point for bending the load transmission member in response to a compressive load in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhiro Ota, Yoshiyuki Hashimoto, Kentaro Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8820804Abstract: A vehicle end section structure capable of securing coupling rigidity at a coupling section between bumper reinforcement and a framework member where a hook attachment section is provided. The vehicle front section structure includes bumper reinforcement of B-shaped cross-section formed with a rearwards opening indented portion between a top and bottom pair of closed cross-sections, a crush box disposed at the rear of one length direction end portion of the bumper reinforcement, bolts and weld nuts for joining the bumper reinforcement at the top-bottom closed cross-sections to locations inside the closed cross-section of the crush box as viewed along the front-rear direction, and a pipe nut that is disposed in an indented portion facing an access hole to enable access to a hook member through the access hole and that is fixed to the crush box inside the closed cross-section of the crush box as viewed along the front-rear direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keisuke Shibata, Naoya Kosaka
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Patent number: 8820805Abstract: Disclosed is the outer support member and the inner support member each have a vertical wall and upper and lower horizontal walls. The vertical walls of the outer support member and inner support member are formed on the outer surfaces of the respective support members. The inner edges of the upper and lower horizontal walls are inclined from the rear portions thereof toward front center portions thereof. Thus, the performance of the crash box of the present invention may satisfy the requirements for both an offset test and a barrier test, reduce the weight of the bumper beam assembly to thereby reduce costs, and improve the performance and fuel efficiency of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Lotte Chemical CorporationInventors: Jong Wook Lee, Seung Chang Kim, Choul Won So
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Patent number: 8814234Abstract: A bumper beam of the present invention is provided with a tubular bumper reinforcement member (1) and a tubular crush box (2). A reinforcement member hole (15) is provided in an outer peripheral wall (11) of the bumper reinforcement member (1) in a penetrated manner. A partition wall (22) is provided so as to bridge opposed inner wall surfaces of an outer peripheral wall (21) of the crush box (2). The tip end portion of the crush box (2) is arranged so as to penetrate the reinforcement hole (15). In this state, ridge portions (25a, 25b) are formed, by means of a tube expansion process using a tube expansion die, on the crush box (2) so as to extend in a circumferential direction thereof at a front side and a rear side of the reinforcement hole (15). With this, the crush box (2) is secured to the bumper reinforcement member (1). According to the present invention, the bumper beam can be reduced in size and weight.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2010Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.Inventors: Sadao Kokubo, Yasuji Kawamata, Satoshi Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 8814235Abstract: A shock absorber includes a cylindrical small diameter portion, a cylindrical large diameter portion, and an annular step portion that connects the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion to each other. The shock absorber absorbs load applied thereto through plastic deformation that starts at the annular step portion thereby absorbing impact energy. In the deformation, the small diameter portion is folded back into the large diameter portion. The large diameter portion has protrusions, which extend in the axial direction and protrude radially outward. Therefore, the shock absorber stabilizes turning deformation and is capable of efficiently absorbing impact energy. A bumper device for a vehicle is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Keikinzoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinichi Haneda, Kiyoichi Kita, Kyousuke Matsui, Tamaki Obayashi
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Patent number: 8814236Abstract: An example gusset for attaching a rear bumper assembly to a vehicle has a first attachment portion configured to attach to the bumper reinforcement bracket and the lower back panel of the vehicle, a second attachment portion configured to attach to the rear side member of the vehicle, and an angled portion presenting an oblique surface to a rear impactor to the vehicle. A pair of side portions are interconnected and spaced apart by the second attachment portion, and each side portion has an angled edge adjacent the angled portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Kors, Palaniappan Palaniappan, Sanjeev Gupta
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Patent number: 8807632Abstract: A frontal impact countermeasure assembly for an automotive vehicle, the countermeasure assembly comprising: a front side rail extending in a generally longitudinal direction and having a forward end; a bumper extending generally laterally to the longitudinal direction of the front side rail and having an outboard end; and a pivot link having outer and inner mounting portions, the outer mounting portion being pivotably engaged with the bumper in a region of the outboard end to define a front pivot joint, the inner mounting portion being pivotably engaged with the front side rail to define a rear pivot joint, the rear pivot joint being located rearward and inward relative to the front pivot joint.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Naipaul D. Ramoutar, Taichi Yamashita
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Patent number: 8801059Abstract: An impact absorbing device for a vehicle may include a bumper beam having a hollow cross section which extends in a traverse direction of the vehicle, and crash boxes interposed between the bumper beam and a vehicle body in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle at both distal portions of the bumper beam, wherein rear surfaces of the both distal portions in the bumper beam include an opening formed so as to communicate with the hollow cross section of the bumper beam, wherein a rib may be formed at the opening of the bumper beam in a traverse direction of the opening, and wherein the crash box includes a front tip end inserted through the opening while being fitted to the rib to extend up to an inside of the hollow cross section, and a rear tip end mounted to the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jun Hyoung Kim, Daekun Seo
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Patent number: 8789874Abstract: There is provided a front vehicle body structure. A radiator panel lower is mounted between front ends of side frames, crash boxes at the front ends of the side frames, and a bumper beam between front ends of the crash boxes. The radiator panel lower includes a bracket offset toward the inside in the vehicle width direction from the side frame. Upon an offset front collision, a shock load is absorbed by an axial compression deformation of one of the crash boxes and a drag of the side frames. Upon a full-overlap front collision, the right and left crash boxes are subjected to the axial compression deformation, and the shock load is input to the bracket, thereby bending the side frames. Accordingly, and a sufficient axial compression deformation of the crash boxes is secured, and the shock load is absorbed by the reduction in the drag of the side frames.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignees: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Jyunya Okamura, Takehisa Tsukada, Kouichi Imamura, Takatomo Watamori, Shinya Inoue
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Publication number: 20140203578Abstract: A shock absorbing member provided between a side member extending in a front-rear direction of a vehicle and a bumper reinforcement extending in a vehicle width direction and provided at the side member, includes: a shock absorbing portion, which extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and is supported by the side member and which is configured to absorb an impact caused by a load by being compressed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle when the load is applied to the bumper reinforcement in at least one of a forward direction and a backward direction; and a bumper reinforcing portion, which extends from an end portion side closer to the side member in the impact absorbing portion toward a vehicle-width-direction outside and a bumper reinforcement side and which reinforces the vehicle-width-direction end portion side of the bumper reinforcement.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicants: AISIN KEIKINZOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takanobu KANEKO, Kiyoichi KITA, Tamaki OBAYASHI, Yuta TAKANAMI
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Patent number: 8770636Abstract: Providing a bumper absorbing large amount of impact energy with respect to both a light collision and a heavy collision, and preventing the reinforcement beam from bending and protruding backward at a portion where an obstacle collides and from displacing backward in this protruding state. Provided is a bumper for vehicles including a reinforcement beam made of metal and a pair of support members having a hollow cross section, protruding from a vehicle frame, and supporting the reinforcement beam therebetween. A quenched region is provide over a portion including a middle of the reinforcement beam. Unquenched portions are provided on the pair of connecting portions or a pair of adjacent portions inside the pair of connecting portions.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Asteer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koji Shimotsu
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Patent number: 8770639Abstract: A method of making a beam-box crash management system comprises forming a first shell (100a) from a fist sheet metal blank by a hot forming process. The first shell has a high tensile strength beam portion (102a) and integrally formed there-with a first low yield strength crash box portion (104a)proximate a first end of the beam portion and second low yield strength crash box portion proximate a second end of the beam portion. The first shell also has an open face extending continuously along the beam portion and each of the first and second crash box portions (104a, 106a). A closing element (100b) is formed from a second sheet metal blank, and is fixedly secured adjacent to the open face of the first shell.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Cosma Engineering Europe AGInventors: Michael Blümel, Christian Hengst, Ernst Lindtner
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Patent number: 8770638Abstract: A bumper beam assembly for a vehicle may include a back beam disposed inside a vehicle bumper, both distal ends of the back beam being oriented in a lateral direction of a main body of the vehicle, crash boxes coupled to one side of the back beam, the crash boxes protruding from the both distal ends of the back beam toward the bumper, and back beam stays integrally coupled to the other side of the back beam, the back beam stays protruding from the both distal ends of the back beam toward an inside of the vehicle, in a direction opposite to a direction in which the crash boxes protrude.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp., Hanwha L&C CorporationInventors: Phil Jung Jeong, Jun Mo Ku, Jin Ho Kim, Jong Myung Lim, Sang Wook Nam
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Patent number: 8757687Abstract: A crush box arranged between a side member of a vehicle body and a bumper reinforcement member, the crush box including: a main body portion arranged in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle and formed in a tubular shape, the main body portion having first and second portions; a vehicle body attaching portion arranged at a first end of the main body portion; and a bumper attaching portion arranged at a second end of the main body portion, wherein vertical cross-sections of both the first portion adjacent to the vehicle body attaching portion and the second portion adjacent to the bumper attaching portion are polygonal shapes, and the number of vertices of the polygonal shape of the vertical cross-section of the second portion is greater than the number of vertices of the polygonal shape of the vertical cross-section of the first portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Keikinzoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takanobu Kaneko, Kiyoichi Kita, Tamaki Obayashi, Kyosuke Matsui
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Publication number: 20140167428Abstract: A vehicular crash sensing system includes a bumper cap for contacting a bumper. A chamber fits into a side rail attached to the bumper, the chamber being sealed by the bumper cap. A stop element limits movement of the chamber into the side rail. A pressure sensor detects an increased chamber air pressure during crushing of the chamber resulting from movement of the bumper with respect to the stop element.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Mahmoud Y. Ghannam, Todd N. Clark, Eric L. Stratten, Swadad A. Carremm
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Patent number: 8746763Abstract: A multistage energy absorber device is provided that includes at least two generally tubular members. Each of the generally tubular members has a first end and a second end. The second generally tubular member is independent of the first generally tubular member and fits within the first generally tubular member. The first ends of the generally tubular members are substantially flush with each other, but the second end of the second generally tubular member protrudes sufficiently beyond the second end of the first generally tubular member to form a first deformation stage. The first and second generally tubular members extend coextensively sufficiently from the first ends of the first and second generally tubular members to the second end of the first generally tubular member to form a second deformation stage.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Amit A. Wavde, Brian D. Van Buren, Trevor T. Winch
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Patent number: 8746764Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame rail and an impact beam attached to an axial end of the frame rail. A body panel mount is attached to the frame rail. The body panel mount is axially spaced from the impact beam a distance along a longitudinal axis. A load transferring member includes a first axial end attached to one of the impact beam and the body panel mount, and a second axial end disposed adjacent to and a pre-defined distance from the other of the impact beam and the body panel mount. The load transferring member is disposed outboard of the frame rail. The load transferring member extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis between the impact beam and the body panel mount.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Magdalena M Parkila, Eduardo Barjud Bugelli
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Patent number: 8733823Abstract: A bumper system for a motor vehicle includes a bumper cross member which is arranged transversely to a travel direction and has two attachment zones for connection to two side rails arranged in parallel relationship to the travel direction. The bumper cross member has a center portion extending between the attachment zones and two end zones to close off the bumper cross member to vehicle sides. A deformation element is arranged behind each of the end zones and constructed to support in the event of a head-on collision with slight overlap the end zone which undergoes a buckling as a result of the head-on collision. At least one belt element at least partly surrounds a circumference of the deformation element and is secured to at least one of the side rails.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventors: Franz Ulrich Brockhoff, Stefan Grottke, Stefan Schmitz, Holger Diersmann
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Patent number: 8720961Abstract: An impact absorbing device for a vehicle may include a bumper beam disposed to extend in a traverse direction of a vehicle, a side member extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and disposed at a lateral side of the vehicle in the traverse direction thereof, a crash box connecting the bumper beam in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to the side member, a fender apron member disposed at outer sides of the side member in the traverse direction of the vehicle, a connecting member connecting the fender apron member and the side member, and a side crash box of which a front tip end may be mounted to an outer portion of the bumper beam positioned at an outer direction of the side member in the traverse direction of the vehicle, and of which a rear tip end may be disposed to be spaced apart from the connecting member at a predetermined interval therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Min Uke Han
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Publication number: 20140125073Abstract: An impact absorbing member is formed by bending one sheet of a metal plate material and then joining adjacent end parts thereof. The impact absorbing member includes the following integrally-connected portions: a fixing plate, an impact absorbing part having two first side wall plates and two second side wall plates, two flange plates, and two bridge plates. The impact absorbing part overall has an approximate square or rectangular tube shape after being bent. Joining parts are provided at each opposing end parts of the first and second side wall plates. The adjacent end parts of the first and second side wall plates overlap and are joined. The end parts of the two flange plates are also joined to the end parts of the two bridge plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: UACJ CORPORATIONInventors: Yutaka Yamada, Sunao Tanaka, Koshi Okada, Takuya Fukunaga, Masaki Kumagai
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Publication number: 20140117685Abstract: A panel member having a U-shaped cross section includes step portions at an upper face portion and a lower face portion, and a distance, in a vehicle longitudinal direction, of the step potions from a panel member formed substantially in a flat-plate shape, is configured such that the distance at a central portion, in the vehicle width direction, of a bumper reinforcement is the maximum and the distance decreases gradually toward an outward direction of the vehicle. Accordingly, the vehicle-body structure which can properly ensure the bending strength and also attain the light weight of the bumper reinforcement, improving the load transmission from the bumper reinforcement to crash cans, can be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Masanori HONDA, Kuniyoshi TASHIRO, Shunsuke KANEMOTO, Satoshi NAKAMURA
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Patent number: 8702138Abstract: A collision energy absorption structure of a vehicle may include a bumper back beam that may be disposed in a traverse direction of the vehicle, a side member that may be disposed at a predetermined distance from the bumper back beam in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a crush box, of which a first side protrudes in a front direction of the bumper back beam and of which a second side may be interposed between the bumper back beam and the side member.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Byeng Jik Ahn
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Patent number: 8702137Abstract: A trailer-mounted crash impact attenuator is attachable to a host vehicle, which comprises an anti-rotational attachment system having an internal support tube and a plurality of external support tubes. The internal support tube has a connector on its front end for attachment to a suitable receptacle on the host vehicle, and the plurality of external support tubes each have an anti-rotation support pad on their front ends. At least one of the internal support tube and the plurality of external support tubes is comprised of a telescoping construction. A backup frame is disposed on a rear end of the attachment system, and a crash attenuator unit is disposed on an axle and pair of wheels for mobility. When the crash attenuator is impacted by an errant vehicle, the anti-rotational attachment system is actuated to prevent the trailer mounted crash impact attenuator from rotating relative to the host vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.Inventor: Geoffrey B. Maus
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Publication number: 20140103670Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a bumper reinforcement, a front side member, and a bumper stay. The front side member is formed with a closed section portion, and a protruding portion that protrudes from this closed section portion toward a vehicle front side. The bumper stay, together with a protruding portion, forms an open section portion. Also, a notch is formed on the vehicle width direction inside of the closed section portion, and a cutout is formed on the vehicle width direction outside of the open section portion. Opposing wall portions that are fixed to protruding opposing portions and opposing wall portions that connect the cutout and the notch are formed on the bumper stay. These opposing wall portions are formed with extending edge portions that extend from the cutout side toward the notch side.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshihide Iijima, Naoya Sakaguchi
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Patent number: 8690208Abstract: A vehicular crash sensing system includes a bumper cap for contacting a bumper. A chamber fits into a side rail attached to the bumper, the chamber being sealed by the bumper cap. A stop element limits movement of the chamber into the side rail. A pressure sensor detects an increased chamber air pressure during crushing of the chamber resulting from movement of the bumper with respect to the stop element.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mahmoud Y. Ghannam, Todd N. Clark, Eric L. Stratten, Swadad A. Carremm
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Publication number: 20140091585Abstract: An automotive vehicle support structure assembly includes a bumper extending across the front of the vehicle, a longitudinal side member extending rearwardly from the bumper, and a link member extending between the end of the bumper and the side member. The link member is mounted to the side member and bumper via a pair of hinged connections. In the event of a small overlap collision, the link member is configured to contact a colliding barrier and pivot rearwardly in response while maintaining contact with the barrier to transfer the force of the collision inwardly toward the side member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Naipaul D. Ramoutar, Taichi Yamashita
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Publication number: 20140062106Abstract: An impact absorbing device for a vehicle may include a bumper beam disposed to extend in a traverse direction of a vehicle, a side member extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and disposed at a lateral side of the vehicle in the traverse direction thereof, a crash box connecting the bumper beam in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to the side member, a fender apron member disposed at outer sides of the side member in the traverse direction of the vehicle, a connecting member connecting the fender apron member and the side member, and a side crash box of which a front tip end may be mounted to an outer portion of the bumper beam positioned at an outer direction of the side member in the traverse direction of the vehicle, and of which a rear tip end may be disposed to be spaced apart from the connecting member at a predetermined interval therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Min Uke Han
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Publication number: 20140062105Abstract: Providing a bumper absorbing large amount of impact energy with respect to both a light collision and a heavy collision, and preventing the reinforcement beam from bending and protruding backward at a portion where an obstacle collides and from displacing backward in this protruding state. Provided is a bumper for vehicles including a reinforcement beam made of metal and a pair of support members having a hollow cross section, protruding from a vehicle frame, and supporting the reinforcement beam therebetween. A quenched region is provide over a portion including a middle of the reinforcement beam. Unquenched portions are provided on the pair of connecting portions or a pair of adjacent portions inside the pair of connecting portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Asteer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koji Shimotsu
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Publication number: 20140062107Abstract: An impact absorbing device for a vehicle may include a bumper beam having a hollow cross section which extends in a traverse direction of the vehicle, and crash boxes interposed between the bumper beam and a vehicle body in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle at both distal portions of the bumper beam, wherein rear surfaces of the both distal portions in the bumper beam include an opening formed so as to communicate with the hollow cross section of the bumper beam, wherein a rib may be formed at the opening of the bumper beam in a traverse direction of the opening, and wherein the crash box includes a front tip end inserted through the opening while being fitted to the rib to extend up to an inside of the hollow cross section, and a rear tip end mounted to the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jun Hyoung KIM, Daekun SEO
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Patent number: 8662546Abstract: A vehicle bumper structure includes a pair of left and right crush cans, a bumper beam, an energy absorbing member and a bumper face. Each of the crush cans has an outside wall and an inside wall, the inside wall having higher longitudinal stiffness than the outside wall. When a full-wrap collision occurs at a speed below a specified speed limit, neither of the two crush cans crushes but the energy absorbing member and the bumper beam warp and absorb impact energy. When an offset collision occurs at a speed equal to or above the specified speed limit, on the other hand, one of the crush cans sufficiently crushes and absorbs impact energy in a reliable fashion.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Isamu Kizaki, Masahiro Asahi
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Patent number: 8662566Abstract: A vehicle body front structure includes a front end frame assembly, a bumper beam, left and right inner extension members, and left and right outer extension members. The front end frame assembly is disposed adjacent a forward end of the vehicle. The bumper beam is disposed forward of the front end frame assembly. The left and right inner extension members connect the bumper beam with the front end frame assembly. The left and right outer extension members are disposed on respective external sides of the left and right inner extension members and connect the bumper beam with the front end frame assembly. Each outer extension member includes a forward end section for connecting with the bumper beam, a rear end section having connection locations for connecting with the front end frame assembly and a curved section disposed between the forward end section and the rear end section.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: David M. Edwards, Patrick J. Ellison, Walter Thom, Eric M. Heitkamp, William W. Brewer
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Publication number: 20140054907Abstract: Provided is a bumper beam assembly system. The A bumper beam assembly system includes a bumper beam and a stay connecting the bumper beam to a vehicle, wherein the stay is replaceably coupled to both sides of the bumper beam to occupy a corner portion of the bumper beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: LOTTE CHEMICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Choul Won SO, Jong Wook LEE, Jun Youp KIM, Kyo Min LEE
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Patent number: 8651559Abstract: A vehicle body front structure includes a pair of side members and disposed behind a front bumper; a bumper member; a clearance behind the bumper member; an absorber disposed in front of the bumper member, the absorber being configured to absorb an impact from the front of the vehicle; and an upper member disposed above the bumper member, a front end of the upper member being located, in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, slightly behind the bumper member, wherein the bumper member is formed of a single plate and forms a protrusion protruding toward the front of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Toshiharu Kitaizumi
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Publication number: 20140042758Abstract: The invention relates to an energy absorption device for a motor vehicle, said device comprising a structure provided so as to plastically deform under the effect of an impact of a given energy, the structure being made of a matrix of a ductile plastic material and high-tenacity fibers embedded in the matrix, the majority of the fibers having a length of between 0.1 and 10 mm, and the material comprising between 2 and 10 wt % of high-tenacity fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2011Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Faurecia Bloc AvantInventors: Marie-Pierre Buron, Philippe Compagnon, Abla Steinmetz, Vincent Gonin
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Publication number: 20140021729Abstract: A bumper-stay mounting structure includes a rear side member, a bumper stay and a load transmission member, in the bumper-stay mounting structure, a load being transmitted intensively to a lower side of a rear end portion of the rear side member, the bumper-stay mounting structure, the load transmission member having, on an inner peripheral side of a fastened portion, a protruding portion in a box shape, which protrudes toward the rear portion of the bumper stay in the vehicle longitudinal direction so as to be inserted into an opening of the bumper stay; and a side wall of the protruding portion having a substantially U-shaped cross section that is perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction, is opened on a vehicle upper side, and is provided with, at a front end edge of the side wall, a flange extending outward from a side wall as the fastened portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2011Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicants: TOYODA IRON WORKS CO., LTD., TOYOTA MOTOR EAST JAPAN, INC., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroyasu Kosaka, Takeshi Taniguchi, Mitsutoshi Kano, Shimpei Urata, Takashi Niiya