Impact Patents (Class 296/187.03)
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Patent number: 8579362Abstract: A crash box (10) for a motor vehicle, is made of a polymeric material and has a first open frontal extremity (12) and a second rear extremity (14). The crash box (10) includes a structure (20) substantially alveolar defined by a plurality of channels (30) realized in just one piece, each of which extends internally to the crash box starting form the first open frontal extremity (12) towards the second rear extremity (14). The crash box includes stiffening elements (50) of the second rear extremity, which are able to stiffen the plurality of channels (30) only in proximity of the second rear extremity 14. Preferably the stiffening elements (50) are directly integrated with the second rear extremity (14), in particular internally to the same, and are preferably made of a polymeric material having a good impact strength.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Tres SRLInventor: Francesca Di Modugno
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Publication number: 20130292968Abstract: A strengthening member for an automotive vehicle comprises an eight-cornered cross section including sides and corners. The sides comprise four straight sides and four curved sides. A length of each straight side ranges from about 10 mm to about 200 mm and a length of each curved side is about 10 mm to about 200 mm.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Tau TYAN, Yu-Kan HU, Leonard Anthony SHANER, Jiamaw DOONG, Kirk David ARTHURS, Senthil Kumar MAHADEVAN
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Patent number: 8562068Abstract: When front side members are bent by a front-rear-directional collision of a vehicle, the front side members come in surface, not point, contact with an adjacent member in the vehicle by a contact surface formed at a contact portion. Accordingly, the front-rear-directional collision load is stably transmitted to a member, such as an adjacent engine, such that it is possible to efficiently improve the effect of distributing and reducing the load in a collision. Further, since the bent front side members stably come in surface, not point, contact with the adjacent member, such as the engine in the vehicle, it is possible to decrease the possibility of unexpected fracturing of the front side members.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koji Yoshida
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Patent number: 8550498Abstract: An impact-damping structure with crash boxes is provided with an extension of the ends of the chassis members of a vehicle to a transverse impact member. An extension pipe with a towing lug that aligns flush with the chassis member is arranged in a center of one of the crash boxes. The extension pipe is connected with the end of the chassis member via a spreading device of the crash box.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Stanislaw Klimek
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Patent number: 8544589Abstract: A deflector is attached to a frame on a vehicle in front of a front wheel which cooperates with the front wheel to glance a vehicle past a laterally offset impacting object. The deflector acts as a first boundary against the impacting object and the deflector turns the front wheel inboard to an inwardly turned position to act as a second deflecting boundary against the impacting object. The deflector and inwardly turned front wheel cooperate to deflect the vehicle past the object, such that the object passes outboard of a rocker member on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Dan Rupp, Michelle Duan, Hassen Hammoud, Benjamen David McClain, Stephen Thomas Kozak
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Publication number: 20130249244Abstract: A load transfer system and device for use in connection with structures forming a personnel cabin for a vehicle, is disclosed. The load transfer system includes a first surface, a second surface joined in an overlapping configuration with the first surface at a plurality of connection points, and, a load transfer device, wherein a force impacted on the first surface transfers via the load transfer device away from the connection points to prevent shearing of the connection points from the surfaces. The system and device are particularly useful on military vehicles, which are frequently subjected to high impact activities, including shock waves from a mine blast or impact between two objects, such as a vehicle crash. These events can subject the structures forming the vehicles and cabins to large shear stresses, particularly on the connection points holding the structures together, which could cause the connections to fail.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: Navistar Defense Engineering, LLCInventors: Nicholas Michael Cassaday, Daniel S. Russell
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Publication number: 20130249243Abstract: A crash brace is incorporated into a body structure of an automotive vehicle as an energy absorption and management device to assist in managing the energy during rear and side impact collisions, thereby protecting internal structures within the rear end of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Chunhui Kevin LEE, Peyman AGHSSA, Matthew Brian MAKOWSKI, Stephen Wai-Fun SIU, Edward Michael WILSON
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Patent number: 8532881Abstract: A connecting device arranged in a motor vehicle releasably connects a structural member of the vehicle to the vehicle chassis and includes a bolt joint system. The connecting device further includes a pyrotechnical charge and an igniter. The igniter detonates the pyrotechnical charge upon receipt of an ignition signal. The pyrotechnical charge is located near the bolt joint system such that, upon detonation, it destroys the connecting function of the bolt joint system and thereby releases the structural member from the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Martin Östling, Mikael Fermer, Henrik Ljungqvist, Henrik Ebbinger, Henrik Olsson
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Publication number: 20130200652Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a fiber composite workpiece. In the method according to the invention, cross-linking silicone is used with the aid of a volatile diluent for infiltrating individual mats of a mat composite. A further object of the present invention is a device for performing the method according to the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2013Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventor: Airbus Operations GmbH
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Publication number: 20130200651Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic vehicle-interior-part with an impact module.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANYInventors: James D. Biebel, Ed Harrison, Robert E. Wilson, Brian Zaharia, Mike Corvino
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Publication number: 20130193714Abstract: A hatch protection system provides protection to personnel against contact with a hatch. In one embodiment, the system includes a hatch protection system for a hatch on a vehicle. The hatch protection system includes a hatch pad. The hatch pad is attached to the hatch. The hatch pad includes a protective padding. The hatch protection system also includes a plurality of brackets. The plurality of brackets is secured to the vehicle and to the hatch pad.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: Black Mountain industries, Inc.Inventors: Kyle L. Greenwood, James Buckner, Joshua Price, Matthew Howell, Devin Gerland
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Patent number: 8489289Abstract: Disclosed is a converter (200) for signals between a safety device (300) and a universal safety control device (100) for a vehicle. At the converter (200) the safety control device (100) can be connected at a control device interface (200.1) and at least one type of safety devices (300.2) can be connected at at least one safety device interface (200.2) and wherein the converter (200) converts a signal of the safety control device (100) into a signal, which is suitable for the respectively connected type of safety device (300.2), to the respective safety device interface (200.2). It is proposed to embody the converter (200) such that it detects a condition at the safety device interface (200.2), in particular a diagnostics condition signal and converts it into a condition accordingly predefined at the control device interface (200.1), preferably in a manner which does not require an adaptation of the control device or of its software.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2008Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Conti Temic Microelectronic GmbHInventor: Andreas Mueller
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Publication number: 20130169002Abstract: A vehicle door is provided. The vehicle door comprising a door body, an assembly carrier connected with the door body for accommodating functional components of the vehicle door, and a multifunction carrier attached to the assembly carrier via a holding portion for connecting a door lock to the assembly carrier. A force absorption element arranged on the multifunction carrier is provided for supporting crash forces between portions of the door body.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Inventors: Michael Möbius, Frank Wagner, Ralph Hebe
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Patent number: 8465054Abstract: A system for providing crash compatibility between automotive vehicles is disclosed. The system includes crush horns and a bracket located below the longitudinal axis of the crush horns.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mark Wlotkowski, Eric William Barrett, Michael M. Azzouz, Yu-Kan Hu, Leonard Anthony Shaner
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Patent number: 8459726Abstract: A strengthening member for an automotive vehicle comprises an eight-cornered cross section including sides and corners. The sides comprise four straight sides and four curved sides. A length of each straight side ranges from about 10 mm to about 200 mm and a length of each curved side is about 10 mm to about 200 mm.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC.Inventors: Tau Tyan, Yu-Kan Hu, Leonard Anthony Shaner, Jiamaw Doong, Kirk David Arthurs, Senthil Kumar Mahadevan
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Publication number: 20130140850Abstract: Several different cross sections of beam having more than four sides are disclosed that may form a central portion of a beam having end portions that have four sides. The end portions of the beams may be received by frame rails. The central portion of the beam between the frame rails may be formed with more than four sides. The additional sides may be recessed beads or protruding ribs. Beams having arcuate recesses or arcuate ribs may be provided on the central portion of the beam. The end portions of the beams may extend outboard of the frame rails. The ribs or beads on the central portion of the beam may provide equivalent performance to four-sided beams having considerably thicker walls. Weight reduction is achieved because the central portion is made of a thinner material while retaining strength by forming beads or ribs in the central portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2011Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Tau Tyan, Yu-Kan Hu, Leonard Anthony Shaner, Saeed David Barbat
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Patent number: 8453786Abstract: A front section for a motor vehicle body features a main frame that includes, but is not limited to an upper bumper carrier, a lower reinforcing element for the bumper that extends underneath the upper bumper carrier and a sub-frame that is elastically fixed on the main frame by means of a buffer. The buffer is held between an end piece of the reinforcing element and the main frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Theobald Hock, Viet-Hung Nguyen, Martin Leonhard Sachs
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Publication number: 20130119705Abstract: A crash box for arrangement between a bumper and a longitudinal beam of a motor vehicle body is provided. The crash box is able to be arranged with a fastening profile at least partially overlapping to a mount profile of the longitudinal beam. The crash box has a support element, which penetrates the fastening profile transversely to its profile longitudinal direction (x) and is able to be brought into abutment in a supporting manner with an end section of the mount profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
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Patent number: 8442755Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing a motor vehicle side door from coming into contact with an obstacle are provided. One system includes an outside rear view mirror, a camera coupled to the outside rear view mirror, and a controller coupled to the camera. The camera is configured to detect the obstacle and determine the distance between the side door and the obstacle, and the controller is configured to disable the side door if the obstacle is within a threshold distance of the side door. Another system replaces the camera with an ultrasonic sensor to detect the obstacle and determine the distance between the side door and the obstacle. A method includes determining the distance between a plurality of motor vehicle side doors and the obstacle, and automatically disabling each motor vehicle side door that is within a threshold distance of the obstacle.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Craig A. Kollar, Thomas A. Wilson, Nigel G. Jones
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Publication number: 20130106139Abstract: In an embodiment, an impact device comprises: a metal component comprising greater than or equal to three walls forming a metal component channel; and a plastic component having a honeycomb structure with a plurality of walls defining comb channels therein. The combs channels are oriented perpendicular to at least one of the three walls, and the plastic component is inseparable from the metal component without damage to at least one of the metal component and the plastic component. A wall of the metal component can comprise an aperture, and wherein plastic material from the plastic component is located in the aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: Dhanendra Kumar Nagwanshi, Kent Allen, Takaaki Nemoto, Shingo Imai, Arunachala Parameshwara
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Publication number: 20130106138Abstract: A method for producing a motor vehicle hybrid component and motor vehicle hybrid component are disclosed, wherein the motor vehicle hybrid component has a base body produced from a metallic material which is then reinforced with a reinforcement patch made from a fiber composite material. A metallic layer is then applied onto the reinforcement patch. The metallic layer increases the strength of the component while maintaining an approximately identical specific component weight.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventor: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
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Patent number: 8419116Abstract: A frame assembly for a vehicle includes a front end frame assembly extending laterally across the vehicle and disposed adjacent a forward end of the vehicle, and a bumper beam extending laterally across the vehicle and spaced apart longitudinally forward of the front end frame assembly. A first set of spaced apart inner attachment structures connects the bumper beam to the front end frame assembly. A second set of spaced apart outer attachment structures also connects the bumper beam to the front end frame assembly. The second set of outer attachment structures is spaced apart from and flanks the first set of inner attachment structures.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eric Boettcher, Jamison Weirup
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Patent number: 8419111Abstract: Using as a vehicle body reinforcing member a bent tube with mixed bends of inward and outward projection according to the present invention makes it possible, during a vehicle body collision, to absorb more energy than and exhibit better impact resistance than a vehicle body reinforcing member that uses one of a known straight tube and a curved tube of radius R entirely. Thus the dimensions (outside diameter, wall thickness) of the steel tube that is used as the vehicle body reinforcing member can be reduced, and the tube shape can be modified, while impact resistance is maintained. Modifying the shape in this manner makes it possible to provide the ever higher required level of vehicle body impact resistance at the same time that it reduces the weight of the vehicle body and lowers the cost. The present invention can therefore be widely used as an occupant protection technology.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignees: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation, H-ONE Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Pipe & Tube Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsutoshi Uchida, Yoshitaka Hattori, Kenji Moroi, Saburo Inoue, Fumihiko Kikuchi
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Patent number: 8403391Abstract: An attachment bracket for mounting a fender of a vehicle to a side structural member includes a top portion that connects to the fender. A first vertical leg connects to the side structural member. The first vertical leg extends downwardly from an edge of the top portion. A second vertical leg connects to the side structural member. The second vertical leg extends downwardly from an opposite edge of the top portion. The first vertical leg includes a bend separating the first vertical leg into an upper portion and a lower portion. The first vertical leg has a central opening at the bend that is spaced vertically from the top portion and a bottom end of the first vertical leg.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Richard Steinhilb, Kyle Andrew Ott, Daniel Justin Koenen
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Patent number: 8403402Abstract: The device of the present invention is an magnetic band to be applied to vehicles such as car, boats, race cars, passengers or cargo cars of railroad trains as well as in trucks and all other kind of land vehicles. The magnetic band is such to cause repulsion between cars as they approach one to the other one.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Inventor: Mario Placido Portela
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Patent number: 8376427Abstract: An energy absorber for a bumper assembly of a vehicle and a method for the manufacture thereof are described. The absorber includes a tubular body (1) aligned with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, with a first end (1a) for being joined to the body of the vehicle and a second end (1b) for being joined to a transversely arranged bumper cross-member. The tubular body (1) is made of a single piece of bent sheet metal with two end edges (11, 12) defining the first and second ends (1a, 1b) and two adjacent side edges (13, 14) joined together defining a longitudinal seam (2) extending between the first and second ends (1a, 1b). The method includes providing sheet metal provided with opposite side edges (13, 14) and bending it until the side edges (13, 14) are adjacent to form a tubular body (1) with first and second ends (1a, 1b) defined by the end edges (11, 12) and joining the adjacent side edges (13, 14) together defining a longitudinal seam (2).Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Autotech Engineering A.I.E.Inventors: Francesc Perarnau Ramos, Toni Cabrera Ortega, Isabel Carcia Bonilla
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Patent number: 8376451Abstract: An automotive energy dissipation device includes a bladder disposed adjacent to an interior surface of a body panel of an automobile. A protective liner is disposed between the bladder and the body panel. A valve for inflating the bladder is associated with the bladder. Additionally, a pressure relief valve is associated with the bladder. The automotive energy dissipation device functions when pressure within the bladder exceeding a preset limit attributable to compression during an impact is released through the pressure relief valve. As air exits the pressure relief valve it dissipates energy. This in turn reduces the damage and severity of a crash thereby better protecting the occupants from injury.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Inventor: Ralph Todd
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Publication number: 20130015681Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a power supply apparatus protection structure which, even in the case in which power supply apparatuses are mounted on a vehicle by being stacked in the height direction of the vehicle, can protect the power supply apparatuses against an external force acting on the vehicle in a predetermined direction and can suppress deformation of an adjoining vehicle body structure component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORTATIONInventor: Shinichi Hoshino
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Publication number: 20130001985Abstract: A hanger beam assembly for a vehicle comprises a support beam extending in a vehicle widthwise direction. The support beam includes a first beam member. The first beam member is positioned between a blower assembly of a vehicle HVAC system and a dashboard on a front passenger side of the vehicle. The first beam member is configured to at least partially sever the blower assembly and direct a lower portion of the blower assembly having a blower motor away from the dashboard during a crash incident to at least partially prevent intrusion of the lower portion of the blower assembly into the dashboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Ryan A. Miller, Eric M. Heitkamp, Jason T. Hardesty, Tyler Jackson
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Patent number: 8336933Abstract: In an embodiment, an energy absorbing device comprises: a metal component comprising greater than or equal to three walls forming a metal component channel; and a plastic component having a honeycomb structure with a plurality of walls defining comb channels therein. The plastic component is located in the metal component channel forming a crash can. The plastic component is inseparable from the metal component without damage to the metal component and/or the plastic component. In one embodiment, a method of making an energy absorbing device can comprise: co-molding the metal component and the plastic component to form a crash can. The energy absorbing device can be used on a vehicle, adjacent to a vehicle component.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Sabic Innovative Plastics IP B.V.Inventors: Dhanendra Kumar Nagwanshi, Kent Allen, Takaaki Nemoto, Shingo Imai, Arunachala Parameshwara
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Publication number: 20120306234Abstract: In a suspension tower structure for a vehicle (1) including a chassis frame (9) to which suspension towers (101) are attached, a front leg part (101a) and a rear leg part (101b) branched to be separated from each other in a vehicle length direction are provided in a lower part of the suspension tower (101), and lower parts of the front leg part (101a) and the rear leg part (101b) are attached to a main frame (10) of the chassis frame (9) extending in the vehicle length direction so as to be separated from each other in the vehicle length direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2010Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicants: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION, FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Hiroyuki Akaki, Hideto Yamada, Soukichi Kikuchi
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Patent number: 8322780Abstract: In various embodiments, a structural body of a vehicle comprises: a hollow metal component comprising walls that define a channel, wherein the metal vehicle component has a metal component length, and wherein the metal vehicle component is selected from the group consisting of beam, rail, pillar, chassis, floor rocker, and cross-bar, combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing; and a plastic reinforcement having a honeycomb structure, wherein the plastic reinforcement is located in the channel. The metal component can be a portion of the structural body of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Sabic Innovative Plastics IP B.V.Inventors: Dhanendra Kumar Nagwanshi, Sudhakar Ramamoorthy Marur, Matthew Douglas Marks
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Publication number: 20120299331Abstract: An impact protection plate is provided for mounting on the structure of an aircraft. The impact protection plate includes a first layer, close to the aircraft, made of a fiber-reinforced plastic having a wave-shaped pattern of alternating elevations and depressions, the transverse tensile strength of the fiber-reinforced plastic being greater than 50 MPa. The impact protection plate includes a second layer situated on the first layer, remote from the aircraft, and is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic, the elongation at break of the reinforcement fibers being greater than 3%.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: EADS Deutschland GmbHInventors: Peter STARKE, Michael Fischer, Martha Wachinger
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Patent number: 8317247Abstract: This panel (1) includes at least one zone (10) forming a pictogram (12), the pictogram (12) being illuminated by a light source (14) placed beneath the lining panel (1), the lining panel (1) having a translucent skin (2) forming the external surface (8) of the lining panel (1) and a support layer (4) placed against the skin (2) between the light source (14) and at least the zone (10) forming a pictogram (12). The support layer (4) has at least a first thickness (e1) around the zone (10) forming the pictogram (12) and at least a second thickness (e2) facing the zone (10) forming the pictogram (12), the second thickness (e2) being smaller than the first thickness (e1).Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Faurecia Interieur IndustrieInventors: Godefroy Beau, Jean-Francois Oeuvrard, Pierre Guerreiro
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Patent number: 8313129Abstract: An energy absorber for damping the impact upon the body of a motor vehicle includes energy absorbing bodies that include successively arranged support walls with a number of energy absorbing structural elements that are each separately arranged at the support wall and are firmly connected to the support wall. Upon impact, each of the structural elements absorb energy by moving towards an opposite support wall while adjoining neighboring structural element until the structural elements are compacting.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Peguform GmbHInventors: Marco Schuler, Florian Danzeisen, Norbert Tschiggfrei, Robert Basile
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Patent number: 8297686Abstract: An inflatable electric and hybrid vehicle system, that has the features and accoutrements of traditional automotive vehicles, that is extremely safe, lightweight, inexpensive, compact and energy efficient. The system designed to be shipped by common carrier and then assembled in a few hours with a minimal amount of tools or effort. The vehicle has either an inflatable body or membrane skin with a hybrid-type or electric motor drive train as well as heating and cooling system and inflatable seats. The battery power supply utilizes banks of commonly available batteries charged by a mobile onboard charger, configured to be easily removed with agnostic software and hardware to manage the power source They are also networked via wireless communication to various base stations to allow for monitoring and exchange of battery banks quickly and efficiently.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2008Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Inventor: Scott Douglas Redmond
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STRENGTH MEMBER FOR AN AUTOMOBILE BODY, FRONT SIDE MEMBER, AND SIDE STRUCTURE FOR AN AUTOMOBILE BODY
Publication number: 20120267919Abstract: A front side member having a single body formed from a tubular body having a closed cross section has a front portion which extends in the fore and aft direction of a vehicle body, a sloping portion which is continuous with the front portion and slopes downwards along a dash panel, and a rear portion continuous with the sloping portion and extending along the bottom surface of a floor panel joined to the dash panel. A portion of the front portion is an unquenched portion which has not undergone quenching treatment and the remainder is a high frequency quenched portion which has undergone high frequency quenching. The sloping portion is a high frequency quenched portion. A portion of the rear portion is an unquenched portion which has not undergone quenching and the remainder other than that portion is a high frequency quenched portion which has undergone high frequency quenching.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: SUMITOMO METAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Michitaka YOSHIDA, Nobusato Kojima, Atsushi Tomizawa, Naoaki Shimada -
Publication number: 20120261949Abstract: A strengthening member for an automotive vehicle comprises an eight-cornered cross section including sides and corners. The sides comprise four straight sides and four curved sides. A length of each straight side ranges from about 10 mm to about 200 mm and a length of each curved side is about 10 mm to about 200 mm.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventors: Tau Tyan, Yu-Kan Hu, Leonard Anthony Shaner, Jiamaw Doong, Kirk David Arthurs, Senthil Kumar Mahadevan
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Patent number: 8287032Abstract: A vehicle lower body structure includes a cross member that extends in the vehicle-width direction, that defines part of a vehicle compartment, and that includes a first cross member which is formed of a plate member and a second cross member which is formed of a plate member and which is provided at a position closer to the rear of a vehicle than the first cross member, the first cross member and the second cross member facing each other. A plurality of closed section portions is formed by the first cross member and the second cross member. The closed section portions are connected to each other via a portion at which the first cross member and the second cross member are continuously overlapped with each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takeo Mori
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Patent number: 8287031Abstract: A crashbox is provided for connecting a bumper carrier and a longitudinal beam in a frame structure of a motor vehicle. The crashbox has a section that is compressible in a longitudinal direction and a first fixing element for attachment to the longitudinal beam and a second fixing element for attachment to the bumper carrier at opposite ends of the section. The first fixing element is in the form of a spigot member that is insertible into a cavity in the longitudinal beam and a support strut extends between two rigid side flanks of the spigot member through an internal cavity of the spigot member.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Bardo Braunbeck, Theobald Hock
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Patent number: 8272681Abstract: A process for producing a profile component from a semi-finished sheet metal part, which at least in certain sections has a structurally increased strength. The semi-finished sheet metal part is formed in an at least a single-stage bending process. The bending process and also subsequent parting and cutting operations on the semi-finished sheet metal part are combined with a thermal treatment of at least one geometrically delineated region of the semi-finished sheet metal part. The thermal treatment comprises at least one heating step and is combined with a subsequent cooling step, in such a way that the at least one geometrically delineated region has a structurally increased strength after cooling. Bending can be effected by using roller profiling wherein rollers are preferably cooled or swage bending.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2008Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Inventors: Eike Gerhard Gücker, Michael Ohlwein, Marco Abel
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Patent number: 8267446Abstract: This assembly includes a plastics material structural frame (2) including at least a lower cross member (8) and vertical struts (10, 12), each of said struts (10, 12) forming, over at least a portion of its height, a deformable energy absorption component (14), the module further including a plastics material shield (4) formed so as to match the shape of a shield skin (56) and arranged against the structural frame (2), said shield (4) including an upper cross member (34) and a lower cross member (36) interconnected via vertical connecting beams (38). The upper (34) and lower (36) cross members and the connecting beams (38) include a plurality of ribs (48) which form cells (50) in the cross members (34, 36) and the beams (38), at least some of said cells (50) passing through the shield (4).Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Faurecia Bloc AvantInventor: Vincent Gonin
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Publication number: 20120231203Abstract: A deformable structure for automotive interior components includes a substrate and a cushion element. The cushion element is disposed over the substrate. The cushion element includes a fiber pad and a fibrous cushion section, each of which has cellulosic fibers. The deformable structure also includes a cover disposed over the cushion element. The cushion element is substantially free of any resinous foams. A vehicle seat and trim laminate incorporating the deformable structure is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2010Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Ashford A. Galbreath, Asad S. Ali, Terry O'Bannon, Gary Rock
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Publication number: 20120200115Abstract: Low-velocity axial impact thrust on a bonded telescoping middle joint of a strut is retarded and impact energy is converted and absorbed by the elastic strain of unfettered circumferentially bands. In a preferred embodiment an impacted strut regains structural integrity after impact displacement and fracture by re-bonding.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventor: David S. Bettinger
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Publication number: 20120187717Abstract: The impact absorbing structure of the present invention is an impact absorbing structure for absorbing an impact in a case where the impact absorbing structure is subjected to the impact in a predetermined direction. The impact absorbing structure comprises a plurality of impact absorbing members, each of which is a tubular-shaped body whose longitudinal central axis is arranged along the impact direction and capable of absorbing the impact by being compressively collapsed when receiving the impact from the impact direction. At least one of the plurality of impact absorbing members being placed in such a way that a front end of the impact absorbing members is placed at a different position of ends of the other impact absorbing members in the impact direction, and the front end is an end closer to the direction which is forward in the impact direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventors: Atsumi Tanaka, Hironori Maruyama, Naoki Higuchi
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Patent number: 8220850Abstract: The invention relates to an impact-absorbing element for a vehicle, in particular a car, comprising: a body comprising a thermoplastic polymer material; an elongate reinforcing structure provided in the body and comprising a number of metal reinforcing cords extending substantially parallel and a number of positioning elements arranged between the cords for holding the metal reinforcing cords substantially mutually parallel before and during the manufacturing process. The positioning elements ensure that the cords remain correctly positioned before, during and after the manufacturing process despite the forces occurring in the manufacturing process.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Voestalpine Polynorm Plastics B.V.Inventors: Johannes Petrus Maria Opperman, Petrus Van Der Velden, Cornelis Gerardus Van Koert
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Patent number: 8220580Abstract: An impact guard beam for vehicles comprises a beam (11) with a hat profile, i.e., with a crown (13-15) and side flanges (16-17), and the hat profile has its crown facing outwards. The beam has a cover (20) giving at least a central part of the beam a closed cross section. The cover has a profile allowing it to lengthen by straightening out when the hat beam's profile opens under impact loads, but stops the hat beam profile's opening when the cover is straightened out. The cover may carry a sensor (24) for an airbag, which is then placed inside the beam profile.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Gestamp Hardtech ABInventors: Kenneth Isaksson, Hans Bodin
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Patent number: 8215674Abstract: A vehicle structure arrangement includes a pressurizable reinforcement element that may be arranged interiorly a beam, such as an A-pillar to reinforce the beam. The reinforcement element may be a tubular element having a flexible wall portion, The tubular element may be adapted to be self-stiffened when in a pressurized active state. In the pressurized state, the material and dimension of the tubular element wall portion are adapted to withstand actual stresses along longitudinal direction of the wall portion. The reinforcement element may be activated by a pre-crash unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2006Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventor: Dan Persson
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Publication number: 20120153669Abstract: In various embodiments, a structural body of a vehicle comprises: a hollow metal component comprising walls that define a channel, wherein the metal vehicle component has a metal component length, and wherein the metal vehicle component is selected from the group consisting of beam, rail, pillar, chassis, floor rocker, and cross-bar, combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing; and a plastic reinforcement having a honeycomb structure, wherein the plastic reinforcement is located in the channel. The metal component can be a portion of the structural body of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: SABIC Innovative Plastics IP B.V.Inventors: Dhanendra Kumar Nagwanshi, Sudhakar Ramamoorthy Marur, Matthew Douglas Marks
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Publication number: 20120133177Abstract: An energy management structure for a vehicle may include a first longitudinal rail, a second longitudinal rail joined to the first longitudinal by at least a cross member and a bumper beam. A bumper panel is further provided wherein the bumper panel may be affixed to the bumper beam. The first deflecting rail includes a first front end and a first rear end. The first front end may be affixed to the bumper panel and the first rear end may be affixed to the cross member proximate to the first longitudinal rail. The second deflecting rail includes a second front end and a second rear end. The second front end may be affixed to the bumper panel and the second rear end may be affixed to the cross member proximate to the second longitudinal rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventors: Ridha Baccouche, Xiaoming N. Chen, David Anthony Wagner, Michael M. Azzouz, Saeed David Barbat