Energy absorbing device

Abstract

Abstract This invention relates to an energy absorbing device employed as the mounting supports in a safety bumper system with said device comprising an initial shaft member attached to the bumper and held in a sleeve fixture member mounted to the vehicle frame and said shaft sleeve combination having properties that soften the impact of collision by developing a resisting force as the shaft telescopes into the sleeve fixture wherein there occurs on the shaft member a mechanical cutting and deforming of longitudinal forms of surface material on the shaft member as said material is forced against abrupt cutting edges on the sleeve member. In a collision, said deforming process absorbs energy and transforms the force transmitted into the vehicle body from that of a sudden shock force into a controlled lesser force, thereby protecting the vehicle from damage in a low velocity collision and minimizing the jolt and rebound backlash experienced by the passengers. Further, the said deformation of material in the device is confined to separable elements fastened to the surface of the shaft member that permits the replacement of the damaged shaft portions and enables the restoration of the bumper to its original pre-collision condition for a relatively low cost.

Inventors

• 👤 W Rands

Bibliographic Details