US4050537A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Installation for the energy absorption of vehicles
Assignee: Dr Ing HCF Porsche AG
•
Filing: 1974-12-20
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Granted: 1977-09-27
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Expires: 1994-12-20
Abstract
Abstract An installation for the energy absorption of motor vehicles, in which a deformation member has a wall structure delimiting a hollow space which cooperates with a pressure installation that acts upon the hollow space during an accident in dependence on a trigger mechanism and thereby deforms the wall structure in such a manner that the energy absorption efficacy of the deformation member is increased.
Inventors
- 👤 Ulrich Bez
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 11:42
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R19/00; B60R2019/007
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
An energy absorbing installation for vehicles comprising: means for increasing the denting and buckling stength of a vehicle body member including a deformation means having a wall structure defining a hollow space, and being associated with a vehicle body member, the vehicle body member in its undeformed configuration defining a portion of a vehicle body profile; pressurizing means in communication with said hollow space for generating an increase in pressure within said space sufficient to outwardly deform said wall structure and said body member; and triggering means operatively connected to said pressurizing means and responsive to a vehicle collision for actuating said pressurizing means and thereby increasing the denting and buckling strength of said vehicle body member, and accordingly the energy absorbing ability by virtue of the changed shape produced.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
An energy absorbing installation for vehicles comprising: means for increasing the denting and buckling stength of a vehicle body member including a deformation means having a wall structure defining a hollow space, and being associated with a vehicle body member, the vehicle body member in its undeformed configuration defining a portion of a vehicle body profile; pressurizing means in communication with said hollow space for generating an increase in pressure within said space sufficient to outwardly deform said wall structure and said body member; and triggering means operatively connected to said pressurizing means and responsive to a vehicle collision for actuating said pressurizing means and thereby increasing the denting and buckling strength of said vehicle body member, and accordingly the energy absorbing ability by virtue of the changed shape produced.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
An installation according to claim 1, wherein said wall structure is formed of sheet metal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
An installation according to claim 1, wherein the wall structure exhibits a first geometric configuration that is polygonal shaped with rectilinear side walls defining said hollow space prior to deformation and a second geometric configuration wherein said side walls are outwardly curved subsequent to deformation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
An installation according to claim 1, wherein said vehicle body member forms a portion of said wall structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
An installation according to claim 4, wherein said vehicle body member is formed by portions of a vehicle fender.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
An installation according to claim 4, wherein said vehicle body member is formed by portions of a vehicle hood.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
55 words
An installation according to claim 2 wherein said wall structure is shaped in the form of an enclosure having a wall extending circumferentially about said hollow space with outwardly extending flanges on one end thereof and a transverse wall closing the other end thereof so as to present a profile in cross-section resembling a top-hat.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
An installation according to claim 1, wherein said triggering means includes means for actuating said pressurizing means at the beginning of a collision.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
An installation according to claim 1, wherein the wall structure exhibits a first curved geometric configuration prior to deformation and a second curved configuration subsequent to deformation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
An installation according to claim 9, characterized in that said second curved configuration is substantially eliptical shaped.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
An installation according to claim 1, further comprising a vehicle body front section connected to and carrying said wall structure.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
An installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressurizing means includes an explosive charge which is triggered by means of an ignition device.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
An installation according to claim 12, characterized in that the explosive charge is provided on the inside of the deformation means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
An installation according to claim 13, characterized in that the trigger means includes a collision sensor.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
An installation according to claim 13, characterized in that the trigger means includes a member which becomes operable under force influence.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-09-26 | 1981-03-28 | 1981-09-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-09-26 | 1985-03-28 | 1985-09-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-09-26 | 1989-03-28 | 1989-09-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |