Energy absorbing foldable structure for vehicle
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsNilesh D. Mankame, Manuel Forero Rueda, Hanif Muhammad, Paul E. Krajewski
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Abstract
An energy absorbing structure of a vehicle includes an energy absorbing structure including a plurality of interconnected structural members positioned at the vehicle. The energy absorbing structure is selectably transformable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and the plurality of interconnected structural members are configured to absorb an energy of an impact event by one or more of deformation and fracture of at least one structural member of the plurality of interconnected structural members.
Claims17
An energy absorbing structure of a vehicle, comprising:
- a plurality of interconnected structural members disposed at the vehicle;
- wherein the energy absorbing structure is selectably transformable between a stowed position and a deployed position;
- and
- wherein the plurality of interconnected structural members is configured to absorb an energy of an impact event by one or more of deformation and fracture of at least one structural member of the plurality of interconnected structural members;
- wherein the plurality of interconnected structural members includes:
- two base members pivotably secured to a vehicle structure at a first end of each of the two base members;
- and
- at least one end member secured at a second end of the two base members, opposite the first end.
A vehicle, comprising:
- a vehicle body defining an occupant compartment;
- two or more rows of seats disposed in the occupant compartment, the two or more rows of seats including a first seat row and a second seat row;
- and
- a safety system for an occupant of a seat of the two or more rows of seats of the vehicle, including:
- an energy absorbing structure including a plurality of interconnected structural members extending between a side door of the vehicle and a passenger seat of the vehicle;
- wherein the energy absorbing structure is selectably movable between a stowed position and a deployed position;
- and
- wherein the plurality of interconnected structural members is configured to absorb an energy of an impact event by one or more of deformation and fracture of at least one structural member of the plurality of interconnected structural members;
- wherein the plurality of interconnected structural members includes:
- two base members pivotably secured to a vehicle structure at a first end of each of the two base members;
- and
- at least one end member secured at a second end of the two base members, opposite the first end.
A method of operating a safety system for an occupant of a vehicle, comprising:
- detecting presence of an occupant of a seat of the vehicle;
- and
- moving an energy absorbing structure from a stowed position to a deployed position when the occupant is detected, wherein the energy absorbing structure includes:
- a plurality of interconnected structural members extending between a side door of the vehicle and the seat;
- and
- wherein the plurality of interconnected structural members is configured to absorb an energy of an impact event by one or more of deformation and fracture of at least one structural member of the plurality of interconnected structural members;
- wherein the plurality of interconnected structural members includes:
- two base members pivotably secured to a vehicle structure at a first end of each of the two base members;
- and
- at least one end member secured at a second end of the two base members, opposite the first end.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.