Energy absorber elements and vehicle systems

An energy absorber element for a vehicle component, comprising:

• a crush wall defining a deformable zone;
• a first support wall and a second support wall, the first and second support walls connecting to the crush wall to form a structure;
• and
• a connection mechanism for connecting the structure to a vehicle;
• wherein the vehicle component is selected from the group consisting of occupant head impact locations, fender, hood, front glass, grill, wiper, seating system, instrument panel, roof, door, trim, A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, glazing panel, knee bolster, steering system, lighting components, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.

An energy absorber ring for a headlamp assembly, comprising:

• a first support wall defining a ring for surrounding the headlamp assembly;
• a crush wall extending from the first support wall to define a deformable zone;
• and
• a connection mechanism configured to connect the ring to a vehicle.

An energy absorber element for a headlamp assembly, comprising:

• a first support wall and a second support wall, each support wall containing an opening through which the headlamp assembly can be inserted;
• a plurality of crush walls joining the first and second support walls together to define a plurality of deformable zones and form a ring;
• and
• crushable connectors for connecting the ring to a vehicle.

A method for using an energy absorber element with a vehicle component, comprising:

• detachably connecting an energy absorber element to a vehicle,
• wherein the vehicle component is selected from the group consisting of occupant head impact locations, fender, hood, front glass, grill, wiper, seating system, instrument panel, roof, door panel, trim, A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, glazing panel, knee bolster, steering system, lighting components, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing;
• and
• wherein the energy absorber element comprises a first support wall and a second support wall, a crush wall joining the first and second support walls together to define a deformable zone, and a connection mechanism.

A method for absorbing impact energy in a vehicle, comprising:

• impacting a vehicle component with impact energy;
• and
• absorbing the impact energy with an energy absorber element that is detachably mounted to the vehicle, wherein the energy absorber element comprises:
• a first support wall and a second support wall;
• a crush wall joining the first and second support walls together to define a deformable zone;
• and
• a demountable connection mechanism connecting the first and/or second support wall to the vehicle;
• wherein the vehicle component is selected from the group consisting of occupant head impact location, fender, hood, front glass, grill, wiper, seating system, instrument panel, roof, door, A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, glazing panel, knee bolster, steering system, lighting components, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.