Device and method for absorbing impact energy

An energy absorption device comprising:

• a crushable sleeve arranged along a longitudinal axis operative to receive an axial impact force at a first end thereof along said longitudinal axis;
• deforming and crushing means arranged adjacent a second end of said crushable sleeve, said deforming and crushing means including:
• die means for producing deformation of said crushable sleeve, wherein said die means have an outer conical surface;
• and
• cage means for enclosing said die means and for producing crushing of said crushable sleeve, wherein said cage means have a plurality of slots and an inner surface and wherein said crushing occurs between said conical surface and said inner surface in the area of each of said plurality of slots.

A repeatable energy absorption device comprising:

• a deformable and crushable body arranged along a longitudinal axis operative to receive an axial impact force at a first end thereof along said longitudinal axis,
• deforming and crushing means arranged adjacent a second end of said body for deformation thereof and for crushing thereof wherein said deforming and crushing means include threaded means on an outside surface thereof and wherein upon receipt of said axial impact, said first end of said body moves from a first position away from said deforming and crushing means to a second position closer to said deforming and crushing means;
• and
• threaded sleeve means having a first end for supporting said deforming and crushing means and for moving said deforming and crushing means toward said first end after said axial impact thereby to return said first end of said body to said first position.

A vehicle with an energy absorption device comprising:

• a chassis;
• a bumper for receiving impact forces;
• and
• an energy absorption device disposed between said chassis and said bumper for absorbing impact energy comprising;
• a deformable and crushable body arranged along a longitudinal axis operative to receive said impact forces at a first end thereof along said longitudinal axis;
• deforming and crushing means arranged adjacent a second end of said body for deformation and crushing thereof wherein said deforming and crushing means include threaded means on an outside surface thereof and wherein upon receipt of said impact forces, said first end of said body moves with said bumper from a first position away from said deforming and crushing means to a second position closer to said deforming and crushing means;
• and
• threaded sleeve means having a first end attached to said chassis for supporting said deforming and crushing means and for moving said deforming and crushing means toward said first end after said impact forces thereby to return said first end of said body to said first position.

An energy absorption device comprising:

• a crushable sleeve operative to receive an axial impact force at a first end thereof;
• crushing means arranged adjacent to a second end of said sleeve for crushing of said crushable sleeve, said crushing means including:
• die means having an outer conical surface;
• and
• cage means for enclosing said die means and for producing crushing of said crushable sleeve, wherein said cage means has a plurality of slots and an inner surface and wherein said crushing occurs between said conical surface and said inner surface in the area of each of said plurality of slots.