Active knee bolster with adaptive force response system and method
AssigneeVisteon Global Technologies, Inc.
InventorsStephen E. Fuks, Michael R. Keranen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system for reducing the forward motion of a vehicle occupant is provided. The system includes a contact surface, a fixed energy absorption device, a deployable energy device, and an energy absorption modifier. The contact surface interacts with a vehicle occupant. The fixed energy absorption device is attached to a structural member of the vehicle. The deployable energy device is in contact with the contact surface and the fixed energy absorption device. The energy absorption modifier is in communication with the fixed energy absorption device for varying the energy absorption characteristics of the fixed energy absorption device.
Claims13
A system for contacting a vehicle occupant during sudden deceleration of the vehicle, the system comprising:
- a contact surface for interacting with the vehicle occupant;
- a fixed energy absorption device attached to a structural member of the vehicle;
- a deployable energy absorption device in contact with the contact surface and the fixed energy absorption device;
- and
- an energy absorption modifier in communication with the fixed energy absorption device for varying the energy absorption characteristics of the fixed energy absorption device, the energy absorption modifier being a pyrotechnic bolt that disconnects the fixed energy absorption device from the structural member of the vehicle.
A system for contacting a vehicle occupant during sudden deceleration of the vehicle, the system comprising:
- a contact surface for interacting with a vehicle occupant;
- a fixed energy absorption device attached to a structural member of the vehicle;
- a frangible structural member connected at a first end to the contact surface and at a second end to the structural member of the vehicle;
- a deployable energy absorption device in contact with the contact surface and the fixed energy absorption device;
- and
- an energy absorption modifier in communication with the frangible structural member for varying the energy absorption characteristics of the frangible structural member, the energy absorption modifier being a pyrotechnic bolt that disconnects the fixed energy absorption device from the structural member of the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.