# US 9,039,071 B2 · Device for absorbing mechanical energy for motor vehicles

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- Number: US 9,039,071 B2
- Document ID: US9039071B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 14/107,467
- Filed: 2013-12-16
- Published: 2014-06-19
- Granted: 2015-05-26
- Earliest claimed: 2012-12-17
- Assignees: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
- Applicants: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
- Inventors: Christoph Wezel
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9039071B2

## CPC

- B62D 21/152: {Front or rear frames}
- B62D: MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS (steering, or guiding on a desired track, of agricultural machines or implements A01B69/00; wheels, castors, axles, increasing wheel adhesion B60B; vehicle tyres, tyre inflation or tyre changing B60C; connections between vehicles of a train or the like B60D; vehicles for use on rail and road, amphibious or convertible vehicles B60F; suspension arrangements B60G; heating, cooling, ventilating or other air treating devices B60H; windows, windscreens, non-fixed roofs, doors or similar devices, protective coverings for vehicles not in use B60J; propulsion plant arrangements, auxiliary drives, transmissions, controls, instrumentation or dashboards B60K; electric equipment or propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles B60L; power supply for electrically-propelled vehicles B60M; passenger accommodation not otherwise provided for B60N; adaptations for load transportation or to carry special loads or objects B60P; arrangement of signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor, for vehicles in general B60Q; vehicles, vehicle fittings or vehicle parts not otherwise provided for B60R; servicing, cleaning, repairing, supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring, not otherwise provided for, B60S; brake arrangements, brake control systems or parts thereof B60T; air-cushion vehicles B60V; motor-cycles, accessories therefor B62J, B62K; testing of vehicles G01M)

## Abstract

A device (1) for absorbing mechanical energy for motor vehicles, wherein the device (1) has a honeycomb-like cavity structure (2) and is arranged between a first body section (3) and a second body section (4). In order that, in the event of a crash, the body sections (3, 4) are not displaced relative to one another, the device (1) can be deformed during the absorption of mechanical energy, wherein the deformation generates a force-fitting connection between the two body sections (3, 4). The device has a centre of rotation (12) about which the device (1) can be deformed in a rotational manner during a deformation, such that a force-fitting connection is generated between the two body sections (3, 4).

## Claims

### Claim 1

A device (1) for absorbing mechanical energy for motor vehicles, wherein the device (1) has a honeycomb-like cavity structure (2) and is arranged between a first body section (3) and a second body section (4), wherein the device (1) can be deformed during the absorption of mechanical energy, wherein the deformation generates a force-fitting connection between the two body sections (3, 4), wherein, on the device (1), there is formed a lug (5) whose cross section has a honeycomb-like cavity and which interacts with a projection (6) on the first body section (3) such that, during a deformation of the device (1), the projection (6) is at least partially surrounded by the deformed lug (5).

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (1) has a pocket (11) into which the second body section (4) projects, wherein the pocket (11) has two walls (14, 15) which are substantially parallel to one another.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The device (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein one wall (15) of the pocket (11) has a centre of rotation (12) about which the device (1) can be deformed in a rotational manner during a deformation, and the other wall (14) of the pocket (11) can be placed in abutment against the second body section (4) such that a force-fitting connection can be generated between the two body sections (3, 4).

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, after a deformation of the device (1), the force flow path between the first body section (3) and the second body section (4) is established.

### Claim 5 (depends on 3)

The device (1) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the wall (15) of the pocket (11) which has the centre of rotation (12) at least partially has a greater material thickness than the other parts of the honeycomb-like cavity structure (2).

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (1) is manufactured from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first body section (3) is a luggage compartment region of the motor vehicle, and the second body section (4) is connected to a passenger compartment region of the motor vehicle.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a central receptacle (8) is provided for a screw connection to the second body section (4).