Tunable energy absorbers
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsLouis G. Hector, Jr., Anil K. Sachdev, Jeff Wang, Hanif Muhammad, Nilesh D. Mankame
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An energy absorber according to various embodiments can include a structure having a predetermined cross-sectional profile. A hollow profile is formed within the structure. The pre-determined cross-sectional profile of the structure is configured based on a deceleration-time profile that includes a first period and a second period. The first period is defined by a substantially sharp and linear increase in magnitude of the deceleration of an impact until a maximum deceleration value is achieved. The second period is defined by a rapid decrease in the magnitude of the deceleration.
Claims25
A vehicle panel, comprising:
- an inner surface for facing an object and being offset from the object in use of the vehicle panel;
- an outer surface substantially opposite the inner surface;
- and
- an energy absorber disposed, for use of the vehicle panel, between the inner surface and the object, and comprising a structure having a cross-sectional profile forming a hollow;
- wherein the cross-sectional profile of the structure comprises a substantially involuted cross-sectional profile.
The vehicle panel of clam 7, wherein:
- construction of the cross-sectional profile of the structure comprises at least one characteristic selected so that the deceleration-time profile is met;
- and
- the at least one characteristic includes one or more of an impact thickness, a fracture radius thickness, a base thickness, a fracture radius, an attack angle, a profile of a wall of the structure, a profile of an attachment surface, the object, and an indentation at the structure.
A vehicle hood, comprising:
- an inner surface for facing an under-hood vehicle object and being offset from the object in use of the vehicle hood;
- an outer surface substantially opposite the inner surface;
- and
- an energy absorber comprising a structure having a cross-sectional profile forming a hollow;
- wherein the desired cross-sectional profile of the structure comprises a substantially involuted cross-sectional profile.
A vehicle panel, comprising:
- an inner surface for facing an object and being offset from the object in use of the vehicle panel;
- an outer surface substantially opposite the inner surface;
- an energy absorber disposed, for use of the vehicle panel, between the inner surface and the object, and comprising a structure having a cross-sectional profile forming a hollow;
- and
- at least one indentation in at least one of an internal surface and an external surface of the structure.
A vehicle hood, comprising:
- an inner surface for facing an under-hood vehicle object and being offset from the object in use of the vehicle hood;
- an outer surface substantially opposite the inner surface;
- and
- an energy absorber comprising a structure having a cross-sectional profile forming a hollow;
- and
- at least one indentation in at least one involuted surface to promote fracture during the impact.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.