Composite energy-absorbing assembly

Patent · Tue Aug 03 04:00:00 EDT 2021

OSTI ID:1840304

Rodgers, William R.; Aitharaju, Venkateshwar R.; Wathen, Terrence; Yagi, Yutaka

An energy-absorbing assembly includes a housing and a plurality of discrete energy-absorbing elements. The housing includes a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and the second wall are spaced apart from one another to at least partially define an interior compartment. Each element of the plurality of energy-absorbing elements includes a polymer and a plurality of reinforcing fibers. The plurality of energy-absorbing elements is at least partially disposed within the interior compartment and fixed to the housing. Each energy-absorbing element of the plurality of energy-absorbing elements includes an elongated hollow structure extending between a first end and a second end. Each elongated hollow structure defines a longitudinal axis extending nonparallel to at least one of the first wall and the second wall. In various alternative aspects, each energy-absorbing element may include a transverse wall.

• Research Organization: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (United States); Continental Structural Plastics, Inc., Auburn Hills, MI (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: EE0006826
• Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (Detroit, MI); Continental Structural Plastics, Inc. (Auburn Hills, MI)
• Patent Number(s): 11,077,812
• Application Number: 15/907,036
• OSTI ID: 1840304
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English