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Linear load limiter apparatus and method

  • US 20040227403A1
  • Filed: 05/16/2003
  • Published: 11/18/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/16/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A load limiter apparatus for a motor vehicle seat belt comprising:

  • a tube characterized by a tube wall thickness (t) and a yield strength (σ

    0); and

    a deformation apparatus slidably engaged in the tube for linear translation therein, the deformation apparatus being configured to plastically deform the tube during said linear translation and thereby generate a load-limiting force;

    wherein the tube wall thickness varies over the length of the tube such that the load-limiting force varies during said linear translation.

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