ELASTIC STRUCTURE FOR USE IN AN ENERGY ABSORPTION SYSTEM OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AS WELL AS ENERGY ABSORPTION SYSTEM AS OCCUPANT PROTECTION AND/OR PEDESTRIAN PROTECTION

• US 20140175777A1
• Filed: 02/22/2013
• Published: 06/26/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (General Motors Company)
• Original Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (General Motors Company)
• Inventors: RICK, Ulrich
• Granted Patent: US 9,254,814 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/743.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 19/205 inflatable in the direction of an obstacle upon impending impact, e.g. using air bags
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0407 using gas or liquid as energy absorbing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23519 Resin for coating fabric B60R2021/23514
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/16 Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags protective garments with automatically inflatable shock-absorbing means A41D13/018; connection of valves to inflatable elastic bodies B60C29/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/23 Inflatable members B60R21/18 takes precedence; connection to inflation fluid source retainers B60R21/217
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/235 characterised by their material
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/34 Protecting non-occupants of a vehicle, e.g. pedestrians B60R19/02 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/36 using airbags

Abstract

An elastic structure for use in an energy absorption system of a motor vehicle is provided. The elastic structure includes a structure configured as occupant protection and/or pedestrian protection expandable by a medium. An elastic function structure at least partially covers the structure and acts as a gas barrier. An energy absorption system for a motor vehicle as occupant protection and/or pedestrian protection and a motor vehicle having at least one such energy absorption system are also provided.

Claims

1. An elastic structure for use in an energy absorption system of a motor vehicle, the elastic structure comprising:

a structure configured as occupant protection and/or pedestrian protection expandable by a medium; and

an elastic function structure that at least partially covers the structure and acts as a gas barrier.

2. The elastic structure according to claim 1, wherein the elastic function structure is arranged on the outside of the structure.

3. The elastic structure according to claim 1, wherein the elastic function structure is arranged on the outside and on the inside of the structure.

4. The elastic structure according to claim 1, wherein the elastic function structure envelopes the structure.

5. The elastic structure according to claim 1, wherein the elastic function structure is a layer applied to the structure.

6. The elastic structure according to claim 1, wherein the elastic function structure is more elastic than the structure or the elastic function structure and the structure have substantially the same elastic characteristics.

7. The elastic structure according to claim 1, wherein the structure comprises at least one elastomer.

8. The elastic structure according to claim 7, wherein the structure comprises rubber.

9. The elastic structure according to claim 1, wherein the elastic function structure comprises silicone.

10. The elastic structure according to claim 9, wherein the elastic function structure comprises a silicone grease, a silicone resin, or a silicone oil.

11. An energy absorption system for a motor vehicle as occupant protection and/or pedestrian protection, the energy absorption system having an elastic structure comprising:

a structure configured as occupant protection and/or pedestrian protection expandable by a medium; and

an elastic function structure that at least partially covers the structure and acts as a gas barrier.

12. An energy absorption system for a motor vehicle as occupant protection and/or pedestrian protection having an elastic structure comprising:

a structure configured as occupant protection and/or pedestrian protection and expandable by a medium, wherein the structure is held on a housing or support; and

an elastic function structure that acts as a gas barrier and is held on the housing or support forming a hollow space receiving the structure.

13. The energy absorption system according to claim 12, wherein the hollow space is formed through the elastic function structure alone or through the elastic function structure and the housing or support.

14. The energy absorption system according to claim 12, wherein the elastic function structure is more elastic than the structure or the elastic function structure and the elastic structure have substantially the same elastic characteristics.

15. The energy absorption system according to claim 12, wherein the structure comprises at least one elastomer.

16. The energy absorption system according to claim 15, wherein the structure comprises rubber.

17. The energy absorption system according to claim 12, wherein the elastic function structure comprises silicone.

18. The energy absorption system according to claim 12, wherein the elastic function structure comprises silicone resin.

19. A motor vehicle having at least one energy absorption system as occupant protection and/or pedestrian protection with an elastic structure comprising:

a structure configured as occupant protection and/or pedestrian protection expandable by a medium; and

an elastic function structure that at least partially covers the structure and acts as a gas barrier.