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Variable-stiffness energy absorber for motor vehicle

  • US 9,205,794 B1
  • Filed: 01/20/2015
  • Issued: 12/08/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/20/2015
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for a vehicle comprising:

  • an energy absorber for mounting forward of a bumper;

    a plurality of elements embedded within the energy absorber and comprising open-cell foam treated with magneto-rheological material;

    an electromagnetic device energizable to generate a magnetic field affecting the elements thereby increasing a stiffness of the elements to a level greater than a stiffness of the energy absorber; and

    a control module directing energization of the electromagnetic device based upon vehicle speed.

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