Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1996-1999
Title: Fred Rheinlander: Innovator in Automotive Safety Technology
Introduction
Fred Rheinlander, an accomplished inventor based in Rochester Hills, MI, has made significant contributions to the field of automotive safety. With a total of three patents under his name, Rheinlander has focused his efforts on innovating airbag deployment systems to enhance vehicle safety and user-friendliness.
Latest Patents
One of Rheinlander's latest patents involves the design of a skin for an automotive airbag cover panel formed by casting different materials. This innovation features a main body portion that covers most of the panel and an airbag cover portion tailored for airbag deployment. By casting a first plastic material against a heated mold surface, the primary skin is created, while a second casting or spraying of plastic forms the airbag cover skin. A unique aspect of this design is the tear seam incorporated into the airbag cover, allowing for controlled deployment during an accident.
Another noteworthy patent from Rheinlander addresses the design of an interior trim panel featuring an airbag door. This panel includes a discrete door that can close off the airbag deployment opening until activated by the airbag. The door is ingeniously hinged to the trim panel, employing a frangible flap to secure it until deployment occurs. Rheinlander has also conceptualized alternate configurations of this door that incorporate innovative mechanisms to maintain aesthetics while ensuring safety.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Fred Rheinlander has worked with prominent companies known for pushing the boundaries of automotive technology, including Textron Automotive Company. His contributions to the industry combine engineering prowess with imaginative designs that serve to enhance passenger safety.
Collaborations
Rheinlander has collaborated with notable professionals, including Kevin Logeman and Richard D. Rhodes, Jr., sharing insights and expertise that have further advanced automotive safety designs. These alliances have played a significant role in the development and execution of his patented innovations.
Conclusion
Fred Rheinlander's inventive spirit and technical expertise in automotive safety technology have led to groundbreaking innovations that improve airbag systems and enhance overall vehicle safety. His work continues to impact the automotive industry, demonstrating the importance of thoughtful engineering in safeguarding lives on the road.