Lothar Maier

Title: Lothar Maier: Innovator in Automotive Safety Technology

Introduction

Lothar Maier, an accomplished inventor based in Tussling, Germany, has made significant contributions to the field of automotive safety. With two patents to his name, Maier has focused on innovative solutions that enhance vehicle safety and prevent potential hazards.

Latest Patents

One of Lothar Maier's notable inventions is a device for interrupting the flow of current in the positive or impregnated battery cable of a motor vehicle. This device features an electrically conductive plug-in connection and includes a housing that contains a gas generator similar to those used in belt tighteners. When ignited, the gas generator produces propellant gas that electrically separates the connector from the housing, thereby interrupting the current flow. This mechanism effectively prevents short circuits that could lead to vehicle fires in case of an accident.

Another significant patent by Maier is a gas generator specifically designed for side impact protection in vehicles. This gas generator has a housing with a flange allowing it to be mounted on vehicle components, such as the backrest of a seat. It incorporates a sealed fluid-tight propellant tank that serves as the combustion chamber. The design facilitates afterburning in an annular chamber formed between the housing and the propellant tank, ensuring a compact and effective solution for enhancing passenger safety during side impacts.

Career Highlights

Lothar Maier has contributed his expertise to several reputable organizations, including Temic Bayern-chemie Airbag GmbH and Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (BMW). His work in these companies has been integral to advancing automotive safety technology, particularly in the development of airbag systems and electrical safety devices.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Lothar Maier has collaborated with prominent professionals in the field, including Richard Bender and Christian Herget. These collaborations have further enriched the development of innovative automotive safety devices, underscoring the importance of teamwork in technological advancement.

Conclusion

Lothar Maier's contributions to automotive safety through his innovative patents highlight the critical role of inventors in enhancing vehicle technology. His work serves as a testament to the importance of innovation in preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of passengers on the road. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, inventors like Maier pave the way for a safer future.