The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 01, 2010
Filed:
Feb. 19, 2008
Benjamin E. Cavallin, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Gaurav Sharma, Troy, MI (US);
David N. Allen, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Benjamin E. Cavallin, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Gaurav Sharma, Troy, MI (US);
David N. Allen, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
An energy-absorbing system for vehicle door assemblies is provided, including first and second brackets and a reaction plate. Each bracket attaches to an inner support panel of the door assembly via a mounting portion having leg members extending inward from opposing ends thereof. The reaction plate includes a generally planar portion with a flange portion extending from an upper edge thereof. One side of the reaction plate is attached to an inner surface of a trim panel, whereas the other side is attached to the leg members of the first and second brackets. One section of the flange portion abuts against an underside surface of an armrest assembly, and another section abuts against a b-side surface of a pull-handle. Both brackets are configured to sustain a minimum vertical loading condition (limit vertical deflection), and controllably deform under a threshold lateral loading condition to absorb and attenuate kinetic energy resulting therefrom.