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:
Jul. 03, 2012
Filed:
May. 12, 2010
Amit A. Wavde, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Brian D. Van Buren, Shelby Township, MI (US);
Amit A. Wavde, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Brian D. Van Buren, Shelby Township, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
An energy absorber device is provided that includes a generally cylindrical member defining an axis and having an outer surface. One or more axially-spaced, substantially annular members are operatively connected to the generally cylindrical member at the outer surface to create areas of stress concentration in the generally cylindrical member, such that deformation of the generally cylindrical member due to a sufficient force applied to the generally cylindrical member is initiated at the areas of stress concentration, with the areas of stress concentration being reinforced by the substantially annular members. The areas of stress concentration act as crush initiation features and are formed by the connection of the substantially annular members to the generally cylindrical member. Thus, expensive tooling, such as preformed dies, to form the initiation features in the generally cylindrical member is not required.