US3628634A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Finned energy absorber
Assignee: Ford Motor Co
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Filing: 1970-07-30
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Granted: 1971-12-21
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Expires: 1990-07-30
Abstract
Abstract A finned energy absorbing device includes a stationary member, a movable member, a deformable fin secured to one of the members and a fin-deforming member secured to the other of the members. The deformable fin and the fin-deforming member are so dimensioned with respect to one another that when they are secured to their associated members, the fin-deforming member interferes with the passage of the fin therepast when the movable member is moved with respect to the stationary member. In one embodiment, the finned energy-absorbing device includes an elongate cylindrical member having a plurality of equally spaced fins lying along the length of the member and projecting radially therefrom. Corresponding to each of the fins is one of a plurality of arcuate deforming members positioned such that movement of the elongate member along its longitudinal axis will result in each of the fins being engaged by one of the deforming members. This engagement results in a combination bending and shearing of the fins whereby energy is absorbed.
Inventors
- 👤 Jonas Valukonis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 00:55
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16F; F16F7/00; F16F7/12; F16F7/125
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
An energy-absorbing device comprising: an elongate member having a configuration that is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, a plurality of fins extending laterally from said elongate member and extending along and being arranged symmetrically about said axis, fin-deforming means defining an opening therebetween, through which said elongate member is adapted to be forced, in a direction along its said longitudinal axis, the dimensions of said opening being such that said deforming means interfere with the passage of said fins through said space whereby a deformation of said fins results.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
An energy-absorbing device comprising: an elongate member having a configuration that is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, a plurality of fins extending laterally from said elongate member and extending along and being arranged symmetrically about said axis, fin-deforming means defining an opening therebetween, through which said elongate member is adapted to be forced, in a direction along its said longitudinal axis, the dimensions of said opening being such that said deforming means interfere with the passage of said fins through said space whereby a deformation of said fins results.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The energy-absorbing device of claim 1, wherein said elongate member has a circular cross section.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The energy-absorbing device of claim 2, wherein said elongate member and said deforming means comprises a plurality of arcuate members.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The energy-absorbing device of claim 1, wherein each of said laterally extending fins comprises one leg of an L-shaped member, the other leg of said L-shaped member being secured to said elongate member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
85 words
An energy-absorbing device comprising: an elongate member having a circular cross section, a plurality of fins extending radially from said elongate member, said fins lying parallel to the axis of said elongate member and being spaced equidistant about the periphery of said elongatE member, plural fin-deforming means positioned adjacent said elongate member, said fin-deforming means being spaced such that each one of said fins will be engaged and deformed by one of said fin-deforming means upon movement of said elongate member along its longitudinal axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
85 words
An energy-absorbing device comprising: an elongate member having a circular cross section, a plurality of fins extending radially from said elongate member, said fins lying parallel to the axis of said elongate member and being spaced equidistant about the periphery of said elongatE member, plural fin-deforming means positioned adjacent said elongate member, said fin-deforming means being spaced such that each one of said fins will be engaged and deformed by one of said fin-deforming means upon movement of said elongate member along its longitudinal axis.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
The energy-abosrbing device of claim 5, wherein said fin-deforming means comprise elongate deforming members having circular cross sections, the longitudinal axis of each of said deforming members lying perpendicular to the direction in which the fin engaged by each of said deforming members extends from said elongate member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The energy-absorbing device of claim 5, each of said fins comprising one leg of an L-shaped member, the other leg of said L-shaped member being positioned on the surface of said elongate member and being secured thereto.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
91 words
An energy-absorbing device comprising: a stationary member, a movable member, a deformable fin secured to one of said members and extending in a direction along the length of said one member, a fin-deforming means secured to the other of said members, said deformable fin and said fin-deforming means being so dimensioned with respect to one another when secured to their associated members that said deforming means continuously interferes with the passage of the lateral extent of said fin therepast when said movable member is moved with respect to said stationary member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
91 words
An energy-absorbing device comprising: a stationary member, a movable member, a deformable fin secured to one of said members and extending in a direction along the length of said one member, a fin-deforming means secured to the other of said members, said deformable fin and said fin-deforming means being so dimensioned with respect to one another when secured to their associated members that said deforming means continuously interferes with the passage of the lateral extent of said fin therepast when said movable member is moved with respect to said stationary member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The energy-absorbing device of claim 8 wherein said deformable fin is secured to said stationary member and wherein said fin-deforming means is formed on said movable member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
92 words
The energy-absorbing device of claim 9 wherein: said stationary member is in the form of an enclosed housing of generally rectangular cross section, wherein said deformable fin extends from one surface into the interior of said housing and extends over a major portion of the length of said housing, wherein said movable member extends within the interior of said housing to a free end thereof, and wherein said fin-deforming means is a raised projection formed on said free end of said movable member and extending toward said interior surface of said housing.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
37 words
The energy-absorbing device of claim 8 wherein: at least a pair of said deformable fins are employed, wherein said fins are secured to said stationary member, and wherein said fin-deforming means is secured to said movable member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
101 words
The energy-absorbing device of claim 11 wherein: said stationary member is in the form of an enclosed housing of generally circular cross section, wherein said deformable fins extend into the interior of said housing at generally equally spaced positions about the circumference thereof, wherein said movable member extends within the interior of said housing to a free end thereof, and wherein said fin-deforming means has a generally tapered surface formed on said free end of said movable member which tapered surface extends to a final dimension larger than the opening provided between said fins extending into the interior of said housing.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
The energy-absorbing device of claim 12 wherein: said tapered surface is a spherical surface having a diameter larger than the opening provided between said fins.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-12-20 | 1975-06-21 | 1975-12-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-20 | 1979-06-21 | 1979-12-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-20 | 1983-06-21 | 1983-12-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |