ENERGY ABSORBING UNIT

摘要

An energy absorber comprises an elastomeric member in a substantially trapezoidal configuration, a piston connected to the apex of the trapezoid, and piston retaining and mounting means. The elastomer absorbs energy by virtue of its inclined buckling columns forming the sides of the trapezoid while the piston is forced to move in a substantially horizontal plane by the piston retaining and mounting means. The energy absorber, when applied to vehicle applications, provides a bumper mount that accepts frontal and lateral force impact and lends itself to bumper jacking and towing forces.