TUBULAR TAPERED CRUSHABLE STRUCTURES AND MANUFACTURING METHODS

摘要

A method includes steps of providing round tubing (20), providing a compression box (35) and wedging dies (25), and reshaping the round tubing (20) into a single or double-tapered rectangular tube (21) including using the compression box (35) to control an outside shape, while using the wedging dies (25) to force material of the tubing (20) outwardly toward the compression box (35). This arrangement minimizes material thinning. A tubular crushable structure (21) is produced that is designed for longitudinal impact- energy-absorbing capacity. The crushable structure (21) includes a single or double-tapered rectangular tube (21) made of material having a tensile strength of at least 40 KSI. In a narrower form the tensile strength is at least 80 KSI, though it can be 100 KSI or higher.