Active armrest for side impact protection

摘要

A motor vehicle occupant protection system features an upper panel of an armrest is maintained in an arm supporting position during normal vehicle operation, and is moved to a safety position by an actuation device upon sensing of an actual or impending impact on the side of the vehicle. In the arm supporting position, the arm support panel contributes to the structural strength of the armrest so that it is able to withstand rugged use. In the safety position, the arm support panel is positioned so that it does not present a rigid edge oriented directly toward the occupant, but rather is in a partially or completely folded position. Both mechanical and electronic actuation systems are disclosed.