Internal impact protection buffer for vehicle occupants during crash

摘要

A hollow body (1) with deformable wall (2) is filled with gas or liquid. On impact, the outlet opening (3) releases the contents. Preferred features:- The outlet is closed and the plug (4) opening on reaching given internal pressure. The opening (3) is constructed for throttling, limiting maximum mass flow rate of departing contents. Contents are pressurized with respect to the surroundings. The closure diaphragm has defined rupturing strength. The body wall is plastic made by blow-molding or alternatively by injection molding, preferably using the internal gas pressure technique. Additional formations, e.g. ribs or bridging sections inside, undergo plastic deformation to absorb more energy. Partitions divide the body internally. Chambers so formed, are sealed from each other, each having a throttling opening as described. Contents are released through chambers in succession, ultimately reaching the surroundings. The body is designed to fit into regions of vehicle bodywork, which are to be covered by trim. Its visible surface is covered decoratively by e.g. sheet or material to match the general upholstering. Such matching is achieved by two-component injection molding. The layer may be rear-injected or formed. Walls of the hollow body are reinforced with glass fibers. Physical and chemical properties of the contents, including e.g. density and viscosity, are suited to the purpose.