Energy absorbing vehicle pillar structure

摘要

An improved structure is provided for supporting pillars of automotive vehicles which provides energy absorption through provision of a pair of energy absorbing chambers (52,50) defined by an interior trim pillar (28) and interior (26) and exterior (24) panels forming the "A" pillar of a vehicle (10), respectively. Energy absorbing media (30), such as springs (76,78,86), elongated tubes (84) and viscous fluids are taught for use as energy absorbers. <MATH>