Semi-pneumatic energy absorbing bumper system for motor vehicles

摘要

Disclosed is a semi-pneumatic energy absorbing bumper system for interposition between two objects at least one of which is movable including one or more modules each having an impacting face and upper, lower and side walls terminating in a bead, partially continuous along the rear perimeter of the module, support structure for mounting the module to at least one of the objects, a plurality of reinforcing ribs connecting only the impacting face to the upper and lower side walls, bead clamps for holding the module against the support structure to form a cavity therebetween closed to the atmosphere, and a valve and a space formed between at least one of the walls and the closure plate for permitting communication between the cavity and the atmosphere upon the application of an external force of predetermined magnitude to the module.