Energy absorbent element for vehicle has a thin walled structure with a profiling for a controlled collapse under pressure

摘要

An energy absorbent element e.g. for use in a vehicle, has a tubular structure between mounting flanges (4) and with a thin walled construction for a controlled crush effect. The thin wall is profiled with a cellular pattern of concave cells in a waffle pattern. The size and shape of the pattern is selected to provide a controlled crush resistance over the whole crush path. The magnitude of the crush resistance is greater w.r.t initial peak than is the case with smooth walls, providing a greater degree of energy absorption. The cells of the structure are bounded by zig-zag fold lines.