Patent ID: 6283677
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: E02B,Y02A

Abstract:
An energy-absorbing system comprising a structure, fluid contained by said structure, situation means for movement-restrictively situating said structure, valvular means for permitting escape of said fluid, actuator means for effecting adjustment of said valvular means, control means for controlling said actuator means, and pressure-sensing means for informing said control means regarding said pressure, wherein said energy-absorbing system is characterized by the capability of at least substantially regulating the deceleration of a body which engages in a collision with said structure, wherein said collision has associated therewith said pressure and a force, wherein said at least substantially regulated deceleration of said body is characterized by an approximate gradualness of said deceleration, wherein said approximate gradualness is at least substantially determined by said adjustment of said valvular means, wherein said approximate gradualness has associated therewith an interval of approximate constancy of said pressure approximately followed by an interval of approximate constancy of said force, and wherein said adjustment of said valvular means is capable of at least substantially causing said interval of approximate constancy of said pressure approximately followed by said interval of approximate constancy of said force.