Patent ID: 8371628
Filing Date: 2013-02-12
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A length-variable shock absorbing apparatus for a vehicle comprising: a bumper member disposed in the front of a vehicle and primarily absorbing collision energy upon collision; a collision energy absorbing member foldable in a longitudinal direction thereof, having one end connected to a frame of the vehicle and an other end connected to the bumper member, the collision energy absorbing member being made of a rigid and plastically deformable material and configured to be plastically deformed upon collision to secondarily absorb the collision energy; and an operation unit configured to transit the collision energy absorbing member to an unfolded state when a vehicle speed is a predetermined level or more and to transit the collision energy absorbing member to a folded state when the vehicle is the predetermined level or less, wherein the collision energy absorbing member has a front member coupled to the bumper member and a rear member coupled to the vehicle frame, the front member being longer than the rear member such that the front member and the rear member forms a predetermined angle to obtain a predetermined space between the bumper member and the frame when the collision energy absorbing member is folded, enhancing absorption of collision energy upon low speed collision.