Patent ID: 6416093
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An energy absorption, rotation and redirection system for use with a vehicle traveling astride a barrier, the vehicle having a front end with a bumper and first and second sides, the barrier including a substantially vertically extending and unmovable surface, said system comprising:a plurality of air bag actuating units mounted at specified locations along the front end and first and second sides of the vehicle, and an activator mechanism associated with at least one of said actuating units for selectively instructing the inflation of an exterior air bag associated with said bag actuating unit; whereupon the front end of the vehicle facing the barrier within a selected distance, said activator mechanism engaging said external air bags and prior to the vehicle striking the barrier, the vehicle subsequently rotating and redirecting concurrent with the barrier absorbing a determined percentage of force associated with the contact.