Patent ID: 6394536
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An automotive impact energy absorbing structure for absorbing an impact, the automotive impact energy absorbing structure comprising:a structural member extending in an upper portion of a vehicle body, the structural member extending in a first lengthwise direction; an interior member spaced from the structural member by an interval extending from the structural member toward an inside of a compartment of the vehicle body; and a hollow body made from metal disposed in the interval, the hollow body defining a second lengthwise direction and being adhered by a substantially predetermined amount of adhesive to the interior member so that the hollow body in the second lengthwise direction extends in the first lengthwise direction of the structural member, the hollow body being adhered to a predetermined area of the interior member where sheering forces, resulting from a displacement of the hollow body relative to the interior member, occur when a load which is equal to or greater than a predetermined load is applied so that the load is absorbed by both a deformation of the hollow body and a deformation of the adhesive.