Vehicle energy absorption

An energy absorption system for vehicle pillars. The energy absorption system includes a cover device attached to a pillar having an outer shell or side visible from the vehicle interior and an inner hidden side supporting a ladder-like structure which includes a spaced walls and spaced ribs integrally attached together. During energy absorption, the side walls absorb energy by bowing outward away from the ribs and occasionally tearing while energy is also absorbed by crushing distortion and tearing of the ribs from their attachment with the walls. Moreover, in an embodiment, at least one flow channel or passage for air is formed within the device laterally to the side of one of the walls. In another embodiment in which a seat belt attachment is utilized, the device forms a track for a slidable retention belt retention member.

BACKGROUND 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates generally to devices subject to impacts and 
more particularly to an energy absorption system for impacts imparted to a 
pillar of a vehicle. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
Vehicles typically utilize structural and roof support pillars which are 
generally vertically oriented or slanted from the vertical. These support 
pillars are disposed, for example, along each side of the vehicle and may 
be located to separate a pair of vehicle windows as well as to define a 
door frame. It is common in the industry to designate each generally 
vertical pillar by a name starting from the forward most roof pillar at 
the front of the vehicle. For example, the first pillar is designated the 
"A" pillar, the next rearward or second pillar is designated the "B" 
pillar, and so forth. Prior to the subject invention, different types of 
energy absorption devices have been mounted on these pillars but generally 
have been difficult to produce and they added undesirable weight to the 
vehicle. In the industry, it would therefore be desirable to have a 
relatively inexpensive, lightweight energy absorption system for the 
pillars of the vehicle. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention eliminates the oversights, difficulties, and 
disadvantages of the prior art by providing an energy absorption system 
for various pillars of a vehicle. The energy absorption system includes a 
device attached to a pillar that includes an outer or external shell or 
surface integral to a hidden ladder-like structure disposed thereunder. 
The device also includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced ribs 
attached between two of the device's side walls. Upon being impacted, the 
ribs absorb energy by deforming and being torn away from the side walls. 
Also, at the same time the side walls absorb energy by bowing outward away 
from the ribs and may also be otherwise deformed. Moreover, the device 
includes two air flow channels are formed on each side of the side walls 
positioned opposite the attached ribs for passage of air therethrough. The 
passage of air also absorbs energy. 
Even for a pillar which is requiring to support the upper portion of a seat 
belt, a slidable retention member is provided in the device that includes 
a plurality of longitudinally spaced ribs, disposed between, and attached 
to, a set of side walls of the seat belt retention system. Upon an impact 
against the retention member, the ribs absorb energy by being distorted 
and being torn away from the side walls and the side walls are bowed 
outward away from the ribs and otherwise distorted. 
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become 
apparent by reference to the following detailed description when 
considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) 
In FIG. 1, a partial view if a vehicle 10 is shown including an interior 12 
with an energy absorption system particularly for attachment to an "A" 
pillar 14a and a "B" pillar 14b. Interior 12 includes seating for a driver 
including a seat back 16 and a headrest 18 mounted thereon. The "A" pillar 
14a partially supports a vehicle roof structure 20 and partially defines a 
frame for a driver's side front door 22. The "B" pillar 14b also partially 
supports roof structure 20 and partially defines the frame for the 
driver's side front door 22 as well as the driver's side rear door 24. A 
steering wheel 26 is located forward of the seat back 16. 
Mounted to "A" pillar 14a is energy absorption device 28a, the specific 
configuration of which is perhaps best understood by referring to FIGS. 2 
and 3. The device 28a is a molded, thin-walled component with an outer or 
exterior surface 30 and an inner or hidden surface 32. Specifically, the 
device 28a is molded of high impact plastic material with inner surface 32 
configured as perhaps best shown in FIG. 2 revealing a ladder-like 
structure 34. When distorted and torn by exteriorly applied energy, the 
ladder-like structure 34 absorbs energy. Specifically, the ladder-like 
structure 34 is attached to the inner or hidden surface or side 32 of the 
device 28a and includes two laterally spaced side wall portions 36a and 
36b. A plurality of longitudinally spaced ribs 38 are each disposed 
between, and integrally attached to, the side walls 36a and 36b. Defined 
between each set of ribs 38 is a pocket 40. Also, a pair of channels 41a 
and 41b are formed to each side of walls 36a and 36b. These channels 41a 
and 41b can flow air if necessary for a purpose such as for defrosting the 
vehicle window or for providing air vent channels generally. 
As best shown in FIG. 3, the device 28a overlies an elongated inner 
structural member 42 which forms part of the "A" pillar 14a. The pillar 
14a also includes a central structural member 44 and an outer structural 
member 46. The side edges of members 42, 44, 46 are in overlying and 
abutting relation to one another and are joined together preferably by 
spot welds (not shown) to form combined edge portions 48 and 50. The 
rightward edge 50 of the pillar members 42, 44, 46 supports a generally 
"C" shaped portion 52 of a rubber door seal assembly 54. Specifically, the 
"C" shaped portion 52 is formed by a first elongated extension 56 that has 
a plurality of projections or "teeth" 58 disposed thereon to increase a 
frictional engagement of the extension with the edge portion 50. Likewise, 
the opposite side of the edge portion 50 is engaged by similar teeth 60 
formed on a parallel extension 62 of the seal assembly 54. Seal assembly 
also has a sealing portion 64 adapted to engage with the window of the 
driver's side door 22 when both are closed. The sealing portion 64 has a 
generally "O"-shaped cross-section. In addition, the seal assembly 54 
includes a trim portion 66 which extends over and covers the edge of the 
outer surface 30 of the device 28a. 
As perhaps best shown in FIG. 2, the energy absorption device 28a has a 
retention mechanism or clip 68 attached to the ladder-like structure. 
Specifically, the clip 68 is attached to the device 28a by retention 
stakes 70a and 70b that engage side walls 36a, 36b. The retention clip 68 
further includes a retention tab 72 designed for insertion into a 
specified part of the inner member 42 of the "A" pillar 14a for securing 
the device 14a to the vehicle. 
Referring again to FIG. 1, an energy absorption device 28b is shown which 
covers "B" pillar 14b. Like the previously described device 28a, this 
device 28b has an elongated configuration as seen in FIG. 4. The device 
28b has an outer or external surface 74 facing the vehicle interior 12 and 
an opposite inner or hidden surface 76. The inner surface 76 has a side 
portion 78 with a plurality of arcuate and longitudinally spaced ribs 80 
extending therefrom. At the opposite side portion 82, a similarly formed 
series of ribs 84 extend from surface 76. Many of the ribs 80 and 84 
include a notch 86 located adjacent to where the rib is connected to the 
main body of the device at surface 76. The device 28b includes a pair of 
projections or retention prongs 88' and 88", spaced longitudinally from 
one another, one at each end. The upper prong 88' extends outward from a 
raised table 90 having a surface 92 spaced outwardly from surface 76. 
Adjacent to prong 88', a series of retention flanges or tabs 94' extend 
from table surface 92. At the lower end of device 28b, a series of 
similarly formed retention tabs 94" extend directly from surface 76 as 
does the adjacent prong 88". The prongs 88', 88" and tabs 94', 94" are 
adapted to engage receptive structure of the "B" pillar 78b to retain the 
device 14b to the pillar. 
Further disposed or formed through the body of the device 14b is an 
elongated aperture 96 as best shown in FIG. 4. The embodiment of the 
device for the "B" pillar includes a slidable seat belt retention member 
98, a center part 100 of which is designed to be exposed through the 
elongated aperture 96. Belt retention member 98 further includes a back 
side 102 adapted to be covered by the overlapping edge portions of device 
14b which frame the aperture 96. The seat belt retention member 88 also 
has a base portion 104 that is slidably disposed within a track formed 
along the edges of the aperture 96 by the notches 86 formed in ribs 80 as 
seen in FIG. 6. The seat belt retention member 98 further includes two 
sets of paired and laterally spaced walls 106a and 106b. A plurality of 
longitudinally spaced ribs 108a and 108b are formed between walls 106a and 
106b. Disposed between each pair of ribs 108a and 108b is a void or space 
110 that provides somewhat of a pneumatic cushion upon movement of ribs 
108a and 108b. An upper seat belt support structure is adapted to be 
attached through the retention member 98 and specifically through its 
midportion 100 which is exposed through aperture 96. For this purpose, 
apertures 112 and 114 are disposed through this midportion or central 
structure 100 to receive the shoulder harness seat belt structure. To 
absorb energy, the side walls 106a and 106b are bowed outward from the 
associated and attached ribs 108a and 108b. Moreover, distortion and 
tearing of the ribs 108a and 108b also absorb energy as the ribs and side 
walls are separated either partially or entirely. 
As is best shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the edges along the back or inner side 
102 of member 98 overlie the edges of aperture 96. The exposed surface 100 
of member 98 can be painted or formed of molded plastic to match the 
interior surfaces of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 6, the "B" pillar 
energy absorption device 26b extends along and overlies a pillar member 
116. Member 116 is preferably constructed of steel for strength and forms 
part of the frame of vehicle 18. The seat belt retention structure is 
anchored to member 116 but is allowed to slide vertically a limited degree 
through the slot 118 formed therein. 
In FIG. 7, the energy absorption device 28a is shown after absorbing 
energy. Note that at least two of the ribs 38' are partially torn from 
there attachment with wall 36b and in fact at least two of the ribs 38" 
are almost totally detached. Also note the separation of wall 36a at 
location 36'. These distortions and tears absorb energy in a controlled 
manner. 
While the invention has been described in detail, it is to be expressly 
understood that it will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art 
that the invention may be modified without departing from the spirit of 
the invention. Various changes of form, design or arrangement may be made 
to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the 
invention. Therefore, the above mentioned description is to be considered 
exemplary, rather than limiting, and the true scope of the invention is 
that defined in the following claims.