Patent ID: 6983832

Claim:
An impact energy absorbing system comprising: a control structure fixedly attached to a vehicle chassis comprising a sleeve, a seal at each end of the sleeve, a magnetorheological fluid disposed between the seals, and at least one coil in proximity to the magnetorheological fluid; a primary impact surface fixedly attached to a support member, wherein the support member comprises an annular surface in sliding engagement with the seal and the magnetorheological fluid of the control structure, wherein the magnetorheological fluid contacts the support member only at the annular surface; and a secondary impact surface comprising a disc disposed within an annular recess of the support member, wherein the annular recess comprises a spring having one end fixedly attached to a transverse member and an other end fixedly attached to the secondary impact surface, wherein the transverse member is fixedly attached to the vehicle chassis, and wherein the secondary impact surface is in direct contact with a portion of the primary impact surface when the impact energy absorbing system is at rest.