Energy conversion systems and methods are disclosed. In one aspect, the system is for converting or redirecting energy received by an impact to an automobile in a proximal direction into another type of energy. The system includes a body having a first engagement structure and an impact member configured to be installed within an outer perimeter compartment of the automobile to receive an impulse. The impact member having a second engagement structure and a third engagement structure. The second engagement structure being configured to engage with the first engagement structure of the body to facilitate the impact member translating in the direction relative to the body. The system further includes a converter having a fourth engagement structure, the fourth engagement structure being configured to engage with the third engagement structure of the impact member and convert the energy received by the impact member into another type of energy. The system may change or redirect a direction of a force vector associated with the received impulse.

The invention relates to a crash structure for a motor vehicle, comprising a carrier body, from the carrier surface of which at least one deformation unit formed integrally with the carrier body protrudes, which deformation unit is formed by at least two deformation elements arranged one over the other and connected to each other and by an impact surface, wherein: a longitudinal section of each deformation element has two longitudinal section surfaces lying opposite each other and following respective non-straight curves; the impact surface is spaced apart from the carrier surface by the deformation elements.

The shock absorber includes: a base portion fixed to the attachment target; a shock absorbing portion having flexibility and attached to the base portion so as to be reversibly switchable between a housed state in which the shock absorbing portion is retracted toward the base portion and a protruding state in which the shock absorbing portion protrudes from the base portion; and a drive unit driving the shock absorbing portion to reversibly switch between the housed state and the protruding state. The drive unit, when operating the shock absorbing portion, at least switches the shock absorbing portion from the housed state to the protruding state.

A crash impact attenuator is adapted for deployment on a vehicle, and includes a cartridge portion having at least one energy absorbing module, as well as a backup system having a backup frame, which is adapted to attach the cartridge portion to the vehicle. The backup system includes an actuator configured to pivot the cartridge portion between a deployed orientation and a stored orientation about a pivot axis disposed on a lower half of the backup system. The backup system further includes a lockout frame member having a contact surface on one end thereof, the lockout frame member being actuatable between a deployed orientation wherein the contact surface engages a portion of the backup frame to support the backup frame against vehicular impact forces and a stowed orientation wherein the contact surface is not engaged with the backup frame.

A bumper includes a carrier having a wall extending along a longitudinal axis, and a first leg and a second leg extending away from the wall in a first direction. A plurality of fins are movably attached to the carrier between the first leg and the second leg, and are spaced from each other the longitudinal axis. The fins may be moved to a deployed position to reinforce the bumper to improve low-speed damageability of the bumper, and may be moved to an inactive position, which may allow a fascia to more easily deform relative to the deployed position to provide energy absorption for pedestrian impacts.

A crash impact attenuator is adapted for deployment on a vehicle, and includes a cartridge portion having at least one energy absorbing module, as well as a backup system having a backup frame, which is adapted to attach the cartridge portion to the vehicle. The backup system includes an actuator configured to pivot the cartridge portion between a deployed orientation and a stored orientation about a pivot axis disposed on a lower half of the backup system. The backup system further includes a lockout frame member having a contact surface on one end thereof, the lockout frame member being actuatable between a deployed orientation wherein the contact surface engages a portion of the backup frame to support the backup frame against vehicular impact forces and a stowed orientation wherein the contact surface is not engaged with the backup frame.

An energy-absorbing device includes a beam having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of lobes attached to and positioned sequentially along the beam. The lobes are spaced from each other, deformable relative to the beam, and configured to contact adjacent lobes when deformed. The size and spacing of the lobes is such that if a single lobe is deformed, the lobe will not contact adjacent lobes, but if adjacent lobes are deformed, the lobes will contact each other.

An energy absorbing system includes a carrier having a wall extending along a longitudinal axis. The energy absorber has a first leg and a second leg extending in a first direction away from the wall. A plurality of fins are fixed to and extend from the wall in the first direction, at approximately 60 to 65 degrees relative to the wall.

A vehicle bumper assembly is provided having an energy absorber, a bracket, a step pad and a bumper fascia. The energy absorber includes an upper horizontal surface wherein the upper horizontal surface may define a deformable structure. The deformable structure may be in the form of flexible fins. The bracket may be mounted to the vehicle frame on a first end of the bracket and the energy absorber affixed to a second end of the bracket. The step pad may be affixed to the energy absorber. The bumper fascia may be affixed to either or both the step pad and the energy absorber.

An embodiment of a thermoplastic energy absorber for a vehicle comprises: a base and a crush lobe. The crush lobe comprises load walls extending from the base and a convex front face located at an end of the load walls opposite the base, wherein the convex front face bow outward, away from the base. The convex front face is connected to the load walls with fillets. The base and crush lobes comprise a plastic material.