Importance

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Abstract

Energy-absorbing bolsters for an automotive instrument panel assembly are provided wherein each of the bolsters includes a network of thermoplastic cells having a plurality of interconnected sides for absorbing energy of an impact with a front panel by a passenger of the vehicle in an energy absorption area of the front panel. Each bolster includes a thermoplastic cover section including the front panel having a front outer surface and a rear inner surface. A thermoplastic rib structure lays immediately behind the rear inner surface of the front panel in the energy absorption area. A thermoplastic backing section includes a back panel having a rear outer surface and an inner surface and is secured to the cover section in containing relationship to the rib structure to form a hollow compartment for the rib structure in the energy absorption area. The rib structure includes a first set of energy-absorbing, thermoplastic, planar members which are integrally molded to and extend outwardly from one of the inner surfaces in a direction generally perpendicular to the inner surfaces to at least partially form the network.

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First Claim