20120246874 | COMPONENTS DESIGNED TO BE LOAD-ADAPTIVE - A load-adaptive component includes at least one trapezoidal, elastically movable four-bar hinge incorporated integrally into the component to generate a shape change behavior that is anisotropically resilient-elastic and is directed counter to the direction of action of a force. The four-bar hinges have first recesses for forming hinge points that are produced by weak points in the material and embody elastic bending hinge, and second slot-like recesses connected to or joining the hinge points. A plurality of successive, mutually spaced four-bar hinges form a multi-hinge mechanism integrated into the component. | 10-04-2012 |