US Patent 8726424 Energy management structure

An energy management structure is adapted to absorb a force applied thereto. The structure includes a first component possessing a first compressive response profile, a second component possessing a second compressive response profile different from the first compressive response profile, and a third component connecting the first component to the second component. Upon application of a force, the second compressive response profile of the second component is additive to the first compressive response profile of the first component to result in an overall compressive response profile of the energy management structure that meets a design compressive response profile.