Device for a motor vehicle that affords occupant protection during the impact of energy directed against a motor vehicle door as a result of a collision
A device for a motor vehicle provides occupant protection during the impact of energy directed laterally against a motor vehicle door (6) as a result of a collision. The device has a connecting structure (7) including a first part (T1) and a second part (T2). The first part is firmly connected to the motor vehicle door (6) and the second part (5) is firmly connected to an energy-absorbing area of the motor vehicle body (5) located in the interior of the motor vehicle (1). The two parts are actively connected by at least one common joining section (F) for diverting at least part of the impact of energy acting laterally on the motor vehicle door into the area of the body of the motor vehicle. At least one of the first and second part comprise a transferable material which changes in mechanical state and in particular shape due to which the two parts are made to adjoin and interlock.