Crash sensor device for active hood systems of motor vehicles

Abstract

An impact sensor arrangement for an active hood system, methods of making and using such an impact sensor arrangement, and a motor vehicle having an active hood system using such an impact sensor arrangement are disclosed. For example, an impact sensor arrangement for an active hood system of a motor vehicle is disclosed. Active hood system actuators are selectively actuatable to move the hood of the vehicle. The impact sensor device includes a sensor connected to the sensing tube to detect a characteristic change of the sensing tube and output an actuator trigger signal in response. First and second pieces of high density material are attached to the body adjacent the bumper and collectively define an interior passage within which the sensing tube is nested. The first piece is movably attached to the second piece such that displacement of one piece relative to the other initiates a change in a characteristic of the sense tube.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention generally relates to active hood systems for motor vehicles. More specifically, various aspects of the invention relate to an impact sensor arrangement for triggering a hood lift actuator of an active hood system. Background technique [0002] Current off-the-shelf motor vehicles, such as today's automobiles, are initially equipped with compartment cover assemblies that are removably mounted to the vehicle body for access to various compartments of the vehicle. For example, a conventional trunk is a large storage box located at the rear of the vehicle and covered by a decklid, which is hinged under the tailgate of the passenger compartment. On the other hand, the driver's side and passenger's side doors can be opened and closed to allow user access to enter and exit the passenger compartment. Instead, a hood (or "hood" as it is called in some countries) extends over and covers the engine compartment of the vehicle to prevent the...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the deformability of the hood, and accordingly the ability of the hood to absorb energy, may be hampered by the hood's proximity to rigidly mounted components housed in the vehicle's engine compartment

As an example, when the hood and engine block are in close contact, the hood's ability to absorb energy through deformation can be significantly hindered

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