Pedestrian impact detection system, method for detecting impact of pedestrian with automobile, and pedestrian protection system

摘要

A pedestrian impact sensor system for a motor vehicle comprises sensing means (4) for measuring the loads acting simultaneously on different regions across the front of the vehicle to produce a pressure pattern (12). The system includes means (14, 17) for monitoring changes in measured pressure patterns over time, and for comparing these changes with data characteristic of pedestrian collisions. If a correspondence is identified, a signal is sent to activate a cushioning device (16).