System for detecting impact of object on vehicle, employs impact sensors with sensitive zones

摘要

The invention proposes that sensors with several sensitive zones are located on different parts of the vehicle body, particularly the front. On the occurrence of an impact the relative intensities of the signals are processed to determine the characteristics of the impact, e.g impact with a pedestrians shin bone will generate stronger deformation of the sensitive zones than softer areas of the leg. An Independent claim is also included for a method