LED Crush Sensor

摘要

A sensor assembly for detecting crush of a compliant material. The sensor assembly includes a light source such as an LED, and a light sensor. In one implementation, the sensor assembly is used for detecting and impact of a motor vehicle with an external object or structure. Crush of the energy absorbing material, which may be provided in the form of an open or closed cell type polymeric foam is detected through a change in the intensity of the reflected back light received by the light sensor in response to compression of the energy absorber material. Other applications are contemplated.

主权项

1. A crush sensor assembly for detecting compression of a compliant material, comprising:
a light source generating light interacting with the compliant material, the compliant material of the type being partially transmissive and partially reflective of the light, and a light sensor positioned adjacent to the light source such that the sensor receives light produced by the light sensor which is reflected back to the light sensor from within the volume of the compliant material, and upon deformation of the compliant material, the intensity of the light received by the light sensor changes, thereby providing an indication of the compression of the compliant material.