| 摘要 |
The invention relates to the apparatus for and a method of sensing impact between a vehicle and an object and particularly between a pedestrian and the front bumper(12) of a vehicle. An optical fiber array(14) extends along the bumper (12) and the array (14)has sensors spaced along the bumper (12). A sensor comprises light loss areas spaced peripherally and axially on a fiber. An impact distorts the sensors, modulating light transmitted along the fiber or fibers. A signal is produced which is processed by a signal processor and an output signal generated. The output signal is used to actuate a safety device, such as elevating the vehicle hood to increase clearance between hood and engine, to reduce the severity of any injuries. |
