Flexible front structure for car to minimize impact on hitting pedestrian, has links connected together by flexible joints which can deform under load and sensor for detecting object

摘要

The car or other road vehicle (4) has an engine cover and front frame structure with several short bars or links (5-9) hinged together. A sensor (10) at the front of the vehicle detects an object just before or during impact. The control system energizes actuators (3) connected to rods (2) attached to the hinged joints (1a,b).