Energy absorption device for motor vehicles

摘要

The impact absorbing cushion is fitted to the front of a motor vehicle. In normal driving the cushion is retracted behind a cover at the front of the vehicle. If an impending collision is detected the cushion is inflated, pushing the cover aside and providing a large air bag at the front of the vehicle. The collision detection uses signals from the anti-lock braking system (26) on the vehicle, and from an obstacle detector (28) fitted at the front of the vehicle. A central control circuit processes these signals to determine activation of the inflatable cushion.