Impact sensor

• US 20040055805A1
• Filed: 07/15/2003
• Published: 03/25/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/16/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Mack, Frank, Lich, Thomas
• Application Number:
  US10/620,962
• Publication Number:
  US 20040055805A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 180/274
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/01345 using mechanical sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/013 including means for detecting collisions, impending collisions or roll-over
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 15/12 by alteration of electrical resistance G01P15/0897, G01P15/105 take precedence

Abstract

An impact sensor is proposed, which includes a compressible medium, which changes it conductivity as a function of the compression, the impact sensor, as a function of the change in the conductivity, emitting a signal that is indicative of a parameter characteristic of an impact.

Claims

1. An impact sensor, comprising:

a compressible medium that changes its conductivity as a function of a compression; and

an arrangement for emitting, as a function of a change in conductivity, a signal that is indicative of a parameter characteristic of an impact.

2. The impact sensor as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the impact sensor is located in a bumper.

3. The impact sensor as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the impact sensor is affixed on a vehicle side.

4. The impact sensor as recited in claim 3, wherein:

the impact sensor is accommodated in a trim molding on the vehicle side.

5. The impact sensor as recited in claim 3, wherein:

the impact sensor is accommodated in a molding.

6. The impact sensor as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the compressible medium includes a foamed plastic.

7. The impact sensor as recited in claim 6, wherein:

the foamed plastic includes conductive foamed plastic arranged in combination with non-conductive foamed plastic.

8. A method of using an impact sensor including a compressible medium that changes its conductivity as a function of a compression, and an arrangement for emitting, as a function of a change in conductivity, a signal that is indicative of a parameter characteristic of an impact, the method comprising:

using the impact sensor to detect a pedestrian impact.