There is provided a sensor mounting structure for a sensor having a detection surface configured to detect information around a vehicle. The sensor mounting structure includes an exterior member of the vehicle provided with an opening that is provided to be wider than an outer shape of the detection surface, and a cover disposed around the detection surface to close a space between an outer peripheral edge of the detection surface and an opening edge of the opening. The opening is provided such that then opening edge of the opening is disposed around the detection surface with a space between the opening edge and the detection surface.

Systems and methods are provided for dampening impact to a vehicle. The system may include a vehicle frame component; a plurality of adjustable exterior vehicle body components coupled to the frame component, wherein the vehicle body components are on different sides of a vehicle and are configurable to dampen an external force exerted on the vehicle; a plurality of actuator components configured to adjust physical configurations of the vehicle body components relative to the frame component; a component configured to collect data representing an external environment of the vehicle; and one or more processors configured to detect, by processing the data, an external driving condition, wherein the external driving condition is an impending collision between the vehicle and one or more objects external to the vehicle, and when the external driving condition is detected, cause the actuator components to correspondingly adjust the physical configurations of the vehicle body components.

Systems and methods are provided for dampening impact to a vehicle. The system may include a vehicle frame component; a plurality of adjustable exterior vehicle body components coupled to the frame component, wherein the vehicle body components are on different sides of a vehicle and are configurable to dampen an external force exerted on the vehicle; a plurality of actuator components configured to adjust physical configurations of the vehicle body components relative to the frame component; a component configured to collect data representing an external environment of the vehicle; and one or more processors configured to detect, by processing the data, an external driving condition, wherein the external driving condition is an impending collision between the vehicle and one or more objects external to the vehicle, and when the external driving condition is detected, cause the actuator components to correspondingly adjust the physical configurations of the vehicle body components.

A system and method are provided for dampening impact to a vehicle. The system may include an adjustable exterior vehicle component configured to dampen an external force exerted on the vehicle, a vehicle frame component configured to couple to the adjustable exterior vehicle component, an actuator component configured to adjust a physical configuration of the adjustable exterior vehicle component, an external communication component configured to collect driving environment data representing an external environment of the vehicle, and one or more processors configured to receive driving environment data and detect, by processing the driving environment data, an external driving condition. When the one or more processors detect the external driving condition, the one or more processors may cause the actuator component to adjust the adjustable exterior vehicle component to a specific physical configuration.

A system and method are provided for dampening impact to a vehicle. The system may include an adjustable exterior vehicle component configured to dampen an external force exerted on the vehicle, a vehicle frame component configured to couple to the adjustable exterior vehicle component, an actuator component configured to adjust a physical configuration of the adjustable exterior vehicle component, an external communication component configured to collect driving environment data representing an external environment of the vehicle, and one or more processors configured to receive driving environment data and detect, by processing the driving environment data, an external driving condition. When the one or more processors detect the external driving condition, the one or more processors may cause the actuator component to adjust the adjustable exterior vehicle component to a specific physical configuration.

An apparatus and method for improving the safety and performance of an automobile in crash events is disclosed. The safety device includes first and second crash pad regions and a connecting member region disposed between the first and second crash pad regions. At least a portion of the connecting member region is arranged to move in one of an upward and downward direction at the initial moment of a crash to absorb crash energy. The safety device is arranged to collapse on itself upon continuation of the crash. In some embodiments, the safety device collapses in a horizontal direction upon continuation of the crash.

An apparatus and method for improving the safety and performance of an automobile in crash events is disclosed. The safety device includes first and second crash pad regions and a connecting member region disposed between the first and second crash pad regions. At least a portion of the connecting member region is arranged to move in one of an upward and downward direction at the initial moment of a crash to absorb crash energy. The safety device is arranged to collapse on itself upon continuation of the crash. In some embodiments, the safety device collapses in a horizontal direction upon continuation of the crash.

An apparatus and method for improving the safety and performance of an automobile in crash events is disclosed. The safety device includes first and second crash pad regions and a connecting member region disposed between the first and second crash pad regions. At least a portion of the connecting member region is arranged to move in one of an upward and downward direction at the initial moment of a crash to absorb crash energy. The safety device is arranged to collapse on itself upon continuation of the crash. In some embodiments, the safety device collapses in a horizontal direction upon continuation of the crash.

A vehicle frame component for limiting the movement of the wheel of the vehicle toward the cab of a cab on frame vehicle including a base member welded to openings in the frame side rail and extending outwardly and located proximal the wheel structure. In one embodiment the vehicle frame component is located forward of the wheel and includes a tire puncture device to deflate the tire during an offset front impact and in a second embodiment the vehicle frame component is located rearward of the wheel. The vehicle frame component has particular utility during an offset front impact where the offset is less than approximately twenty-five percent (25%) of the width of the vehicle.

A vehicle frame component for limiting the movement of the wheel of the vehicle toward the cab of a cab on frame vehicle including a base member welded to openings in the frame side rail and extending outwardly and located proximal the wheel structure. In one embodiment the vehicle frame component is located forward of the wheel and includes a tire puncture device to deflate the tire during an offset front impact and in a second embodiment the vehicle frame component is located rearward of the wheel. The vehicle frame component has particular utility during an offset front impact where the offset is less than approximately twenty-five percent (25%) of the width of the vehicle.