A payload perimeter protecting bumper and method of stopping an approaching vehicle from coming too close to a parked vehicle which includes a male receiver insert structure, which is configured to be inserted into and coupled to a hitch receiver on a truck, an intermediate portion disposed between male receiver insert structure and bumper member, which provides for the pivoting ability. The bumper member has an elongated pivotable structural member. The system is configured so that if you were to be trapped, you could unlock the pivot limiting pin and pivot upward the elongated pivotable structural member, thereby creating more space to move to exit the parking spot. In some embodiments, the elongated pivotable structural member could have a remote controlled linear actuator, with a length that could be automated.

A payload perimeter protecting bumper and method of stopping an approaching vehicle from coming too close to a parked vehicle which includes a male receiver insert structure, which is configured to be inserted into and coupled to a hitch receiver on a truck, an intermediate portion disposed between male receiver insert structure and bumper member, which provides for the pivoting ability. The bumper member has an elongated pivotable structural member. The system is configured so that if you were to be trapped, you could unlock the pivot limiting pin and pivot upward the elongated pivotable structural member, thereby creating more space to move to exit the parking spot. In some embodiments, the elongated pivotable structural member could have a remote controlled linear actuator, with a length that could be automated.

A bumper arrangement of a passenger car has an upper and a lower load path. A spring element is provided on the transverse support of the lower load path, which, in the event of a collision of a pedestrian with the passenger car, exerts an additional force on the lower leg of the pedestrian, so as to support the movement of the pedestrian in the direction of the front hood of the passenger car.

A vehicle adaptation system for impact mitigation may include an adjustable element. Additionally, in some examples, the vehicle adaptation system may include a fixed element comprising a substantially pliable material. The vehicle adaptation system may be configured to modify a rigidity of a vehicle body by modifying a stiffness and/or a position of the adjustable element coupled thereto. The vehicle adaptation system may modify stiffness and/or position of the adjustable element based on one or more parameters associated with an operation of the vehicle, in order to enhance the safety of vehicle occupants and/or pedestrians proximate to the vehicle.

A vehicle adaptation system for impact mitigation may include an adjustable element. Additionally, in some examples, the vehicle adaptation system may include a fixed element comprising a substantially pliable material. The vehicle adaptation system may be configured to modify a rigidity of a vehicle body by modifying a stiffness and/or a position of the adjustable element coupled thereto. The vehicle adaptation system may modify stiffness and/or position of the adjustable element based on one or more parameters associated with an operation of the vehicle, in order to enhance the safety of vehicle occupants and/or pedestrians proximate to the vehicle.

A method for cushioning a pedestrian during contact with a moving vehicle. The method includes steps providing an energy-absorbing pedestrian interface structured to cushion the pedestrian during contact, providing an interface deployment mechanism operatively coupled to the interface and structured to move the interface between a stowed position and a deployed position, and moving the pedestrian interface to the deployed position when the vehicle is in motion and prior to contact between the pedestrian and the vehicle.

A method for cushioning a pedestrian during contact with a moving vehicle. The method includes steps providing an energy-absorbing pedestrian interface structured to cushion the pedestrian during contact, providing an interface deployment mechanism operatively coupled to the interface and structured to move the interface between a stowed position and a deployed position, and moving the pedestrian interface to the deployed position when the vehicle is in motion and prior to contact between the pedestrian and the vehicle.

A system includes a bumper, an actuator fixed to the bumper, and a panel fixed to the actuator and moveable relative to the bumper. A first bracket is fixed to one of the bumper and the panel, and a second bracket is fixed to the other of the bumper and the panel. The second bracket is moveably engaged with the first bracket. A spring-loaded lock is fixed to the first bracket and is biased against the second bracket. The actuator may be triggered in response to a sensed pedestrian impact. In that case, the actuator moves the first and second brackets relative to each other to move the panel from a recessed position to an extended position.

A system includes a bumper, an actuator fixed to the bumper, and a panel fixed to the actuator and moveable relative to the bumper. A first bracket is fixed to one of the bumper and the panel, and a second bracket is fixed to the other of the bumper and the panel. The second bracket is moveably engaged with the first bracket. A spring-loaded lock is fixed to the first bracket and is biased against the second bracket. The actuator may be triggered in response to a sensed pedestrian impact. In that case, the actuator moves the first and second brackets relative to each other to move the panel from a recessed position to an extended position.

To improve the safety of passengers of a motor vehicle and road users in the case of a head-on collision, a deformation element is provided and includes a crossmember holder for mounting to a crossmember and a bumper plate that can be positioned next to a bumper of a motor vehicle. The deformation element is characterized in that a centrifugal force-operated release element for adjusting and locking the distance of the crossmember holder from the bumper plate is provided between the bumper plate and the crossmember holder. A first distance of the bumper plate from the crossmember holder, starting from a normal position, is greater in a first position than a distance in a second position.