Bumper collision sensor for an automotive vehicle

A bumper assembly comprising:

• a fascia;
• a rigid backer plate spaced from the fascia;
• a compressible layer disposed between the fascia and the backer plate, the compressible layer having a first face proximate the fascia and a second face proximate the backer plate, the second face being provided with a recess to define a cavity between the compressible layer and the backer plate;
• and
• a pressure sensor disposed in the cavity;
• wherein the rigid backer plate has a backer plate face proximate the compressible layer and a rib member projecting from the backer plate face, the rib member being disposed at least partially in the cavity, the rib member having a length extending generally parallel to the width direction and having, along the length, a first portion, a second portion, and a central portion between the first portion and the second portion, wherein at the first portion the rib member projects a first distance from the backer plate face, and at the central portion the rib member projects a second distance from the backer plate face, the second distance being different from the first distance.

A sensor assembly for an automotive vehicle, comprising:

• a vehicle body;
• a bumper assembly coupled to the vehicle body, the bumper assembly including a fascia and a compressible layer disposed between the fascia and the vehicle body;
• a rigid backer plate disposed between the body and the compressible layer, wherein the compressible layer is provided with a recess to define a cavity between the compressible layer and the backer plate, and wherein the backer plate is provided with a backer plate face and a rib member projecting from the backer plate face, the rib member being disposed at least partially in the cavity, the rib member having a length extending generally parallel to the width direction and having, along the length, a first portion, a second portion, and a central portion between the first portion and the second portion, wherein at the first portion the rib member projects a first distance from the backer plate face, and at the central portion the rib member projects a second distance from the backer plate face, the second distance being different from the first distance;
• and
• a pressure sensor comprising a pressure tube disposed at least partially in the cavity.