Energy absorber for sensor protection

Abstract

A vehicle includes: a bumper beam; an electronic sensor that is fixed in relation to the bumper beam; and an energy absorber that is connected to the bumper beam in general alignment with the electronic sensor. The energy absorber is configured and positioned to protect the electronic sensor and reduce dislocation of the electronic sensor by absorbing energy resulting from a low-force impact between the vehicle and an external object (e.g., another vehicle). The energy absorber may be provided in the front and/or rear-ends of the vehicle, and, in certain embodiments, may be connected to an end face of the bumper beam (e.g., to a front face or a rear face of the bumper beam) such that the energy absorber is positioned outwardly (e.g., forwardly or rearwardly) of the electronic sensor along a length of the vehicle.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.