Software-controlled active hood lift for pedestrian impact
This technology is a smart active hood system for cars that helps protect pedestrians during collisions. When a pedestrian is detected in the vehicle's path, the hood's rear end automatically lifts up just before or at the moment of impact, creating a cushioned buffer between the pedestrian and the hard engine components beneath. The hood is held in this raised position briefly, then lowered in a controlled manner — with the speed and stroke of that lowering adjusted based on the pedestrian's size. This sequenced lift-hold-lower motion is designed to manage how energy transfers through the pedestrian's body, reducing the severity of injuries.
What you could build
A software-controlled actuation module integrated with existing active hood hardware in passenger vehicles, sold to automotive OEMs or Tier 1 safety suppliers as a pedestrian protection compliance solution for increasingly strict global pedestrian safety regulations.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based automotive suppliers, defense vehicle manufacturers, or university transportation safety research centers with OEM partnerships would find this relevant.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Atsutaka TAMURA, Stefan DUMA
- Granted
- April 15, 2014
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 8700257
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.