Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a vehicle body having a width direction. A fascia with a long dimension oriented in the width direction is coupled to the vehicle body. A compressible layer is disposed between the fascia and the body, with a first face proximate the fascia and a second face proximate the body. The first face is provided with a first recess to define a first cavity between the fascia and the compressible layer. The second face is provided with a second recess to define a second cavity between the compressible layer and the body. The first recess and the second recess have long dimensions oriented in the width direction. A pressure sensor is disposed in the second cavity. The fascia has a fascia face proximate the compressible layer and a rib member projecting from the fascia face. The rib member is disposed at least partially in the first cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed are impact sensor arrangements for active hood systems, methods for making and for using such impact sensor arrangements, and motor vehicles with active hood systems using such impact sensor arrangements. Disclosed, for example, is an impact sensor arrangement for an active hood system of a motor vehicle. An active hood system actuator is selectively actuable to displace the vehicle's engine hood. The impact sensor arrangement includes a sensor connected to a sensing tube to detect a characteristic change of the sensing tube and responsively output an actuator trigger signal. First and second blocks, each formed from a high-density material, attach to the vehicle body adjacent the bumper and collectively define an internal channel within which is nested the sensing tube. The first block is movably attached to the second block such that displacement of one block with respect to the other initiates the characteristic change of the sensing tube.