Special Problems and Considerations in the Development of Air Cushion Restraint Systems

This paper, originally published in 1972, describes the development of an air cushion restraint system by General Motors. Specific technical problems of system development and implementation of a production build program are discussed. The components of the driver's and front passenger's systems are described, along with crash sensing and variable inflation. The discussion of specific technical problems includes performance considerations, such as occupant rebound, child-size occupants, out-of-position occupants, nonbarrier type crashes, and the function of the appearance cover. Toxicity potential, noise risk, sensor development, reliability, and field service requirements are also considered. Several vehicles equipped with the most recent system configuration of this system have been tested successfully. Additional testing is planned.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0768013011
• Corporate Authors:

  Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

  400 Commonwealth Drive
  Warrendale, PA  United States  15096
• Authors:
  • Klove Jr, E H
  • Oglesby, Robert N
• Publication Date: 2004

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: pp 3-10
• Monograph Title: Occupant Detection and Sensing for Smarter Air Bag Systems

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air bags; Children; Crash sensors; Equipment design; Noise; Product development; Reliability; Toxicity; Vehicle occupants
• Identifier Terms: General Motors Corporation
• Subject Areas: Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01124429
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0768013011
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 23 2009 7:40AM