The airbag firstly needs to be inflated in order to provide protection. During the inflation process, a corresponding amount of energy needs to be activated. If the vehicle occupants are impacted by the airbag during the inflation phase, additional loadings may result. This can occur if the person concerned is seated out of position at the beginning of an accident, such that his head is positioned close to the airbag cover. Four tests were carried out, based on this theme. Complete vehicles were driven at 55 km/h with a 40% frontal overlap into a rigid barrier. In each test, a belted Hybrid III dummy was located in the driver's seat in a normal seating position. In the passenger seat an unbelted Hybrid III dummy was seated bent forward, out of position. Three different passenger cars were used: a Ford Fiesta with Euro bags, an Opel Corsa and an Opel Vectra, both with full size bags. Each of these cars was fitted with driver and passenger airbags. One more test was conducted with a second Opel Vectra in order to make a comparison for the passenger without an airbag. The test results are presented and discussed on an interdisciplinary basis. The problems posed by the out-of-position aspect form the focal point of this paper. (A)
Abstract