On Airbag Inflator Grade Designation - A Five Index Grading System

In this paper, we address the need to have a consistent and meaningful means to grade airbag inflators. A grading system based on five key characteristics of inflators has been developed. This grading system is designed to include all the important physical aspects of the inflator that affect airbag performance, but to still retain a simple form. We propose to use this, or a grading system similar to this, as an industry-wide grading system for inflators. With a grading system of this kind, airbag engineers will be able to communicate more effectively. This will enhance the efficiency of airbag system design and development effort.