Dual-Stage Inflators and OoP Occupants -A Performance Study

Fifty-three static out-of-position tests were conducted with a “small female” dummy placed in three different positions, and with distances of 0 mm and 50 mm from the airbag.

The driver-side module with a single-stage inflator was additionally tested with inflator versions tailored to 80%, 60%, 40% and 20% of peak tank pressure, in order to simulate the first of two stages of a dual-stage inflator.

In general, biomechanical loadings decreased with less inflator propellant. Critical chest loadings were measured down to the 60%-stage. The neck extension bending moment exceeded the limit only with the lOO%-charge. With distances of 50 mm, none of the threshold values were exceeded. Energy reductions of 20% between two stages did not necessarily reduce occupant loadings.