Out-of-Position Airbag Load Sensitivity Study

A test study of the sensitivity of airbag load at out-of-position (OOP) conditions was performed. The calibrated pneumatically driven Airbag Test Simulator (ATS) was used as the test platform to provide a large number of well-controlled repeat tests. Dummy responses were measured with parametric variations of dummy position, neck shield, airbag folding, airbag cover, and steering wheel effects. A selected airbag was used and tests were carried out using the Hybrid III and THOR dummies. The data were analyzed in detail to provide phenomenological understanding of the effects of some critical parameters affecting OOP loads and dummy responses. The results identify a number of critical parameters that can significantly affect dummy responses at OOP conditions.