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25 Years of Airbag~Today's Limits and Future Potential of a Key Technology
Technical Paper
2006-31-0001
Sector:
Event:
Airbag 2006
Language:
English
Abstract
This article looks at the history of how the airbag was
developed and reflects on the level of protection it now offers
vehicle occupants. In addition to the seat belt and rigid passenger
compartment, the airbag is yet another milestone reached in
enhancing occupant safety. In 1969, Mercedes-Benz decided to start
series development of the airbag and at the end of 1980 introduced
the airbag into the market as a supplement to the seatbelt and it
has been available since then. Firstly as optional equipment and
then as standard equipment. Today virtually all primary points of
contact in the vehicle interior are covered by airbags to protect
occupants.
As relevant legislation was passed and crash ratings followed,
these independent vehicle assessments gained in popularity such
that automotive manufacturers could not imagine a world without
modern airbag technology. Vehicle purchasers now consider the
airbag as one of the most important pieces of equipment.
Against this historical background, this article hopes to guide
future tuning of airbag and restraint systems, especially with
regards to active and passive safety systems.