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Steering Wheel Airbag Collision Performance
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English
Abstract
Though the steering wheel has been maligned as a primary cause of injuries in automobile collisions, studies show it is the first passive restraint system in the automobile. Adding an airbag to the steering wheel distributes the energy load better than the wheel alone, and the airbag takes advantage of the space between occupant and steering wheel to protect the driver further.
Specifically, the airbag utilizes space to decelerate the occupant, prevents concentrated loads on the torso, stops the face from hitting the steering wheel rim, and helps distribute impact load over a larger area. The airbag has three major components-the sensor, inflator, and airbag. The functioning of these components, as well as experimental investigations conducted to determine operational capabilities of the system, are discussed.
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Authors
Citation
Trosien, K. and Patrick, L., "Steering Wheel Airbag Collision Performance," SAE Technical Paper 710020, 1971, https://doi.org/10.4271/710020.Also In
References
- Kohlberg J. K. “Driver and His Right Front Passenger in Automobile Accidents.”
- Lundstrom L. C. Cichowski W. G. “Field Experience With the Energy Absorbing Steering Column.” Paper 690183 SAE Automotive Engineering Congress Detroit January 1969
- Huelke Donald F. William A “Accident Investigations of the Performance Characteristics of Energy Absorbing Steering Columns.” Paper 690184 SAE Automotive Engineering Congress Detroit January 1969
- Lasky I. I. Siegel A. W. Nahum A. M. “Automotive Cardio-Thoracic Injuries: A Medical-Engineering Analysis.” Paper 680052 SAE Automotive Engineering Congress Detroit January 1968
- Patrick L. M. Van D. J. “Correlation of Accident and Laboratory Impacts to Energy-Absorbing Steering Assemblies.” Paper 690185 SAE Automotive Engineering Congress Detroit January 1969
- Gadd C. W. Patrick L. M. “System Versus Laboratory Impact Tests for Estimating Injury Hazard.” Paper 680053 SAE Automotive Engineering Congress Detroit January 1968
- Patrick Lawrence M. “Prevention of Instrument Panel and Windshield Head Injuries.” The Prevention of Highway Injury, Symposium Proceedings Highway Safety Research Institute University of Michigan April 19 21 1967