AIR CUSHION RESTRAINT SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT AND VEHICLE APPLICATION

The discussion presented in this paper includes: A design review of General Motors air cushion restraint system, performance in dynamic testing, and the General Motors program for production build and fleet tryout. Among the items covered in the design review are: The driver's restraint system, the front passenger's restraint system, and the sensing mechanism. The discussion of air cushion system performance testing includes: The text matrix, two significant crash configurations, the importance of variable inflation levels, and the need to continue baboon and human volunteer testing. The discussion of the General Motors pilot production build and fleet tryout program covers the purpose for gaining “on-road” air cushion system experience.