Energy Management in IORS

Inflatable occupant restraint systems (IORS) are categorized according to high, medium, and low momentum air bag deployment energies. Theoretical flow curves for these categories are presented which minimize deployment accelerations imparted to out-of-position occupants, in particular the standing child. Practical techniques to achieve these flow curves for stored gas, augmented gas, and solid inflators are presented. Aspirating systems are described, and their superiority over direct fill systems is indicated.