Evolution of Airbag Components and Materials

In an era when automotive safety sells and competition among safety component suppliers is fierce, the inflatable supplemental restraint or airbag system is undergoing a continual evolution in terms of its design, materials, and mechanisms.

The purpose of this paper is to trace the evolution of the airbag itself - both materials and design - in terms of longevity, comfort, effectiveness for high- and low-percentile occupants, and design freedom. The latest developments in new generation airbags will be discussed and speculations on future trends will also be offered.