Although airbags save thousands of lives every year, they are potentially dangerous for children and other occupants who are sitting too close to a deploying frontal airbag. To reduce this risk for children, the vehicle manufacturers install airbag suppression systems. However, these systems have several drawbacks (e.g. high costs, low accuracy and complicated installation in the seat). Autoliv has therefore developed an airbag that automatically releases pressure should the occupant be too close to the bag. If the occupant is at a safe distance to the bag, two straps are stretched and, as a consequence, cinch their vent tubes to allow gas pressure to build up in the bag. This Safety-Venty Airbag was introduced in 2006. |