Pouring from the Roof, Wrapping from Behind the Seat... The Evolution of Airbags

Hyundai Mobis announced on the 9th that its self-developed head rotation prevention airbag received a perfect score in the 'head rotation injury category' in the new crash safety test conducted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

This product reduces damage caused by the head turning during a collision and demonstrated its performance in the inclined crash mode test, which NHTSA plans to newly introduce reflecting real accident scenarios. It also received the highest Silver Tower Industrial Medal at the competition hosted by the Korea Agency for Technology and Standards under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Currently, airbags in mass-produced vehicles or similar products from other companies improve performance only by cushion size and airbag shape. They are considered to have limitations in preventing head rotation. In contrast, this technology includes a protrusion (auxiliary chamber) that suppresses head rotation by maximizing pressure in that area at the moment the front passenger is pushed inward after a collision. It also utilizes various patented technologies registered domestically and internationally and is lightweight for mass production suitability, which is another advantage.

Airbag Total Package Optimized for Purpose-Built Vehicles Operation Method

There is also technology reflecting recent advancements such as autonomous driving and electrification. Future autonomous vehicles, including Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs), are expected to have diverse seating arrangements, so the airbag positions will inevitably differ from those in conventional internal combustion engine vehicles where airbags were fixed. The company also introduced a total airbag package configured for PBVs. Airbags are placed in various gap spaces inside the vehicle to match the variable interior layout where seats rotate.

The face-to-face seating airbag deploys from the center of the vehicle ceiling to prevent passengers facing each other from colliding. Curtain airbags are installed at four connection points between the windows and the roof, covering the interior from all sides in a cascading manner. The omnidirectional airbags operating from both sides of the back of the seat act as a kind of protective shield wrapping around the occupant’s body.

They also developed a slim airbag that is 40% thinner than conventional airbags. This product fits into spaces such as variable display panels or the narrowed sides of seats, with the advantage of adjustable airbag volume depending on the location.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.