Driver Airbag: Operation

The driver airbag includes a stamped metal housing to which the cushion and an inflator unit are attached and sealed. The conventional pyrotechnic-type inflator assembly is mounted to studs on the back of the airbag housing. The inflator seals the hole in the airbag cushion so it can discharge the gas it produces directly into the cushion when supplied with the proper electrical signal. Following an airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting this gas towards the instrument panel through the porous fabric material used on the steering wheel side of the airbag cushion.

The protective trim cover is fitted to the front of the airbag and forms a decorative cover in the center of the steering wheel. The inside of the trim cover has locking blocks molded into it that engage a lip on the airbag metal housing. Two stamped metal retainers then fit over the inflator mounting studs on the back of the airbag housing and are engaged in slots on the inside of the cover, securely locking the trim cover into place. The trim cover will split at predetermined breakout lines, then fold back out of the way along with the horn switch and tray unit upon airbag deployment.