Abstract: A method for controlling a passenger restraint system aboard a motor vehicle includes receiving, via a controller, biometric vulnerability classifier signal(s) indicative of vulnerability characteristics of a passenger seated in an interior of the motor vehicle. In response to the biometric vulnerability classifier signal(s) and a detected vehicle event requiring an actuation of the passenger restraint system, the method includes automatically adjusting an actual capacity setting of the passenger restraint system via the controller. A motor vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a vehicle interior, a passenger restraint system positioned in the vehicle interior; and a controller operable for controlling the actual capacity setting of the passenger restraint system in accordance with the method. The passenger restraint system may include a seatbelt, a seat, and one or more airbag systems.

Abstract: An airbag system having an airbag control module configured to detect a direction of impact of a vehicle, an airbag assembly having an airbag cushion with an internal tether, and a tether adjustment mechanism. The tether adjustment mechanism is in communication with the airbag control module and engagement with the tether. The airbag control module is configured to send a signal to the tether adjustment mechanism to adjust the tether by ratcheting a portion of the middle segment of the tether when the airbag cushion deploys such that one of a first tether length and a second tether length is extended and the other of the first tether length and the second tether length is contracted to provide a larger volumetric capacity of the airbag cushion in the direction of impact.