Abstract: A vehicle interior panel for use over a deployable airbag includes an outer substrate portion having a top side, a bottom side, a tear seam, and a structural rib extending from the bottom side of the outer substrate portion. The panel includes an inner substrate portion having a top side, a bottom side, and a deflector extending from the top side of the inner substrate portion. The deflector is configured to contact the structural rib and the tear seam during deployment of the airbag. A method of manufacturing the panel includes injecting the outer substrate portion with the inner substrate portion and folding the inner substrate portion at a hinge region toward the outer substrate portion.

Abstract: Airbag deployment data is collected using a plurality of sensors located along a line of weakening formed in a vehicle interior panel. The sensors are configured to provide information pertinent to separation of adjacent portions of the panel from each other as a function of time at a plurality of locations along the line of weakening. Each sensor is attached to the panel so that the sensor crosses the line. The relative time at which a conductive part of each sensor breaks is recorded and provides useful information about airbag door behavior during airbag deployment.

Abstract: Airbag deployment data is collected using a plurality of sensors located along a line of weakening formed in a vehicle interior panel. The sensors are configured to provide information pertinent to separation of adjacent portions of the panel from each other as a function of time at a plurality of locations along the line of weakening. Each sensor is attached to the panel so that the sensor crosses the line. The relative time at which a conductive part of each sensor breaks is recorded and provides useful information about airbag door behavior during airbag deployment.