Abstract: An airbag module assembly 10 comprises a module housing 12 closed by an airbag module door assembly 15. A panel 16 forms an airbag module door 16? for release of an airbag 14 upon activation of the airbag module assembly 10. Attachment members 28, 30 are connected to opposing peripheral edges 20 and 22 of the panel 16. In another aspect, a tear seam 46 may be incorporated on an attachment member 30 adjacent the peripheral edge 22 of the door 16?, rather than on the panel 16. In yet another aspect, slots 48 within the attachment member 30 with upwardly angled surfaces 48.1 adjacent the edge 22 interface with corresponding arms 50 protruding from the edge 52 of the instrument panel 18, which provides enhanced leverage for a smooth tear along the attachment member 30 and a smooth deployment of the airbag 14.

Abstract: An airbag module assembly 10 contains a module housing 12 closed by an airbag module door assembly 15. A panel 16 forms an airbag module door for release of an airbag 14 upon activation of module assembly 10. Attachment members 28 and 30 are connected to opposing peripheral edges 20 and 22 of the panel 16. In another aspect, a tear seam 46 may be incorporated on an attachment member 30 adjacent the peripheral edge 22 of the door 16, rather than on the panel 16. By providing upwardly angled slots 48 within the attachment member 30 and adjacent the edge 22, that converge toward the edge 42 and interface with corresponding instrument panel arms 52 protruding from the vehicle structure 18. The combination therefore provides enhanced leverage for a smooth tear along the attachment member 30 and a smooth deployment of the airbag 14. The tear seam 46 need not therefore be conventionally formed within the panel 16.

Abstract: An air bag system that includes impact countermeasures is provided. The apparatus includes an air bag that is attached to a vehicle body via a base plate. The base plate includes a plurality of ribs extending therefrom disposed in a manner such that the plurality of ribs can be transitioned to allow a path for deployment the airbag. Deployment of the air bag protects occupants during certain types of collision and the impact countermeasures, the plurality of ribs, absorbs energy during certain types of impacts with the apparatus.