Abstract: A bracket is provided for connecting an airbag module to a structural member in an automotive vehicle. The bracket provides three degrees to freedom to allow the fit and finish of the interior panels to be determined without being affected by the rigid connection between the airbag module and the structural member. Holes are also provided in the bracket for tuning energy management.

Abstract: An interior panel for a motor vehicle provides a deployment door for an airbag assembly supported behind the panel. The deployment door has a peripheral end surface connected to the surrounding panel substrate, the connection being formed by a knit line. In this manner, a seamless deployment door for an airbag assembly is provided with a clean and consistent appearance, while at the same time quickly and easily breaking free from the surrounding panel.

Abstract: An airbag assembly for a motor vehicle does not require any heat stakes and permits a deployment door to be formed in the interior panel without the need for scoring or other pre-weakening thereof. The airbag chute is constructed of plastic and includes a substrate facing surface. A door assembly includes a metal door and a plastic door plate. The door plate is positioned between the substrate and the door portion, and has a substrate facing surface. The substrate facing surfaces of the airbag chute and the plastic door plate are attached to the substrate. The substrate facing surface of the plastic door plate engages the substrate over a contact area to distribute a force imposed on the plastic door plate from the deployment of the airbag.

Abstract: An method of forming a thin walled section in an injection molded plastic part includes providing a mold having a first mold half, a second mold half, and a slide, wherein the first and second mold halves, and the slide define a mold cavity when assembled. The slide includes portions that define a thin walled section of the plastic part and is movable between a retracted position wherein the slide is partially retracted from the mold cavity and an engaged position wherein the slide is in position to define the final shape of the plastic part; injecting molten plastic into the mold cavity with the slide in the retracted position; moving the slide to the engaged position; allowing the molten plastic to cool; opening the mold halves and removing the plastic part.

Abstract: A process for making a plastic part for vehicles includes placing an insert into a mold and then injecting two resins into the mold on either side of the insert. The insert separates the two resins and adheres to the resins as the resins cool. The two resins may be the same color or different colors. The insert may be the same color as one of the other two resins, or the insert may be transparent or translucent.

Abstract: A bracket is provided for connecting an airbag module to a structural member in an automotive vehicle. The bracket provides three degrees to freedom to allow the fit and finish of the interior panels to be determined without being affected by the rigid connection between the airbag module and the structural member. Holes are also provided in the bracket for tuning energy management.