Abstract: An airbag assembly is provided including an instrument panel substrate with an outer display surface and a panel opening formed therein. A door panel is positioned over the panel opening. A chute element is positioned behind and mounted to the instrument panel substrate. It includes an upper chute mating surface mounted to the instrument panel substrate, a chute chamber orientated coincident with the panel opening, and a plurality of chute sidewalls. A living hinge assembly includes a hinge sidewall portion slidably engaged to one of the chute sidewalls, a hinge door portion attached to the hinge sidewall portion by a living hinge portion allowing them to relatively rotate. The hinge door portion is mounted to the door panel. An airbag module is mounted to the chute element and deploys upward through the chute chamber. The living hinge assembly slides upward during deployment to clear the outer display surface.

Abstract: A vehicle airbag system includes a panel having a breakaway door, and an airbag housing that extends behind the breakaway door. An inflatable airbag cushion and an inflator are disposed within the airbag housing, and the inflator is operable to inflate the airbag cushion. The system also includes a tether having a first portion attached to the breakaway door of the panel and a second portion attached to at least one of the panel and the airbag housing. Furthermore, the tether comprises natural fibers.