Separate Reaction Surface for Vehicle Trim Panel

摘要

An inflatable restraint system ( 10 ) having a deployable trim panel ( 60 ) and a method of manufacturing the same is provided. The inflatable restraint system ( 10 ) includes a deployable trim panel ( 60 ) that is coupled to a support structure ( 12 ) and conceals an airbag. Upon the deployment of the airbag, the entire trim panel ( 60 ) is configured to move. A separate reaction surface ( 80 ) is mounted to the trim panel and is configured to receive the force of the inflating airbag. Use of a separate reaction surface may simplify the design of an instrument panel by allowing the instrument panel to be configured as a single substrate layer.