MANUFACTURING PROCESS FOR CONCEALED OPENING OF SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM AIR BAG DOORS FOR USE IN AUTOMOBILE INTERIORS

摘要

A method for providing an interior vehicle trim panel (10) having a pre-weakened door location for the deployment of supplemental restraint system air bag. The method includes the step of embedding a reinforcing member (25) having a removable tear strip within the structure of the trim panel skin (12). After the skin is cured, the tear strip is removed through the interior surface (22), creating a gap (30) therein which defines the door location. The reinforcing member supports the skin structure surrounding the pre-weakened site upon deployment of the air bag.