Apparatus with specified relationship between an instrument panel and a deployment door

摘要

An apparatus (12) comprises an instrument panel (30) for a vehicle (10), an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (60), and a deployment door (68). A portion (44) of the instrument panel (30) includes a rearwardmost point (54) of the instrument panel (30). The deployment door (68) includes a panel (72) that moves between a closed position and an open position on inflation of the protection device (60). A first end (86) of the panel (72) is connected with the portion (44) of the instrument panel (30) having the rearwardmost point (54) and is spaced from a second end (84) of the panel (72) by a first distance (E). The rearwardmost point (54) is spaced horizontally from the first end (86) of the panel (72) by a second distance (D) that is greater than the first distance (E).