Airbag reaction canister with collapsible side wall

摘要

The reaction canister (10) of a passenger-side motor vehicle airbag module is extruded with a groove (32) in at least one side wall (16) forming a thinned section running the length of the canister. This creates a weakened and bendable region which allows the side wall to buckle under an impact through the instrument panel of the vehicle. This buckling absorbs impact energy, avoiding or reducing injury to the occupant.