Compact passenger or goods vehicle with speed-dependent impact cushion - carries air bags mounted fore and aft on extension chassis and inflated progressively during acceleration from rest

摘要

The vehicle floor is formed by the upper surfaces of two interlocked chassis sections (3,4) with the propulsion unit enclosed pref. in the forward section (3). Front and rear crash protection (10,11) is provided by impact shields (15) deployed along variable guides (17) around air bags (16). The deg. of inflation and deployment are adjusted automatically in proportion to rod speed. Frontal impact pushes back the shield and displaces air into a sec. air bag folded into the steering wheel. ADVANTAGE - Entire floor area can be utilised with improved crash protection relying less upon bodywork, which can be assembled from individually replaceable modular components.