Airbag-Installation für ein Kraftfahrzeug.

摘要

A method and apparatus are disclosed for instantly forming an air bag deployment opening in an auto interior trim panel structure such as an instrument panel or steering wheel cover just prior to inflation of the air bag. A delineated pattern of concentrated energy is instantaneously applied to the inside of the trim structure (14) as by ignition of a segment of detonating cord (38) to fracture a section of the trim panel (14) in a required door shape (30) just before the air bag is inflated. The air bag, stored behind the trim panel (14), engages and pushes open the door (30) so formed in the trim panel (14) when activated, and is able to be deployed through the resulting opening. The trim panel (14) may therefor be free from any exteriorly visible markings defining a deployment door until deployment actually occurs.