An airbag module for a supplemental restraint system of a vehicle can include an inflator, an airbag attached to the inflator and in fluid communication with the inflator; and a module controller mounted to the inflator. The module controller can be configured to: determine an elapsed service time of the inflator based on the identification information of the vehicle; compare the elapsed service time to a first time threshold; and output a disable signal to the SRS controller commanding the SRS controller to disable a firing pulse for the inflator when the elapsed service time is greater than or equal to the first time threshold.

An airbag module for a supplemental restraint system of a vehicle can include an inflator, an airbag attached to the inflator and in fluid communication with the inflator; and a module controller mounted to the inflator. The module controller can be configured to: determine an elapsed service time of the inflator based on the identification information of the vehicle; compare the elapsed service time to a first time threshold; and output a disable signal to the SRS controller commanding the SRS controller to disable a firing pulse for the inflator when the elapsed service time is greater than or equal to the first time threshold.

Side portions of a guide member mounting portion of the instrument panel include a panel side welding guide surface integrally formed therewith. The panel side welding guide surface is spaced apart from the back surface of the instrument panel. Side portions of the guide member include a guide side welding guide surface integrally formed with the guide member. The panel side welding guide surface and the guide side welding guide surface overlap each other. One of the guide side welding guide surface and the panel side welding guide surface includes a position regulating recess. The other of the guide side welding guide surface and the panel side welding guide surface includes a position regulating protrusion that fits into the position regulating recess during vibration welding.

Side portions of a guide member mounting portion of the instrument panel include a panel side welding guide surface integrally formed therewith. The panel side welding guide surface is spaced apart from the back surface of the instrument panel. Side portions of the guide member include a guide side welding guide surface integrally formed with the guide member. The panel side welding guide surface and the guide side welding guide surface overlap each other. One of the guide side welding guide surface and the panel side welding guide surface includes a position regulating recess. The other of the guide side welding guide surface and the panel side welding guide surface includes a position regulating protrusion that fits into the position regulating recess during vibration welding.

Airbag systems for use in a vehicle that is operable in a manual-steering mode or an automated-steering mode are provided. In one embodiment, an airbag system includes a primary airbag installed in a dashboard of a vehicle. The primary airbag is configured to be deployed when a collision event is detected, and, when deployed, the primary airbag is configured to protect a person seated in a driver seat of the vehicle. the airbag system also includes an auxiliary airbag configured to be deployed when the collision event is detected. During operation of the vehicle in a manual-steering mode, the deployment of the auxiliary airbag is configured to reduce contact between the primary airbag and a steering wheel of the vehicle when the primary airbag is deployed from the dashboard.

Airbag systems for use in a vehicle that is operable in a manual-steering mode or an automated-steering mode are provided. In one embodiment, an airbag system includes a primary airbag installed in a dashboard of a vehicle. The primary airbag is configured to be deployed when a collision event is detected, and, when deployed, the primary airbag is configured to protect a person seated in a driver seat of the vehicle. the airbag system also includes an auxiliary airbag configured to be deployed when the collision event is detected. During operation of the vehicle in a manual-steering mode, the deployment of the auxiliary airbag is configured to reduce contact between the primary airbag and a steering wheel of the vehicle when the primary airbag is deployed from the dashboard.

A component for a vehicle interior configured to provide an opening for airbag deployment through the opening is disclosed. The component may comprise a substrate and a cover comprising a generally uniform outer/exterior surface and an inner surface comprising a line not readily perceptible at the outer surface to provide a tear line for the opening. The line may comprise an opening section comprising a set of cavities and a groove connecting at least two cavities. The line may comprise an intermediate section comprising a set of cavities and a transition section comprising a set of cavities. The cover be molded. A cavity may comprise a depth within the inner surface of the cover and a set of facets. The component may comprise a trim panel, instrument panel or door panel. A method for forming a component comprising cavities and a groove in a mold is also disclosed.

A component for a vehicle interior configured to provide an opening for airbag deployment through the opening is disclosed. The component may comprise a substrate and a cover comprising a generally uniform outer/exterior surface and an inner surface comprising a line not readily perceptible at the outer surface to provide a tear line for the opening. The line may comprise an opening section comprising a set of cavities and a groove connecting at least two cavities. The line may comprise an intermediate section comprising a set of cavities and a transition section comprising a set of cavities. The cover be molded. A cavity may comprise a depth within the inner surface of the cover and a set of facets. The component may comprise a trim panel, instrument panel or door panel. A method for forming a component comprising cavities and a groove in a mold is also disclosed.

An airbag device configured to be disposed in front of an occupant in a vehicle includes: an inflator configured to generate gas; an airbag that is folded and housed, the airbag being configured to be inflated and deployed by the gas generated by the inflator; and a holding member including an attachment portion to which the inflator is attached, and holding the folded airbag capable of being inflated and deployed from an occupant side opposite the attachment portion. The holding member includes an inhibiting portion that covers a part of the folded airbag from the occupant side and that is configured to partially inhibit initial inflation and deployment of the airbag. The inhibiting portion has a first region and a second region where inhibiting forces that inhibit the initial inflation and deployment are different from each other.

An all thermoplastic olefin (TPO) airbag system for an automotive vehicle including a TPO airbag module housing coupled with a TPO airbag cover or chute, the system being particularly suitable as a front airbag system, and method of making the same. The airbag module housing may couple with the chute through a plurality of projections and windows, or through bolts.