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A methodology for establishment of required air bag sensor closure time is described. This procedure utilizes the entire information in a vehicle crash pulse as well as the ride down space available in that vehicle. It relates the sensor closure time to the occupant injury level and permits enhanced flexibility in determining the sensor strategy in threshold situations. Out-of-position concerns for sensor closure times obtained by this method have been discussed.

A new concept for interior padding for passenger automobiles is introduced. This type of padding is composed of closed cells filled with air, each cell contains an orifice or other type of restrictor which allows the air to escape and provide energy dissipation. The results of this study show that, in side impacts, this type of padding substantially reduces the side impact injury risk measures proposed by the biomechanics community. This padding is inexpensive, light weight and returns to its original shape after minor impacts. According to the results of the present study this padding is approximately twice as effective as other types of paddings studied.