Tag Archives: airbag

Motorsport

Ford Develops Floor Airbag Patent to Protect Occupants from Loose Cargo

Ford has recently filed a patent for a floor-mounted airbag that is positioned between the rear seats and the cargo space, designed to ensure the safety of occupants in the event of a collision. This innovative technology has the potential to be applied to both passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

The proposed airbag would be concealed underneath the floor in the cargo area, near the backs of the rear seats. At least one tether and retractor would be hidden behind a trim piece along the side pillar.

In the event of a collision, the airbag would rapidly inflate, and the retractor would pull the tether to deploy the airbag quickly and efficiently. The shape of the airbag would be C-shaped to provide protection along the seatback and the walls of the vehicle. The airbag curtain would be taller than the rear seats, potentially extending as high as the roof. This barrier would effectively prevent loose cargo in the cargo bay from striking passengers in the back seat.

Furthermore, Ford also describes an alternative version of this system, where a section of the airbag would extend over the seatback when deployed. This additional feature would provide protection for the heads of occupants during a collision.

The patent also outlines a configuration where the passenger area is open to the cargo space. In this scenario, the floor airbag system would prevent cargo from sliding forward in the event of a crash.

The activation of the airbag would follow the same mechanism employed for driver airbags. Sensors would be connected to a computer system, which, in the event of a crash, would send a signal to an inflator that would fill the airbag with gas.

It is important to note that the patent description does not provide specific details on how this technology would function in commercial vehicles, such as the Ford Transit van. However, one possible application could be to protect goods inside a delivery vehicle. The C-shaped airbag would cover the walls and prevent packages from falling during a collision.

As with any patent filing, there is no guarantee that Ford will actually introduce this airbag application into production. Companies often patent ideas to safeguard their concepts from being taken by competitors.

Motorsport

FCA Urges 2003 Dodge Ram Owners Not to Drive Due to Airbag-Related Fatality

The Takata airbag recall has been an ongoing issue for years, and it continues to pose serious risks. The first recalls were issued ten years ago, and the 2003 Dodge Ram was added to the list in 2015. Unfortunately, another fatality related to the airbags has recently been reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As a result, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has issued a warning, advising owners of 2003 Ram trucks who have not had the airbag recall performed to refrain from driving their vehicles.

The main concern lies with the passenger-side airbags in the 2003 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models. These airbag inflators are at risk of rupturing upon deployment, sending dangerous shrapnel into the passenger compartment. The recall included 385,686 vehicles, and as of July 2023, it is estimated that up to 84,000 trucks could still have the original passenger airbags installed.

NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson emphasizes the increased danger of older defective Takata airbag inflators and urges owners to have their airbags replaced immediately, both for their own safety and the safety of their loved ones.

This recent incident involving a 2003 Dodge Ram marks the first reported fatality from this model. In total, there have been 26 deaths in the United States caused by ruptured Takata inflators. Globally, the number is at least 35, leading several automakers to issue do-not-drive warnings for vehicles at risk. BMW, for example, issued warnings in May 2023 for 90,000 vehicles, including the 2000-2006 3 Series, 2000-2004 X5, and 2000-2003 5 Series. Additionally, Honda and Acura models from 2001-2003 received a warning in February 2003, and FCA issued warnings for 276,000 Dodges and Chryslers from 2005-2010.

The Takata airbag recall, which began in 2013, is the largest recall of its kind in automotive history. Over 42 million vehicles in the US alone are affected. The consequences, including fines and compensation totaling over $1 billion, led to Takata’s bankruptcy in 2018.

Owners of FCA vehicles can check for open recalls on the automaker’s website, while NHTSA provides a comprehensive list of affected automakers and vehicles subject to Takata airbag recalls.