Hyundai Mobis has unveiled the world's first airbags specifically designed for Purpose Built Vehicles (PBVs), addressing the unique safety challenges presented by these versatile and spacious vehicles. With the anticipated commercialisation of PBV-based fleet services, the demand for advanced passenger safety technologies in this sector is expected to rise significantly.
On July 18th, Hyundai Mobis announced the development of two groundbreaking airbag technologies: the 'door-mounted curtain airbag' that deploys from the bottom to the top and the 'self-supporting passenger airbag,' which absorbs impact solely through support from its lower part.
Both innovations aim to prevent passenger ejection and significantly reduce injuries during collisions or rollovers. These technologies also comply with stringent safety standards in advanced markets such as North America.
The door-mounted curtain airbag redefines conventional curtain airbags, which typically deploy from top to bottom. This new airbag inflates vertically from bottom to top within 0.03 seconds during an accident. Hyundai Mobis is the first to use a wire mechanism in curtain airbags. The cushion unfolds along wires installed on both sides of the airbag, effectively preventing passengers from being ejected through windows. This design meets the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) ejection mitigation standard (FMVSS 226), ensuring enhanced safety.
PBVs often feature sliding doors for rear passenger access, limiting space for airbag installation on the ceiling. In such cases, the door-installed airbag offers an effective solution.
Lee Kyu-Sang, Head of the Safety System R&D Group at Hyundai Mobis, stated, 'We developed the new concept curtain airbag with the urban transportation-focused PBV market in mind. Given that RoboRide PBVs emphasise openness with larger side windows, we anticipate a growing need for advanced passenger safety devices.'
The self-supporting airbag is designed for PBVs with spacious interiors and considerable distance to the windshield. Unlike traditional sedans or SUVs that use a windshield angled at about 30 degrees to support the inflated cushion, PBVs may have nearly vertical windshields, presenting structural challenges. This airbag technology protects front-seat passengers by absorbing impact using only the support from its lower part.
Hyundai Mobis has incorporated technology to secure the airbag cushion close to the front crash pad, ensuring stable passenger protection even without windshield contact. This design meets the high safety standards set by the North American New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
The company aims for the scalability of airbags for PBVs and plans to develop and introduce a variety of airbags tailored to diverse interior designs. This initiative aims to cater to customer needs with flexible seating arrangements and passenger orientations.
NB: Photo is representational.
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