Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - Honda Develops World's First Driver-side i-SRS Airbag System with Continuously Staged Inflation

TOKYO, Japan, September 18, 2008 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it has developed the world's first driver-side i-SRS airbag system that continuously stages the volume of airbag-inflating gas, thereby combining enhanced occupant protection with reduced occupant impact. Honda plans to implement the new continuously staged inflation i-SRS airbag system on the driver's side of the Life minicar to be released in Japan in November 2008.
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Driver-side i-SRS airbag system with continuously staged inflation	�	Conventional airbag system
Driver-side i-SRS airbag system with continuously staged inflation �
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Deployment mechanism �

A Honda innovation, the new i-SRS airbag system features a spiral-shaped seam structure and gas release control valve to control airbag deployment and pressure for faster deployment, reduced occupant impact and a longer period of inflation and occupant protection. As a result, the new system accommodates a broad range of occupant positions and potential collision situations.

Honda first began fundamental airbag research in 1971, and in 1987 became the first to introduce a driver-side SRS airbag system in an automobile manufactured in Japan. In 1990, Honda was the first automaker to introduce a passenger-side SRS airbag system in a vehicle manufactured in Japan. In 1998, Honda introduced the world's first inflator with a two-stage deployment system, as well as an i-side airbag system with an occupant position detection sensor. Continuing its tradition of innovation, Honda continues to be a world leader in researching, developing and introducing new automobile safety technologies.

� Three features of deployment mechanism

Faster deployment
Since the system can pressurize the airbag faster, it can begin to protect the driver sooner. The spiral structure of the airbag allows the protective surface to be formed at a lower overall airbag volume, thereby providing protection faster than was previously possible.

Longer period of inflation and protection
The new system maintains a constant pressure within the airbag, thereby allowing for a longer period of inflation and protection. The seams within the spiral structure of the airbag are designed to expand from the inside of the spiral outward, thereby maintaining a constant pressure while continuously staging airbag inflation. From the moment of deployment until the preset moment of deflation, the airbag is designed not to release gas, thereby maintaining a constant pressure and occupant protection.

Reduced impact
By minimizing the degree of protrusion into occupant space and lowering the gas output of the inflator, the new system reduces impact on the driver. Unique spiral seams within the airbag help reduce the degree of airbag protrusion and impact on driver. From the moment of deployment until the preset moment of deflation, the gas control valve prevents the release of gas. This efficient use of gas allows for reduced inflator output and reduced occupant impact.

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