Description And Operation: Description
The Knee Airbag (KAB) can help prevent leg injuries during an impact event. A moulded thermoplastic KAB deployment door, located below the dashboard, is the most visible part of the KAB. The housing contains the airbag inflator. The airbag inflator is a single-initiator and the two units are sealed within the KAB housing. Europe-Middle East-Africa (EMEA) vehicles can be equipped optionally with driver knee airbags. North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) vehicles are always equipped with driver knee airbags.
When the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) sends the proper electrical signals to the initiator, the electrical energy generates enough heat to initiate a small pyrotechnic charge, which in turn ignites chemical pellets within the inflator. Once ignited, these chemical pellets burn rapidly and produce a large quantity of inert gas. The inflator is sealed to the airbag cushion and a diffuser in the inflator directs all of the inert gas into the airbag cushion, causing the cushion to inflate.
As the cushion inflates, the KAB deployment door will split at predetermined tear seam lines concealed on the underside of the door, then the door will fold open and out of the way. The cushion protects the lower extremities of the vehicle driver and helps to keep the seat occupant properly positioned for the driver airbag deployment during a frontal impact collision. Following an airbag deployment, the KAB cushion quickly deflates by expelling the inert gas through the loose weave of the fabric.
The KAB cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed, ineffective, or in any way damaged. Following a KAB deployment, the KAB and the steering column opening cover must be replaced.