News Release
Takata develops world’s first driver-side airbag
with flexible venting technology
March 5, 2013, Tokyo - Takata Corporation, a leading global supplier of automotive safety
systems such as seat belts, airbags and child seats, has developed the Flexible Venting
Technology Airbag (FVT Airbag), the world’s first driver-side airbag using this new and
innovative technology.
The FTV Airbag features a flexible cover over the vent hole on the rear side of the airbag
which effectively controls the amount of gas in the airbag, enhancing its energy absorption
and providing optimal protection for drivers of varied sizes in frontal impact situations. The
airbag’s unique design features a ‘smart’ pressure control mechanism that allows the air
vent to be controlled by the airbag itself, rather than via sensors on the vehicle.
On impact, a conventional driver-side airbag inflates with gas generated by an inflator, and
when the driver comes in contact with the airbag, the gas is released through a vent hole
on the rear side of the airbag, absorbing his or her forward impact energy.
To ensure optimal airbag pressure according to the type of crash and the driver’s body size,
it has been common to use a dual stage inflator, which can control the amount of gas in the
airbag based on information from an ECU that judges the severity of the impact, and
sensors in the seat that judge the weight and seating position of the driver.
The world-first ‘smart’ pressure adjustment function allows the FVT airbag itself to optimize
inflation pressure even when using a single-stage inflator, eliminating the need to use
dual-stage inflators and occupant sensors.
By simplifying vehicle systems, Takata is able to contribute not only to the reduction of
overall vehicle manufacturing costs but also reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.
Product information
The driver-side airbag inflates with gas via the
inflator. At this point in time the vent cover is
closed, preventing the gas from being released
from the airbag and allowing pressure to be
maintained until the driver’s impact with the
airbag
When the driver makes contact with the airbag,
the vent cover on the rear side of the airbag
opens and gas is released, effectively absorbing
the forward momentum of the driver.
■ Takata Corporation
・Company name
Takata Corporation
・Founded
1933
・Head office
Akasaka 2-12-31, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
・Representative
Shigehisa Takada, President & COO
・Capital
¥41,862 million (as of March 2012)
・Sales
¥382,737 million (FY ended March 2012)
・Employees
36,858 (consolidated, as of March 2012)
・Global network
54 plants in 20 countries spanning Japan, Asia, Europe and the
Americas (as of December 2012)
・Main business
Manufacture and sale of automotive seat belts, airbags, steering
wheels, interior trim, fabrics and child restraint systems
For further information, please contact:
Takata Corporation Public Relations Office
Tel. +81 (0)3 3582-1293
www.takata.com
Note:
The content of this news release is based on information available as of the date of publication, and is
subject to change without notice.