This component is an inflatable safety device featuring three distinct, interconnected chambers designed to rapidly inflate upon impact. These chambers, or bellows, provide a staged deployment, offering customized cushioning and support during a collision. Its function is to mitigate the force of impact experienced by occupants in vehicles or other machinery, reducing the risk of injury. For example, in automotive applications, it is positioned within the steering wheel or dashboard to protect the driver and front passenger during a crash.
The value of this innovation lies in its enhanced safety performance compared to single-chamber designs. The staged deployment allows for a more controlled deceleration, minimizing whiplash and other trauma. Its history traces back to the ongoing evolution of automotive safety technology, with manufacturers continually striving to improve occupant protection. The use of multiple chambers represents a significant advancement in the field, allowing for finer control over the inflation process and better adaptation to varying impact severities.