HYUNDAI PATENTS NEW TYPE OF AIRBAG FOR SUNROOFS

Panoramic sunroofs might provide a great view of the sky, but in a rollover, a large pane of glass won’t provide much head protection. That’s where Hyundai’s newly-patented airbag comes in. The automaker calls the special airbag “a convenience feature,” which may be an understatement, considering its importance in an accident. The airbag resembles a curtain overlapping the glass of the sunroof. Sensors detect the turning angle of the vehicle and deploy the airbag if a rollover is imminent. The airbag inflates in less than a tenth of a second to protect the heads all of passengers. According to Hyundai, “the ... sunroof airbag system prevents passengers from spilling from the car, and can reduce the risk of them sustaining serious injuries.” It is designed to allow for access through the sunroof, even when deployed. Stanislav Nachev, Driving.ca