Knee Airbags

Knee Airbags

For the US. version of the E65/E66, there is a new innovation, the knee airbag.




The knee airbag is installed on the driver and passenger side. In the event of a crash, the knee airbags support the knee, especially if the driver or passenger are not wearing seat belts.

The location of these airbags produce a controlled forward shift of the upper body, which is cushioned by the conventional driver or passenger airbag.

The knee airbag on the driver's side is located below the steering column, it is incorporated into the under-dash trim.






The knee airbag on the passenger side is located in the lid of the glovebox, beneath a cover. The knee airbag is a one-stage airbag with gas generator. The volume is approx.16 liters.









The airbag module on the driver's side consists of a plastic housing, the gas generator and the airbag. On the passenger side, it consists of a metal housing, the gas generator and the airbag.

For the passenger knee airbag, the glovebox lid is the mounting for the airbag module.

Operation

In the event of a crash of sufficient severity, the gas generator is ignited. The escaping gas fills the airbag located between the housing and the cover. The filling airbag presses the cover towards the occupant.

Several retaining belts fix the cover in its position in front of the air cushion. The passenger's knees touch the cover. Over the surface of the cover, the load is distributed across the airbag and the passenger is supported.

The support of the knee initiates a controlled forward shift of the upper body, which is cushioned by the driver or passenger airbag.

The knee airbags can only be seen by the lettering "AIRBAG" on the top right of the glovebox lid or top left on the driver's side and by the cable connection for the airbag module.