Knee Blocker Air Bag - Description

DESCRIPTION





The injection molded, thermoplastic Inflatable Knee Blocker (IKB) airbag protective trim cover (1) is the most visible part of the knee blocker airbag. The IKB airbag is located below the steering column in the instrument panel steering column opening cover (2) on the driver side of the vehicle. It is secured with two screws to the instrument panel support structure and by multiple integral latch features to the rectangular opening in the steering column opening cover. The IKB trim cover can be readily identified by the SRS AIRBAG text molded into one upper corner.





Concealed beneath the IKB trim cover are the folded airbag cushion, the airbag housing, the airbag inflator and the retainer that secures the inflator to the housing. The airbag cushion (2), a stamped steel housing (4), and an inflator initiator (3) are secured within an integral receptacle molded into the back of the trim cover. The upper and lower vertical walls of this receptacle have numerous small windows that are engaged by numerous hook formations (1) on the upper and lower edges of the airbag housing. Each hook is inserted through one of the windows, locking the trim cover securely into place on the airbag housing. The two outer mounting studs extending from the housing secure the airbag to the instrument panel support structure. The center stud secures the airbag cushion retainer and inflator within the housing.

The IKB airbag cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed, ineffective, or in any way damaged. The IKB airbag trim cover may be disassembled from the driver airbag unit, and is available for individual service replacement. Following an IKB airbag deployment, the IKB airbag and the instrument panel support structure assembly must be replaced.