A new inflator technology is
helping to make protection from side-impact and rollover accidents a practical
reality for passenger-vehicle occupants. Autoliv Side Hybrid-2 (ASH-2) “cool
gas” inflator is already part of side-impact safety systems in some of the
newest models from GM and DaimlerChrysler, and will soon find its way into the
offerings of other major automakers. ASH-2 was selected to receive the 2000 Ernst
& Young PACE Award for innovation in technology.

Autoliv’s Side Airbag Curtain

The patented ASH-2’s unique
performance characteristics are based on the science of dissociation, rather
than on classic combustion principles used in other inflators. Dissociation
separates the gas into its nitrogen and oxygen components without generating
high temperatures, and uses the energy that comes from breaking the bond between
the nitrogen and oxygen to expand the gas.

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Unlike conventional inflators,
which generate relatively hotter gases, the “cool-gas” technology
prevents volume loss caused by gases that contract as their temperature drops.
This is especially crucial for systems providing rollover protection, where
the side curtain must remain fully inflated for the entire rollover event which
can take up to several seconds.

Manufacturing considerations
also favor the ASH-2. The new inflator has 44% fewer parts and less than half
the welds of the company’s previous models, making it simple to manufacture
and robust in design.

Autoliv, Inc. develops and
manufactures automotive safety systems for all major automotive manufacturers
in the world. The company has more than 60 wholly-owned subsidiaries and joint
ventures, with over 25,000 employees in 29 vehicle producing countries. In addition,
the company operates eight technical centers around the world, including 19
test tracks, more than any other automotive safety supplier. Sales in 1999 were
$3.8 billion.

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