Ford apparently has developed a new kind of airbag with improved safety, which will debut with the new 2012 Focus. Ford realized that in some cases the airbag’s impact itself can be damaging for the driver, so the next-generation driver-front airbag with enhanced chest protection technology uses a reconfigured curve-shaped tether system that pulls in the lower section to create a “pocket” to help lessen the impact of the airbag on the driver’s chest and ribs in frontal crashes.

And it’s not just about the driver either, Ford also has a system for the passenger. Focus also will be Ford’s first car ever to feature front passenger airbags with adaptive venting technology that diverts some of the gas from the airbag inflators through vents outside of the airbags. In this system a restraints control module adjusts the level of venting based on seat position.

It’s also very clever and can match the deployment force with occupant size, resulting in enhanced head and neck protection.

“This is our most advanced airbag system ever in a Ford car, and is designed to enhance protection for front occupants in the most common types of crashes,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Each of these airbags uses innovative technologies to help customize airbag protection to the occupant.”

The new airbag technologies debut as standard equipment on the all-new 2012 Ford Focus, which goes on sale early next year in North America. They will be rolled out to other Ford vehicles in the next few years.

Data drive new airbag design

Ford’s new driver-side airbag was designed to enhance chest and rib protection based in part on Ford’s biomechanical research. In particular, Ford found this type of enhanced chest protection technology would be especially helpful in more serious crashes.

“While seat belts and airbags provide proven protection for drivers of all ages, elderly drivers remain at higher risk of injury than younger drivers due to the nature of collision forces,” said Frank Heitplatz, Ford supervisor of occupant safety integration. “Decades of biomechanical research at Ford continue to spur refinement of the safety technologies in our vehicles to further reduce the risks of severe injuries.”

Focus’s strength on safety

In addition to the new airbags, the new Focus’s vehicle structure provides enhanced crash protection as well as improved vehicle dynamics. High-strength steels comprise 55 percent of the Focus’s body shell,and ultra-high-strength and boron steels make up more than 31 percent of its skeletal structure. These advanced materials help the structure meet crash regulations across world markets, while minimizing the vehicle’s weight to help maximize fuel economy.

“High-strength steels were key to delivering the lighter weight and higher strength we needed for structural efficiency,” said Shawn Morgans, Ford technical leader in body engineering. “We believe the materials used on the new Focus are setting a new benchmark in the small car segment.”

Ford was the first automaker to begin airbag research five decades ago. It fielded an airbag test fleet in 1971, offered a driver-side airbag in 1985 and standardized driver and front passenger airbags in most vehicles by 1993. In recent years, Ford has introduced a variety of crash protection systems – ranging from canopy airbags to knee bolsters– designed to improve occupant protection. Ford has the most Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety of any automaker.