The goal of TRW’s self adapting vent system is to lessen the deployment force of the airbag if the driver is close to the airbag enclosure. In this out of position scenario, the airbag deploys more immediately into the occupant and a vent at the rear of the airbag module opens.  This allows the force of the airbag to dissipate rapidly, especially for unbelted occupants. When an occupant is in a normal position, the self adapting vents in the airbag module remain closed and allow the airbag to inflate at normal pressure. The system can also be used in concert with dual stage or lower output inflators that can further tailor the deployment to occupant position and passenger size   Figure 1 The occupant is out of position when an accident occurs. TRW’s adaptive venting system compensates by opening the vents. This allows some air to escape lowering the airbag’s pressure   Figure 2 When the occupant is in a proper position, the vents are closed and the airbag deploys at full strength