An exploding glove compartment could protect front-seat passengers’ legs in a head-on crash. In EP 1164061, car maker Volvo suggests packing an air bag inside the glove compartment. In a crash, a deceleration sensor triggers a gas cylinder, filling the bag and blowing the compartment’s soft lid against the passenger’s legs. The lid is made of cushioned, reinforced plastic, which acts as a load-spreading cushion, backed by the inflated air bag.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Google shouldn’t be pressuring schools to use its AI
91ɫÇéƬ
Technology
Australia’s social media ban faces high court challenge
News
Technology
The nuclear waste repository in Finland designed to outlast modern civilisation
Features
Technology
How did the biggest crypto heist in history just happen?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles