Delphi Demonstrates Latest Safety Connectors At Airbag 2012

##IMAGE_1_R##With its recent acquisition of the FCI Group’s Motorized Vehicles Division, Delphi is the world leader for connecting wiring systems to airbags and other pyrotechnic devices used in vehicles and has the broadest range of SRS connectors available on the market. Additionally, the company offers vehicle manufacturers the flexibility to meet specific configurations, from connector pigtails to jumper harnesses, as well as global engineering, manufacturing capability and product expertise.

“Airbags have become standard equipment on passenger vehicles and can meanwhile have more than 10 applications in a car and each of them needs a specialized electrical architecture in order to keep the occupants safe,” said Liam Butterworth, president, Delphi Connection Systems. “Delphi is a key innovator in developing these mission critical safety components due to its engineering competency and has a global footprint to service the local market needs.”
First commercially available range of sealed squib connectors for a new generation of pedestrian safety systems
In 2009, pedestrian safety became an integral part of the Euro NCAP rating scheme for new vehicles. As a result, a new generation of SRS systems is emerging, located beyond the vehicle cockpit. Such applications demand connectors that can reliably deliver, while withstanding extremes of temperature, humidity, vibration and the potential ingress of moisture and dust.

With a history of developing innovative connectors, Delphi has successfully introduced the first commercially available range of sealed squib connectors designed for use in challenging environments, such as pedestrian safety and battery cut-off systems within engine compartments. Delphi’s sealed squib connectors are particularly suited to a range of pedestrian safety systems currently being developed and implemented by major OEMs. These include ‘hood lift’ applications, which are used in vehicles where hard structures such as the engine block are located in close proximity to the hood. In the event of pedestrian collision, the use of pyrotechnic devices on both sides of the hood allows a softer impact zone to be created, minimizing the risk of serious injury.

Delphi has also created the scoop-proof AK-2 standard, and the world’s first squib connector with an integrated grounding element, the AK-2+ ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD) squib. Besides enhancing reliability and cutting assembly costs, the AK-2+ ESD squib eliminates potential misfiring caused by electro static discharge with completely integrated grounding, thus allowing safe traceability of grounding.

These sealed squib connectors offer the high standards of performance, durability and efficiency that have made Delphi a global leader in SRS interconnection.
Delphi is also a market leader in occupant sensing with over 10 years of proven field reliability. Delphi’s occupant safety systems portfolio includes a wide range of occupant classification sensor systems which help reduce the potential for airbag induced injury.