Honda files a new patent for external airbags
The new patent is designed to catch motorcycle riders.

While most of us haven’t really heard of external airbags, in the world of patents, these things are nothing new. Automotive manufacturers have been exploring this idea for quite some time now, although we have yet to see it in actual applications. However, Honda has just filed a new patent that might bring forward the idea of external airbags with more revolutionary features. The new system they’re proposing is a little bit more complex than just simply mounting an airbag in front of the car.

The new system would have some sensors that would be continuously scanning the road for potential hazards. These hazards, once located, would be measured by their size, shape, and location in relation to the vehicle. Depending on the size of the targeted hazard, the system would register whether it is small, medium, and large. It would then deploy a different sized airbag or deploy the airbag at a lower pressure if the situation calls for it.
If the sensor detects a large target, the car’s hood would slightly raise and move backward. The action is designed to catch the person, rather than bouncing them over the car’s roof. Should a smaller person be detected by the senor, a lower pressure would be deployed for the airbag to avoid the child being bounced off from the car with a fully pressurized airbag. These new sensor systems would avoid situations where the target would bounce off from the car and be in danger of getting hit by another moving vehicle around the area. Instead, it wants to try to develop a system where it would catch the target.
This new system was developed with motorcycle hazards in mind. It would help in situations where a motorcycle would be struck by a car that’s traveling directly perpendicular to the bike, where the rider would directly be falling into the hood-mounted airbag. While these types of crashes are particularly uncommon, the new system should still be considered as a welcomed innovation for these types of situations. However, there is still no substitute for good old-fashioned road alertness and awareness.
Tagged Under
Related Articles
-
Honda’s experiencing logistics delays for its Rebel and ADV150 models among others / News
Honda is suspending orders for the Rebel 1100, 500, 250, CRF250, Forza, ADV150, Grom, Monkey 125, CT125, Hunter Cub.
-
The Honda Africa Twin gets new liveries for the 2023 model year / News
Honda has updated the Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports in the worldwide market to feature new liveries for the 2023 model year.
-
All-new 2023 Honda Wave RSX starts at P61,900 / News
Could the new Honda Wave RSX become another hit underbone for Honda Philippines?
-
Honda Motorcycles Philippines introduces the new CLICK160 / News
Now available for P116,900, the new 2022 Honda CLICK160 is available in the Philippines at Honda Motorcycle dealers.
-
New Honda CBR150R Repsol Edition launched in Malaysia—Philippines next? / News
Honda has debuted the CBR150R Repsol Edition in the Malaysian market. Could the MotoGP-inspired sportbike make its way to our shores anytime soon?
Latest News
-
Honda’s experiencing logistics delays for its Rebel and ADV150 models among others / News
Honda is suspending orders for the Rebel 1100, 500, 250, CRF250, Forza, ADV150, Grom, Monkey 125, CT125, Hunter Cub.
-
Feast your eyes on the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R / News
Kawasaki updates the 2023 Ninja ZX-10R with a new KRT livery. The performance and mechanical features of the bike remain the same.
-
Is QJ Motor developing a powerful 1,301cc V-twin engine? / News
Qianjiang Motor, also known as QJ Motor is developing a new engine that bears a lot of similarities with KTM’s LC8 1,301cc V-twin engine found in the 1290 Super Duke.