1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Let's talk about my bum...

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by The Electric Me, Feb 13, 2012.

  1. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    9,083
    5,798
    0
    Location:
    Undisclosed Location
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    The Prius C, I notice is equipped with 9 airbags. 2 of which are a Driver and Passengers seat cushion airbags. Evidently designed to deploy and raise the occupant to a "safer" height, or a height more aligned with all the rest of the safety airbags and equipment.

    I've never owned a vehicle with Bum raising airbags equipped. But? If it works it works.

    My question or concern would be thus. When I first saw the base model cloth upholestry on the Prius C, my first reaction was...I'd have to get Clazzio's...

    But wouldn't seat cushion airbags make seatcovers an impossibility? I can't imagine trying to either install them...or exactly how they would be manufactured to allow the airbags to work correctly.

    I've never owned or heard of a vehicle with such airbags installed. Does anyone have any familiarity? I would think it would complicate seat covers or even aftermarket upholestry work.
     
  2. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2008
    3,033
    708
    75
    Location:
    Ballamer, Merlin
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    FWIW, the Yaris has them too.

    Maybe you could get info at a Yaris board. :noidea:
     
  3. ItsNotAboutTheMoney

    ItsNotAboutTheMoney EditProfOptInfoCustomUser Title

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2009
    2,287
    460
    0
    Location:
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    It's for your back. :D
     
  4. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    9,083
    5,798
    0
    Location:
    Undisclosed Location
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    No...I listened to the Engineer at the introduction. The last video, longest presentation. The Airbags are under the front seat cushions, and designed to raise the occupants up slightly in case of a crash. Concievably to better align the occupant with other safety devices and airbags around them.

    Seat cover manufacturers are pretty careful to make break away portions to allow for side-airbag deployment in seats, but I can't even imagine how they could make a seat cushion cover that would work with these airbags.

    My fear being that if that is indeed the case, manufacturers won't even for legal reasons attempt to make or offer a cover. Inwhich case? I guess you either upgrade to Softex or learn to like the two-tone cloth.

    If Yaris does indeed have a similar set up? I will investigate a Yaris forum. Perhaps Yaris owners have already dealt with this situation.
     
  5. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2008
    3,033
    708
    75
    Location:
    Ballamer, Merlin
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    SWAG here: Could it be that when the bags inflate the slight lift pushes
    the occupants securely against the seat belts. This would result in there
    being less/no slack in the belts. Occupant then best located for full
    effectiveness of other safety gear/systems.

    Are there any special warnings for pregnant women, persons with
    spinal issues?
     
  6. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2005
    15,232
    1,563
    0
    Location:
    off into the sunset
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    It's certainly not the place most people need more padding...:rolleyes:

    The theory doesn't sound totally crazy, but aren't most passenger safety systems designed to work with people of varying heights, shapes, and sizes?

    If seatcovers can be made to allow safe operation of side airbags from the seats, then they can probably be made to accommodate 'seat' bags...bun bangers?...butt bags?...whoopie cushions? Somehow, I can't see these things always politely referred to as just another airbag.