Re: Procon Safety system and Air bags

[ScharfR@aol.com]

Audi went with pyrotechnics at the time that all Audis worldwide went with
airbags (in 1995, I think).  With the bags, you already have the crash
sensors so you get pyrotechnic belt tensioner deployment for free.

The Procon-Ten system was designed for those good old fashioned days before
air bags.  Either tensioning system is most effective in protecting a
properly belted occupant even without bags, but they also enhance proper
torso placement during airbag use.  However the weight and hardware
requirements of Procon-Ten are substantial compared to a wire or two plus a
pair of pyrotechnic charge cylinders.  Plus, pyrotechnic components are
becomming comodity items compared to the uniquely engineered and relatively
low volume Procon-Ten components.

Simple cost benefit analysis probably argued in favor of the big bang system.