Mechanism for interlocking an instrument panel to an inflatable restraint module

An inflatable restraint module, comprising:

• an inflatable restraint canister including an opening for allowing an inflatable restraint to be deployed therethrough;
• an inflatable restraint chute having a passageway in communication with the opening of the canister;
• and
• a mechanism attached to the chute and including an engagement flange, wherein upon displacement of the chute during deployment of the inflatable restraint, the mechanism moves concurrently with the chute, thereby causing the engagement flange to move from a free-floating, at-rest position to an engagement position in which the engagement flange directly engages a cross-car beam, thereby maintaining a deployment angle of the inflatable restraint.

An inflatable restraint module, comprising:

• an inflatable restraint canister including an opening for allowing an inflatable restraint to be deployed therethrough;
• an inflatable restraint chute having a passageway in communication with the opening of the canister;
• and
• a mechanism attached to the chute and including an engagement flange, wherein upon displacement of the chute during deployment of the inflatable restraint, the mechanism moves concurrently with the chute, thereby causing the engagement flange to move from a free-floating, at-rest position to an engagement position in which the engagement flange directly engages a fin extending from a cross-car beam, thereby maintaining a deployment angle of the inflatable restraint.