Patent attributes
A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may be a trim component configured to support an airbag module providing an airbag configured to be deployed through an opening into the vehicle interior. The trim component may comprise a panel comprising a first material and providing a front side and a back side; and a structure formed from a second material molded on the back side of the panel. The panel may comprise a compression-formed component. The compression-formed component may be configured to provide the opening through a door established upon deployment of the airbag to facilitate deployment of the airbag. The structure may be configured to support the airbag module and to direct the airbag toward the door during deployment of the airbag. The compression-formed component may comprise a feature formed within the panel configured to establish the opening at the door to be created by the airbag at the feature upon deployment of the airbag from the airbag module so that the airbag will deploy through the panel at the opening. A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim component is also disclosed. The method includes disposing a fiber panel within a mold cavity and aligning an airbag chute assembly with the fiber panel and compressing the fiber panel within the mold cavity to form the fiber panel into a desired shape. At least a portion of the fiber panel is compressed between a surface of the mold cavity and a surface of the airbag chute assembly.
