How are airbags powered?
When the frontal airbags are to deploy, a signal is sent to the inflator unit within the airbag control unit. An igniter starts a rapid chemical reaction generating primarily nitrogen gas (N2) to fill the airbag making it deploy through the module cover.
How do airbags inflate so fast?
The answer would be found in a fascinating chemical called sodium azide, NaN3. When this substance is ignited by a spark it releases nitrogen gas which can instantly inflate an airbag.
How does an airbag work?
The airbag circuit passes an electric current through a heating element (a bit like one of the wires in a toaster). The heating element ignites a chemical explosive. Older airbags used sodium azide as their explosive; newer ones use different chemicals. When a car hits something, it starts to decelerate (lose speed) very rapidly.
How do airbags deflate when a car hits them?
The driver (moving forward because of the impact) pushes against the bag. This makes the bag deflate as the gas it contains escapes through small holes around its edges. By the time the car stops, the bag should have completely deflated. Who invented airbags?
What factors affect the activation of airbags in a crash?
The activation of an air bag in a crash is dependent on several important factors including: the characteristics of the crash (e.g., speed, other vehicles involved, impact direction); the individual vehicle air bag system’s design strategy; and the crash sensor locations.
What do you need to know about airbag safety?
Learn about the safety benefits of frontal and side air bags and why it’s so important to use a seat belt—your first line of defense. Also receive important guidance on how to safely position yourself and your passengers, as well as young ones in car seats and booster seats to prevent injury from air bags in a crash.