Types of Airbags AIR BAGS There are two types of airbags; Airbags are a type of automobile safety restraint like seatbelts. They are gas-inflated cushions built into the steering wheel, dashboard, door, roof, or seat of a car that use a crash sensor to trigger a rapid expansion to protect occupant from the impact of an accident. Types of Airbags There are two types of airbags; Frontal airbags. Side-impact airbags. Seat-mounted Curtain Tubular Door-mounted Combo

The appropriate level of power is based upon sensor inputs that can typically detect: 1) Occupant size, 2) seat position, 3) seat belt use of the occupant, and 4) crash severity. Side-impact air bags (SABs) are inflatable devices that are designed to help protect head and/or chest in the event of a serious crash involving the side of the vehicle.

The Air Bag typically consists of the following 3 parts: The Bag itself is made of a thin, nylon fabric, which is folded into the steering wheel or dashboard or, more recently, the seat or door. The SENSOR is the device that tells the bag to inflate. Inflation happens when there is a collision force equal to running into a brick wall at 10 to 15 miles per hour (16 to 24 km per hour). Sensors detect the crash using a mechanical switch that closes when a mass shifts and an electrical contact is made. Electronic sensors use a tiny accelerometer that has been etched on a silicon chip. The AIR BAG'S INFLATION SYSTEM uses the rapid pulse of hot nitrogen gas from the chemical reaction of sodium azide (NaN3) and potassium nitrate (KnO3) to inflate the bag.

Mechanical switch

The air bag system ignites a solid propellant, which burns extremely rapidly to create a large volume of gas to inflate the bag. The bag then literally bursts from its storage site at up to 200 mph (322 kph). A second later, the gas quickly dissipates through tiny holes in the bag, thus deflating the bag so occupant can move. Even though the whole process happens in only one-twenty-fifth of a second, the additional time is enough to help prevent serious injury.

FRONT and SIDE Airbags

Safety Concerns: It is important to note that the force of an air bag can hurt those who are too close to it. Researchers have determined that the risk zone for driver air bags is the first 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) of inflation. So, placing oneself 10 inches (25 cm) from driver air bag gives a clear margin of safety. Measure this distance from the center of the steering wheel to breastbone. It is important to remember that air bags are effective only when used in tandem with a lap/shoulder seat belt. An air bag can actually cause serious injury if used improperly and without the seat belt.