Air Bag Systems: Description and Operation

Airbag System

FUNCTION




FRONT AIRBAG
The airbag system is provided as a driver and front passenger restraint system supplementary to the seat belts. When an impact greater than a set level is applied to the front of the vehicle, the sensors generate an electrical pulse to inflate the airbags in the airbag modules, thus preventing the driver's and passenger's upper bodies from directly hitting against the steering wheel, instrument panel and/or windshield.




SIDE AIRBAG
The side airbags provide the driver and front passenger with a restraint supplementary to that by the seat belts in the event of a side-on collision. When an impact greater than the set level is applied to either side of the vehicle, the relevant side airbag sensor sends an ignition signal to the corresponding airbag control module. The side airbag module operates to inflate the airbag, thus reducing the shock inflicted in the outside upper body (chest) of the driver or front passenger.

Construction




GENERAL
- The airbag system consists of an airbag control module, left and right front sub sensors, an electric sensor and safety sensor built into the control module, driver's and passenger's airbag modules each containing an inflator and airbag, and side airbag sensors and modules each containing an inflator and airbag (side airbag equipped model).
- Front airbag system:
A frontal impact exceeding the set level causes the safety sensor, electric sensor and one or both front sub sensors to input impact signals to the CPU. The CPU determines whether the airbags should be inflated or not based on these signals.
- Side airbag system:
Input of a side impact signal showing shock energy greater than the set level causes the airbag on the corresponding side to inflate.