How Does an Airbag Work?
2 Answers
The working principle of an airbag is: When a vehicle experiences a certain level of impact force, the airbag system triggers a chemical reaction similar to a small explosive detonation. The airbag, hidden inside the vehicle, rapidly inflates and deploys in an instant, positioning itself between the occupant and the vehicle's interior components before any collision occurs. Upon contact with the occupant, the airbag begins to deflate through the vent holes on its surface, cushioning the impact and reducing the force exerted on the body. The airbag is an auxiliary configuration for passive vehicle safety, consisting of an airbag sensor, collision airbag, and electronic control unit. It must be used in conjunction with seat belts to provide effective collision protection for occupants.
I've always been fascinated by how airbags work. When a car hits something, sensors in the front instantly detect the change in impact force and send a signal to the central control module. The module determines whether the collision is strong enough, and if yes, it triggers the inflator. The inflator contains special chemicals that, when ignited, rapidly produce a large amount of nitrogen gas, inflating the airbag into a soft cushion within 0.03 seconds. This cushions your head or chest from impact, preventing serious injuries. The airbag then slowly deflates through small vents. The entire process is incredibly fast, like an instant explosion of a safety cushion. However, it's not a cure-all; it must be used in conjunction with seat belts to provide maximum protection. I often mention this in community discussions because it can reduce crash injuries by over 80%. Airbag placement is also crucial—they're located in the steering wheel, dashboard, or door panels. Remember, don't place any objects on the dashboard that could block the airbag deployment.
