How Does the Airbag Deploy?
2 Answers
Below are the conditions for airbag deployment: 1. The impacted object must be hard and have sufficient force; 2. A certain vehicle speed must be met; 3. The impact point must be near the sensor. Here are precautions for using airbags: 1. Use them in conjunction with seat belts. 2. Maintain an appropriate distance from the airbag while seated. 3. Avoid placing objects in front of, above, or near the airbag. 4. Maintain good driving habits to ensure a certain distance between your chest and the steering wheel. 5. Avoid high temperatures and store airbag components properly.
I have a personal experience explaining how airbags deploy—that rear-end collision taught me everything. When the car slammed into the vehicle ahead, the body impact sensor detected the force. Once exceeding the threshold, it sent a signal to the computer module. The control unit instantly ignited the inflator, which burned solid propellant—primarily sodium azide. It rapidly decomposed during combustion, generating nitrogen gas that inflated the airbag through a filter mesh. The entire process took less than 0.05 seconds, with the airbag bursting explosively from the steering wheel cover. The deployment sounded like an explosion—terrifying but saved my head from a hard impact. After inflation, tiny vents quickly deflated it. Remember: airbags only activate during severe frontal collisions and are effective when paired with seatbelts. Never place objects in their path to avoid hazards. Later, I checked the system—the sensors are located at the front and require regular maintenance to ensure the warning light stays off. This design has saved countless lives, but safe driving to minimize risks remains key.
