What are the types of airbag sensors?

[PeytonFitz]

Airbag sensors are categorized into trigger collision sensors and protective collision sensors based on their purposes. Structurally, they can also be classified into electromechanical collision sensors, electronic collision sensors, and mechanical collision sensors. Trigger collision sensors, also known as collision severity sensors, detect changes in acceleration during a collision and transmit the collision signal to the airbag control unit as a trigger signal. Protective collision sensors, or safety collision sensors, are connected in series with trigger collision sensors to prevent accidental airbag deployment. Electromechanical collision sensors use mechanical movement to control electrical contact actions, which then open or close to connect or disconnect the airbag circuit. Electronic collision sensors do not have electrical contacts; the commonly used types include resistance strain and piezoelectric effect sensors. Mechanical collision sensors often feature mercury switch types, utilizing the conductive properties of mercury to control the airbag circuit's connection and disconnection.