Function Purpose: An air bag is a crucial safety device in a vehicle. Its main function is to provide a cushioning effect during a collision, reducing the risk of severe injury to the vehicle's occupants. Air bags are designed to rapidly inflate in the event of a significant impact, such as a frontal, side, or rear - end collision. They work in conjunction with seat belts to protect the driver and passengers from hitting hard surfaces inside the vehicle, like the steering wheel, dashboard, or door panels. For example, in a frontal collision, the driver - side air bag can deploy within milliseconds, creating a barrier between the driver and the steering wheel, minimizing the force of impact on the driver's body.
Working Principle: Air bags are connected to a vehicle's crash - sensing system. This system consists of sensors located in various parts of the vehicle, such as the front bumper, side doors, and the vehicle's structure. When a collision occurs, these sensors detect a sudden change in acceleration or deceleration. If the force of the impact exceeds a pre - set threshold, an electrical signal is sent to the air - bag control module. The control module then activates the inflator within the air bag. The inflator contains a chemical compound, usually sodium azide or other similar substances. When triggered, a chemical reaction takes place in the inflator, which produces a large amount of gas, typically nitrogen. This gas rapidly fills the air bag, causing it to inflate. Once inflated, the air bag deflates slowly to dissipate the energy of the impact.
Benefits:
Injury Reduction: Air bags have been proven to significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries, especially head, chest, and abdominal injuries, in the event of a collision. They can absorb a large portion of the impact energy, preventing the occupants from experiencing the full force of the collision.
Supplementary Safety: When used in combination with seat belts, air bags provide an extra layer of safety. They work together to restrain the occupants and keep them in a proper position during a collision, reducing the likelihood of being thrown around inside the vehicle.
Widespread Protection: Modern vehicles are often equipped with multiple air bags, including front - driver and passenger air bags, side - impact air bags, and curtain air bags. This provides protection for occupants in different types of collisions and from various angles.
