Understanding Car Airbag Systems: Components and Safety

Airbag Components

Airbag components: Module, spiral spring, driver, passenger, electronic control unit, breakdowns, witness, busy square sensor, side airbag module, airbag for the head, collision advisory, collision sensor, front side deactivation switch, key to the airbag.

Steering Column

Steering column: Accommodates the extra step at the wheel airbag.

Protective Cover

Protective Cover: Protects the airbag and gas.

Airbag

Airbag: Canvas bag behind the protective cover. Coated with silicone and neoprene to protect against gases and flames.

Gas Generator

Gas generator: Explosive device, solid propellant, anti-aging.

Contact Unit

Unit Contact: Ensures contact between the electronics and the capsule of the gas generator ignition.

Control Unit

Control Unit: Controls the operation of the entire system. It contains two sensors controlling the front collision and has five basic elements:

• Shock sensor: Determines the magnitude of the deceleration.
• Safety sensor: Prevents unintentional firing of the airbag.
• Energy Storage: In charge of feeding the system at 150 ms in case of failure of the electric system.
• Processor: Evaluates the signals from the sensors to distinguish between two limiting values. The first active pretensioners and the second airbag.
• ASIC: Processes the signal generated by the shock sensor.

Wiring Harnesses and Connectors

Wiring harnesses and connectors: Set of cables connecting the various elements of the airbag system. Repairs are not allowed.

Airbag Warning Light

Witness of the bag: The instrument panel light goes out if it's okay but turns on if there is a problem.

Variable Volume Airbag

Variable volume airbag: These are smart airbags that deploy depending on the impact, either fully or nearly completely.

Safety Standards

The following safety standards must be followed: Only authorized personnel should work on the system. Do not conduct tests with lamps. Only use new parts in the repair. The airbag expires. The assembly must be made after departure. The airbag may detonate. When changing the dashboard cover, clean it with a damp cloth and water. Do not place stickers. Do not subject to temperatures exceeding 90º.

Side Airbags

Side airbags protect the rib cage and hips. They will only be activated on the side of the impact and are composed of 4 elements:

Control Unit

Control unit: Corresponding collision sensors will detect the knock and transmit the signal to the control unit that manages the information.

Side Impact Sensor

Side impact sensor: Reacts to forces of inertia, detects the impact, and transmits this information to the control unit.

Airbag Module

Airbag module: Formed by a gas generator and an airbag, encased in a plastic housing.

Warning Light

Warning light: It has a light on the instrument panel that informs us of its state.