The principle of operation of frontal airbags
Frontal airbag modules are mounted in the steering wheel hub and in the right side of the instrument panel, directly above the main glove box (see illustration 13.1a).
Directional g-force sensors respond to acceleration exceeding a certain limit value, which may occur in a severe frontal collision.
Note: Front airbags are sometimes observed to deploy in other types of collisions when the loads sensed by the sensors are commensurate with the loads that occur in a severe frontal collision.
Based on a signal from the sensors, the SRS control unit turns on the airbag inflators, causing them to instantly inflate. In light collisions and rollovers, as well as in side and rear impacts, the front airbags should not deploy, which once again confirms the need to use seat belts.
During a collision, the seat belt keeps the occupant's lower torso from moving. Frontal airbags absorb and absorb the brunt of the impact, help prevent injury to the driver and front passenger from head and chest impacts on the steering wheel/instrument panel, and reduce the severity of injuries sustained as a result of an accident. However, the actual deployment of airbags can cause abrasions and other minor injuries to the face.
Directional g-force sensors determine the severity of a collision depending on the characteristics of the obstacle. In a collision with a fixed non-deformable obstacle (e.g. curb, post, etc.) airbags deploy at lower speeds than when hitting a moving deformable obstacle (e.g. with another car).
Note: This feature is only available for front airbags.
Since both front airbags are sent to the SRS control unit by the same sensors, they also deploy simultaneously. Nevertheless, the possibility of module initiation by only one of the cushions is not ruled out - this becomes possible when the magnitude of the directional overloads that occurred during a collision was on the verge of the sensitivity range of the sensors. In this case, the seat belts provide sufficient protection for the driver and front passenger, while the effect of airbag deployment will be minimal.
Inflating airbags is accompanied by a strong pop and smoke. Smoke is not a sign of fire and does not have a harmful effect on the human body. In fact, this is a suspension of finely dispersed powder, which is usually sprinkled with pillow shells in the folded state. People with a respiratory disease may experience some discomfort and irritation from the airborne gaseous products emitted by airbag generators - they should leave the car as soon as possible and go out into the fresh air.
Attention: To avoid burns, do not touch the elements of the SRS system immediately after the airbags have deployed!
Immediately after the airbags are deployed and perform their functions, gas is released from them, which allows the driver to maintain visibility and freely manipulate all vehicle controls.
The total duration of the process from the moment the signal is given by the overload sensors to the release of gas from the pillows takes no more than a tenth of a second. The operation of the modules is so fast that the human ear is simply not able to perceive the pop of the gas generators when the pillows are filled.
On models equipped with front passenger seat occupied recognition (see below), if there is no passenger, the corresponding frontal airbag will not deploy in the event of a collision. It will also be deactivated if a special Opel child seat equipped with built-in transponders is installed in the front seat (see below).
How the side airbags work
Side airbags (see illustration 13.1b) designed to provide additional protection for the driver and front passenger in case of severe side impacts. In case of weak impacts, when the car is turned over, during frontal and rear impacts, the side airbags should not work.
Note: Side airbags may occasionally deploy in other types of collisions, when the load sensed by the sensor is comparable to that of a severe side impact.
In the event of a severe side impact, the airbag installed on the seat from which the impact was received will be activated. The principle of operation of the side airbags is completely similar to the principle of operation of the front airbags.
Attention: The use of front seat covers can lead to malfunction of the SRS in an accident! It is allowed to install only special covers designed specifically for this model - contact an authorized Opel dealer!
On models equipped with Front Passenger Seat Occupancy Recognition, if there is no passenger present, the corresponding side airbag will not deploy in the event of a collision. It will also be deactivated if a special child seat equipped with built-in transponders is installed in the front seat (see below).
The principle of operation of head airbags
Head airbags (curtains) (see illustration 13.1c) are designed to provide additional head protection for the driver and passenger in case of severe side impacts. They work in conjunction with the side airbags. In the event of a severe side impact, the airbag installed on the side on which the impact fell will be triggered.
The principle of operation of the head airbags is completely similar to the principle of operation of the front airbags.
On models equipped with Front Passenger Seat Occupancy Recognition, the head airbags deploy even if the front passenger seat side airbag is disabled.
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