A service airbag is a multi-component device that needs various pieces to produce the best results. Therefore, understanding how each manufacturer makes each component is the first step in fully understanding how airbags get deployed. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most critical components that make up a service airbag.
1. Propellant
The propellant, or the substance that makes the service airbag inflate, is a mixture of various chemicals. The primary component is sodium azide mixed with an oxidizing agent. The chemical is then placed in a safe storage place until needed. Meanwhile, in-house scientists will check the oxidizing agent and store them in another storage unit.
From there, computerized process control will mix sodium azide and oxidizing agent. Since the mixture becomes an explosive mixture, the process happens in bunkers to prevent possible explosions. As per the manufacturer’s safety protocol, any detection of sparks by the sensors will trigger a response that douses the bunker with water. However, the safety protocol will not shut down the production—only reduce it.
2. Inflator
The inflator itself is a complex device. It consists of multiple components such as the metal canister, the filter assembly, stainless steel, wire mesh, and the initiator. The inflator, combined with the propellant and an initiator, forms the inflator assembly. Through the use of lasers, workers join the pieces together and store them until needed.
3. Airbag
Unsurprisingly, fabric makes up a major part of the airbag. Woven nylon is the primary material used in airbags as it is easy to cut and sew into the shape enough to save the drivers and passengers from accidents. The workers will then join the pieces of fabric together, forming the primary structure of an airbag, and inflate the material once finished to ensure that there are no seam imperfections.
4. Crash Sensors
The most crucial component that makes up an airbag system is the crash sensor. Without it, the airbag will not deploy, no matter how intense the impact will be in an accident. The sensors include the diagnostic monitoring unit, the steering wheel connecting coil, and the indicator lamp. All three components work together to detect a change in the car’s speed during a collision.
Installing the Service Airbag
After testing all the components that make up the airbag, the manufacturers will fold the airbag itself, install them with the horn pad cover, and test for quality assurance. From there the automobiles that have been tested will end up in the dealership, waiting for their subsequent owners.
Conclusion
Service airbags have become essential components in a vehicle. Aside from the mechanism being a big help to drivers and passengers during an accident, they also play a huge role in mitigating the risks of deadly crashes. In frontal collisions, at least 29 percent of accidents became less fatal due to airbag deployment.
Meanwhile, the addition of side airbags has provided people more safety while being on the road. As of 2012, there have been 2,252 lives saved by side airbags, only proving how effective airbags are in ensuring the driver and passengers’ safety. Furthermore, they are also good at protecting a driver’s head and reducing the risks of death in driver-side crashes.
Safety Restore aims to restore deployed service airbags through an airbag module reset service. Our goal has always been to keep drivers safe on the road by offering services that can further increase their protection and safety while driving. If you’re looking for an airbag reset company near you, contact us through our website today.