1. Passive Safety System: Air bags are part of a vehicle's passive safety systems. They do not require any action from the occupants and automatically deploy when specific conditions are met in a crash.
2. Sensors and Trigger Mechanism: Air bag systems consist of sensors that detect sudden deceleration or impact forces during a collision. These sensors send a signal to the air bag control unit, which triggers the deployment of the air bags.
3. Rapid Inflation: Upon activation, the air bag control unit sends an electrical signal to the inflator, which is a device that contains a compressed gas (usually nitrogen or argon) and a chemical propellant. The inflator rapidly releases the gas into the air bag fabric, causing it to inflate in milliseconds.
4. Air Bag Deployment: The inflated air bag fills the space between the occupant and hard interior surfaces of the vehicle, such as the dashboard, steering wheel, or side panels. This prevents or minimizes direct contact between the occupant and these hard surfaces, reducing the risk of injuries to the head, face, chest, and other body parts.
5. Cushioning and Energy Absorption: The inflated air bag acts as a cushion by absorbing and distributing the force of the impact over a larger area. It helps to decelerate the occupant's body gradually, reducing the likelihood of severe injuries resulting from sudden and forceful impacts.
6. Deflation and Resetting: After the initial impact, the air bag quickly deflates to allow the occupant to move freely and unhindered within the vehicle. The air bag system can be reset, usually as part of post-collision repairs, for future deployment in subsequent crashes.
7. Supplemental Restraint System: Air bags are designed to work in conjunction with seat belts, which remain the primary restraint system in vehicles. Air bags enhance the protection offered by seat belts, particularly in frontal and side impacts, by providing additional support and cushioning.
It's worth noting that while air bags are highly effective in enhancing occupant safety, they are just one component of a comprehensive vehicle safety system. Other important safety features include seat belts, crumple zones, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), traction control, and electronic stability control (ESC), among others.
