Understanding Airbags in Cars and Their Varieties

When it comes to driving, safety is always a top concern. Among the many safety features that vehicles boast, one of the most crucial is the airbag system. These airbags are an integral part of what's known as passive safety systems, designed to safeguard occupants during accidents.

 

Let's delve into the significance of passive safety systems, focusing particularly on how airbags contribute to enhancing the safety of both drivers and passengers.

 

Defining Airbags in Automotive History

 

Airbags stand as a pivotal component within a car's passive safety system, engineered specifically to shield passengers from severe injuries in the event of a collision. 

 

Their function is simple yet effective: upon impact, airbags rapidly inflate to provide an additional cushioning layer, mitigating the force of passengers' bodies colliding with the rigid structures inside the vehicle like the steering wheel, dashboard, or doors.

 

The inception of airbags dates back to 1951, credited to Walter Linderer of Germany and John Hedrik of America. Their groundbreaking work secured them German patent #896312 for the airbag concept. 

 

However, early iterations lacked the responsiveness needed to ensure swift protection for vehicle occupants. 

 

Fast forward to 1968, and Allen Breed's innovative airbag system emerged, integrating sensors and a safety-oriented design. 

 

His invention, patented under U.S. patent #5,071,161, marked a significant leap in airbag technology by introducing crash sensing capabilities, laying the foundation for further advancements. 

 

Ford was among the pioneers to adopt airbag technology, initiating its implementation in 1971 and subsequent adoption by other automakers. 

 

The turning point arrived in 1998, when airbag installations became mandatory in the United States, underscoring a critical milestone in driving safety.

 

Key Components of Airbags

 

The airbag system comprises several core components that synergize to detect accidents swiftly and deploy airbags when needed. Here's a brief overview of these components:

 

1. Sensors

These electronic devices are strategically placed throughout the vehicle, capable of detecting sudden impacts or changes in velocity. Upon detecting an accident, sensors send signals directly to the airbag controller.

 

2. Airbag Controller

The airbag controller serves as an electronic processing unit that gathers data from sensors and evaluates whether the accident situation warrants airbag deployment.

 

Its primary responsibility is to gauge the severity of the collision to determine if deploying the airbag is necessary for passenger protection.

 

This controller relies on specialised algorithms to make these critical decisions, determining the optimal activation points for the airbag and the duration of inflation post-accident.

 

Also read: Choosing a Car with the Best Safety Features

 

Benefits and Functions of Airbags

 

Airbags serve a paramount role in augmenting passenger safety during accidents, offering numerous benefits such as:

 

1. Reducing Head Injuries

By cushioning the impact between occupants and rigid surfaces like the steering wheel or dashboard, airbags significantly reduce the risk of severe head injuries.

 

2. Mitigating Chest Injuries

The additional padding provided by airbags helps lessen direct impacts on the chest, thereby lowering the risk of internal organ damage or rib fractures.

 

3. Protecting Various Body Parts

Beyond the head and chest, airbags extend protection to other body parts like the neck, arms, and legs, minimising the chances of severe injuries during accidents.

 

Types of Airbags

 

Modern vehicles integrate various types of airbags to provide comprehensive protection, including:

 

1. Front Airbags

Positioned in front of the driver and front passenger, these airbags deploy during frontal collisions to safeguard the head and chest.

 

2. Side Airbags

Located beside the driver and passenger seats, these airbags inflate during side collisions to protect the upper body.

 

3. Curtain Airbags

Installed above windows, they inflate during side collisions or rollovers, shielding the head and neck.

 

4. Knee Airbags

Positioned below the front dashboard, these airbags deploy during frontal collisions to protect the driver's legs.

 

5. Additional Airbags

These encompass steering wheel airbags, as well as rear airbags, ensuring comprehensive protection for all occupants.

 

By integrating these diverse airbag types, modern cars offer enhanced safety across various accident scenarios, significantly reducing the risk of serious or fatal injuries for both drivers and passengers