Passive safety: Notes

The airbag acts to minimize the forces acting on the body in the event of an accident, and thereby contributes to reducing the risk of severe injuries.

Various airbag systems are installed and activated by the airbag control unit; these are designed to protect different parts of the body and they target different types of accident. Once the airbag control unit has recognized, following signals from the airbag sensors, that an accident is occurring that could be dangerous for the occupants, airbag deployment takes place. In order to avoid an unintentional activation of the airbag, at least 2 airbag sensors must report a crash simultaneously and independently of each other. Airbag deployment occurs by means of a current pulse from the airbag control unit. This causes the gas generator ignition squib to activate and the airbag is then filled. Many vehicles are additionally equipped with belt tensioners, which reduce the slack on the seat belt at the same time as the airbag control unit is activated. Belt force limiters also come into play; these allow the occupants to slide forward when a certain force is reached, which enables an optimal restraining effect to be implemented in coordination with the airbag.

Work on the airbag system may only be performed by experts. Incorrect handling can lead to the activation of airbags and belt tensioners, potentially causing serious injuries. The safety regulations and legal provisions applicable in the relevant country must be observed.

Notice! Airbag system equipment varies depending on the series, model, vehicle equipment and national-market version. 

The following description does not cover the entire potential equipment range of the airbag system, with reference to the series, vehicle equipment and national-market version.