The biggest problem with modern vehicles is lack of safety. Various innovations are being used to solve this problem, but they still do not become as effective as conventional airbags. Over the years, these products have saved many human lives, and they continue to do so even when you read our article. In this regard, we decided to tell you more about airbags and answer all the related questions.
History of airbags
The development of airbags began in 1920 when the British A. Parrott and H. Round received a patent for their new invention. Initially, it was intended exclusively for aircraft, but soon it began to be used on various vehicles (mainly for military purposes). Only in 1952 did US citizen J. W. Hetrick receive a patent for an airbag explicitly created for the car. The following year, the German W. Linderer came up with his version of this product and received a patent. Both airbags were very similar. They had an almost identical design and were triggered when the bumper encountered any obstacle.
In 1960, Hetrick and Linderer’s inventions were criticized. The research revealed that both products fill with air rather slowly, which is why their efficiency becomes very low. An improved model was introduced in 1964 by the Japanese Y. Kobori. His airbag used a small amount of explosive, making the inflation process almost instantaneous. This invention became popular and began to be used everywhere. In the 70s, individual manufacturers and giants such as General Motors started installing airbags on their cars. These products became a replacement for seat belts, which were not very popular at that time. Almost ten years later, American automakers were joined by European ones. Some installed existing products on their models, while others developed their own version of airbags.
In the early 90s, airbags became a mandatory feature of every car manufactured in the United States. This became possible thanks to some changes to American legislation. In Europe, the same thing happened towards the end of the 90s. In the 21st century, almost all vehicles are equipped with airbags. Only in some Latin American countries was this safety element not mandatory and installed only at the request of the car buyer. These days, airbags are getting better every year. This increases their work efficiency and reduces the number of fatalities on the roads.
Principle of operation
Airbags installed on new models or vehicles purchased at the Fort Pierce auto auction and similar events in other cities have identical operating principles. It is pretty simple to understand, so we invite you to look closely at it. The whole process begins when the car hits any obstacle or another vehicle. At this time, the accelerometer measures various indicators, which allows the protection system to calculate the angle of deflection and dynamic acceleration caused by the impact. If the indicators do not exceed the maximum permissible values (this happens with a weak impact), then the airbags are not inflated. In cases where the accelerometer detects that the limit has been exceeded, the electrical circuit is activated. This circumstance starts the electricity passing through the heating element and allows the chemical substance to ignite.
In the next step, a tremendous amount of gas is released due to the reaction. It is harmless to humans, so there is no need to fear poisoning or other unpleasant consequences. The resulting gas enters a unique nylon bag in different places inside the car. It inflates instantly and softens the shock people experience during an accident. Contact with a person’s head causes the airbag to deflate (gas quickly enters through small holes at the edges). If the installed protection elements operate correctly, the airbags should be deflated entirely when the vehicle stops.
Installation locations
The presence of airbags in various vehicles has been constantly expanding. Initially, they were installed only in front of the driver and helped him avoid trouble during accidents. At the same time, passengers were left without the ability to soften the blow. Later, the situation changed. Airbags began to be installed to protect all passengers, so the number of cars has increased significantly.
In modern vehicles, airbags can be located in various locations. Frontal protection elements that soften the most severe impacts are considered vital. They are placed at the front and help protect the person driving the vehicle. Most often, they are installed on the steering wheel. In addition, frontal airbags are located on the dashboard and designed to ensure the safety of the passengers sitting next to them.
So-called side airbags are installed in the doors and seat backs. They help protect people during a side impact and are often deployed when the vehicle rolls over. Many car manufacturers install knee airbags in their models. They are mounted below the front and side protection elements.
There may also be airbags on the side of the seats. They are designed to protect the human torso from solid impacts. Unlike many other products, side airbags do not inflate and keep people safe even after the vehicle has stopped. In some situations, protection elements are built into the roof. These airbags also remain inflated after a collision and help protect occupants’ heads from severe impacts. Another location for airbags is the seat belt. Removable products are installed on it, which, if necessary, open and protect the torso, collarbone, and shoulder.
Interesting facts
There are many myths associated with airbags that are not true, but people still believe in them. To dispel all doubts, we suggest you study some exciting facts about the critical element of car protection. The main one concerns the gas that fills airbags. Despite the different versions, 99% of manufacturers use nitric oxide in their models. This gas is not only harmless but also beneficial for humans. It helps dilate blood vessels, increase the percentage of oxygen in the blood and reduce the risk of blood clots. Nitric oxide also reduces the adverse effects of stress hormones, which is extremely important during emergencies.
Despite the many modern safety systems and elements, airbags remain efficient leaders. According to statistics, their timely and correct operation can reduce the risk of death in an accident by 25%-30%. These are pretty high figures, so you should never neglect airbags. At the same time, they can cause various injuries. This can happen due to an erroneous operation of the safety system, resulting in the airbags inflating when people are not expecting it. This causes a decisive blow, which can cause a concussion, various neck injuries, fractures of the jaw and nose, and facial bruises. In a severe accident, such consequences will not be considered catastrophic. Still, in a normal situation, when an erroneous protection system operation occurs, these results will be very unpleasant.
All new airbags deploy quickly. On average, this happens in 30-50 milliseconds, which is enough to prevent direct contact of a person’s head with the steering wheel or other parts of the car. The high inflation speed of the airbags makes this possible. Depending on the design, they shoot towards different parts of the human body at a speed of 200-300 km/h.
An airbag is not a vital element of any car. At the same time, without it, it is unlikely that anyone will want to start the engine and hit the road. This is because this product provides everyone in the cabin with maximum safety and gives a chance to avoid serious adverse consequences in the event of an accident. So, every time you get into a car, don’t forget to thank the people who invented airbags and equipped your vehicle with them.
