Airbag
Airbag
An Airbag (/ˈɛərbæɡ/) is a vehicle safety device designed to protect passengers and drivers in a collision. It is a type of Occupant Restraint System that consists of a flexible fabric bag, also known as an airbag module. The airbag module is designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision and to prevent injuries, especially to the head and chest.
Etymology
The term "airbag" is an English word that is derived from the combination of the words "air" and "bag". "Air" comes from the Old English 'ǣr', meaning 'atmosphere', and "bag" comes from the Old Norse 'baggi', meaning 'bundle, pack, sack'.
Function
The primary function of an airbag is to provide a soft cushion between the occupants and the car's interior surfaces during a crash. The airbag is designed to inflate within milliseconds of a collision, providing a buffer to reduce the impact force. The airbag system includes a crash sensor that detects a collision, an inflator that fills the bag with gas, and the bag itself, which is made of thin, nylon fabric.
Types of Airbags
There are several types of airbags, including:
- Frontal Airbags: These are the most common type of airbags, found in the steering wheel and dashboard.
- Side Airbags: These are located in the door or seat, and inflate to protect the occupant's chest and head in a side-impact collision.
- Curtain Airbags: These are mounted in the roof lining above the windows and inflate to cover the window area during a side-impact collision or rollover.
- Knee Airbags: These are located under the dashboard and inflate to protect the legs in a frontal collision.
Related Terms
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