http://www.hotwired.com/Coin/Spnsrs/Volvo/Safety/bag.html (The Risc Disc Volume 2, 10/1995)
Gold Connectors
The connecting terminals in the air bag activation system are all
gold-plated, because gold is an excellent conductor of electricity.
Gold also resists corrosion far longer than most metals.
Contact Reel
The air bag itself is activated in response to a signal sent by the
electrical sensor under the driver's seat; this signal is received
through a contact reel. As the steering wheel turns, springs wind and
unwind to keep the contact reel securely connected to the air bag.
Deployment
The air bag is designed to deploy instantly in the event of certain front or
front-angular collisions. How fast is "instantly"? Just 30
milliseconds, or three-hundredths of a second. Deflation is almost as
rapid; in fact, the entire inflation/deflation cycle takes less than
two-tenths of a second. This split-second cycle is designed so that
there is no significant loss in driver visibility or control.
Gas Generator
The gas generator that inflates the air bag is designed to create a
lot of gas in a hurry - which is how the air bag can inflate so
quickly. Inside the air bag when it inflates is harmless nitrogen, a
gas that is neither toxic nor flammable. The earth's atmosphere itself
is about 78% nitrogen.
G-Meter
The air bag is intended to operate only in certain front or front-angular
collisions - and only upon a significant impact. A sensitive, accurate
electrical sensor is used to measure the G-force of a collision; at a
certain level of force, the air bag is automatically triggered.
Knee Bolster
Another important component of the air bag Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS) is the padded knee bolster built into the lower part of
the dashboard. The knee bolster is intended to keep the body from
sliding downward in a collision, so both head and chest will get the
full benefit of air bag cushioning protection.
Power
In normal situations, the air bag is powered by the car battery. But if the battery is not fully charged, or is damaged by the force of a collision, a standby power unit stores sufficient voltage to trigger the air bag even when car battery power is interrupted.
Self-Diagnosis
The air bag microprocessor control includes a self-diagnosis system
that functions automatically every time the car is started. The SRS
warning light will illuminate briefly along with the other warning
indicators in the instrument panel. If the SRS light remains lit, or
if it goes on at any time while the car is being driven, an air bag
system malfunction may exist.
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