SRS Side Airbag

What
Folded like a parachute an airbag is made of strong lightweight nylon material. When sensors detect a rapid deceleration and or a severe frontal or side impact, they act as switches, sending an electric current to an inflator in the airbag module.

The airbag deploys in a fraction of a second, helping to protect the head and upper torso from injury. The airbag quickly deflates after deployment to absorb energy.

In the event of a significant side-on impact, side airbags deploy to minimise the shock inflicted upon the front seat occupants' chest. On the passenger's side an Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) is incorporated which minimises the risk of airbag-inflicted injuries.

Where
Side airbags are of low-volume type and are positioned in the outer seat-back bolster of each front seat to protect the occupant's chest. The chest is the area most prone to injury in a side-on collision.

…signals from these sensors allow OPDS to determine the passenger's seated position

How
OPDS determines the size and position of the passenger, and prevents deployment whenever it could cause head or neck injuries. It also alerts the driver by a warning light when the passenger's position is unsuitable for side airbag deployment. The passenger's seat-back incorporates six position sensors running from top to bottom. These determine the height and position of the occupant. A further sensor is incorporated into the left-hand seat-back bolster, this determines the lateral position of the occupant. Monitored on a continuous basis, signals from these sensors allow OPDS to determine the passenger's seated position. In a side-on collision OPDS can then calculate if it is safe to deploy the side airbag or not.