Restraint Devices
The frontal Supplemental
Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system supplements the protection offered by the
driver and front passenger seat belts. The frontal SIR system deploys an
air bag (1) from the center of the steering wheel and from the right
side of the instrument panel (1). The knee bolsters (3) absorb
crash energy. The driver and passenger knee bolsters are below the instrument
panel. The steering column is collapsible. After an AIR BAG deployment, the
SDM will send out a post-air bag deployment message to the Rear Integration
Module (RIM). The RIM will unlock the doors and turn ON the interior lights
15 seconds after receipt of this message.
Frontal Inflatable Restraint Devices
A frontal crash of sufficient
force up to 30 degrees off the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle
will deploy the frontal air bags.
Frontal SIR System Description
The frontal SIR system consists of the following components:
• | An inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) |
• | An inflatable restraint steering wheel module (steering wheel
air bag) |
• | An inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil |
• | An inflatable restraint IP Module (IP air bag) |
• | An AIR BAG Warning Lamp in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) |
The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), inflatable
restraint steering wheel module coil, inflatable restraint steering wheel
module, inflatable restraint IP module, and the connecting wires make up
the frontal deployment loops. The function of the frontal deployment loops
is to supply current through the frontal inflator modules, deploying the
frontal inflator modules simultaneously. Deployment occurs when the SDM
detects vehicle velocity changes severe enough to warrant deployment.
The SDM contains a sensing device (accelerometer) that converts vehicle
velocity changes to an electrical signal. The SDM compares this electrical
signal to a value stored in memory. When the generated signal exceeds the
stored value, the SDM performs additional signal processing and compares
the generates signals to values stored in memory. When two of the generated
signals exceed the stored values, the SDM will cause current to flow through
the frontal inflator modules deploying the frontal inflator modules.
Side Impact Inflatable Restraint Devices
The side impact inflatable
restraint system supplements the protection offered by the driver or passenger
door (2), and the vehicle structure along with the protection offered
by the driver and passenger seat belts. The side impact air bag system deploys
an air bag (1) from the side of the driver or front passenger seat.
A side crash of sufficient force will deploy a side air bag.
Side Impact Air Bag System Description
The side impact air bag system consists of the following components:
• | Two inflatable restraint side impact sensors (SIS) (one in each
lower center pillar) |
• | Two inflatable restraint side impact inflator modules (one side
air bag in each front seat) |
• | An inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) |
• | An AIR BAG Warning Lamp in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) |
The inflatable restraint side impact sensor (SIS), inflatable restraint
side impact inflator modules (Side Air Bags), inflatable restraint sensing
and diagnostic module (SDM), and the connecting wires make up the side impact
inflatable restraint system. The SDM contains a sensing device (accelerometer)
that converts vehicle velocity changes to an electrical signal. The SIS is
treated as a discriminating sensor and is a input to the SDM. If the SIS
determines that the side air bags should be deployed, the SIS tells the SDM
to deploy the side air bags. The SDM will then check to see if there is enough
vehicle acceleration to warrant a deployment. If so, the SDM will send current
to the side air bag deploying the side air bag module. Deployment occurs
when the SDM receive vehicle velocity changes through the SIS that are severe
enough to warrant deployment.