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Regulations - Automobile Black Boxes

Vehicle Black Box Standards

Non-Deployment of Automobile Airbags

Legal Ramification For The Automobile Black Box

Misconceptions For The Auto Black Box

Automobile Black Boxes

Misfortune Of The Event Data Recorder

Traffic Speeding Tickets

Misinterpretations Of The Auto Black Box

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Non-Deployment of Automobile Airbags (Pg 1 of 2)

By Perry J. Zucker

Each year there are approximate 10 - 21 millions motor vehicle accidents (1980 - 2010) occur.  

Airbag Components

Most airbag systems are made up of three basic components.  They are as follows:

The bag:  is constructed of a woven material similar to nylon, which is folded like a parachute.  They are coated with talc like powder that lubricates the air bag material for storage.  After deployment, this powdery dust may contain residue from the chemical reaction, which may cause minor irritation.  

The inflation system:  is similar to a solid rocket booster.  This solid material ignites which burns extremely hot and rapidly to create gas.  This action inflates the nitrogen gas (pulsed) via the chemical reaction of sodium azide (Na N3) and potassium nitrate (KNO3), in some older vehicles.

The sensor: is an electrical and/or mechanical device, which triggers a firing squib, which activates the inflation system and deploys the air bag.  The electrical sensor uses a tiny accelerometer, which determines certain types of negative acceleration (decelerations).

Generally, airbag systems will be deployed at a vehicle that is traveling a range of

minimum speeds. Of course, this is subject to many additional factors, such as type of impact, position, delta v (change in speed), and location of the subject vehicle.  However, mechanical sensors (switch) close when mass shifts via the vehicle.

Advanced Airbag Systems - Next Generation

In advanced systems vehicle manufacturers (OEM's) are using special sensors to differentiate occupants size and/or weight.  This in turn can vary the output of the airbag(s), which in fact makes the system safer.  

Many OEM's  use a propriety chemical compound, which they claim to be less toxic, then NaN3 for the inflation system.  

The airbag itself may have multi-stage compartments, which in fact slows the forward velocity (up to 200 mph / totally time is 20-30 milliseconds; first version) of the bag and has a maximum pressure of  5 psi fully inflated.

Some newer vehicles,  are being equipped with  side / curtain, knee, belt(s), seat / door mounted airbags  as well as the required frontal ones. Most side airbags have separate highly compressed air tanks (approx. 3.5K), which make the system potentially dangerous for first responders, if they do not have the proper information.

Vehicle Modifications - Airbag On-Off Switches

Automobile airbag switches were designed to accommodate people with disabilities and comply with FMVSS regulations when specific notifications are made.