Unit 5

Restraint Systems
 Introduction

• Electrical systems are becoming more complex.

– Addition of electronic and accessory systems
 Supplemental Restraint Systems
(1 of 15)

• Installed passenger safety device

– Manufacturers develop and improve airbags
 Supplemental Restraint Systems
(2 of 15)

• Purpose and operation of SRS

– Protect occupants
– Seat belts secure and restrain.
– Airbags deploy in severe accidents.
Supplemental Restraint Systems
(3 of 15)
 Supplemental Restraint Systems
(4 of 15)

• Airbag and pre-tensioners

– Some countries mandate seat belt
– Airbag often in center of wheel
– Two types airbag triggering mechanisms
• Electrical and mechanical
– Electrical current triggers squib.
 Supplemental Restraint Systems
(5 of 15)

A. Driver’s side airbag B. Passenger’s side airbag.

 Supplemental Restraint Systems
(6 of 15)

C. Side airbag D. Knee airbag

 Supplemental Restraint Systems
(7 of 15)

• Mechanical airbags do not have electrical

circuitry.
 Supplemental Restraint Systems
(8 of 15)

• Airbag is composed of nylon.

• Pedestrian airbag is new.
 Supplemental Restraint Systems
(9 of 15)

• Seat belt pre-

tensioners
– Tighten seat belts in
severe frontal
accidents
– Mechanical systems
rely on inertia.
– Rip stitching is used on
seat belts.
– Replace belts once
ripped.
 Supplemental Restraint Systems
(10 of 15)

• Sensors, control
module, and circuitry
– Sensors are installed in
various positions.
– Side-impact airbags
are located on door
sills or B-pillar.
– Front collisions deploy
driver and passenger
airbags.
 Supplemental Restraint Systems
(11 of 15)

• Sensors, control
module, and circuitry
(cont’d)
– Safing sensors prevent
incorrect and
unnecessary
deployment.
– Capacitors store
electricity.
– Seat-mounted airbags
work without electricity.
 Supplemental Restraint Systems
(12 of 15)

• Smart airbag technology

– Safety devices improved
 Supplemental Restraint Systems
(13 of 15)

• Diagnosing SRS
– Can be dangerous
– SRS lights = fault code stored in memory
 Supplemental Restraint Systems
(14 of 15)

• Proximity sensors
– Safer parking
– Backup cameras and
displays
Supplemental Restraint Systems
(15 of 15)

Proximity sensor. Back-up display.

 Summary

• Safety systems protect occupants.

• Seat belt pre-tensioners tighten seat belts.
• Crash sensors can be installed in various
positions.
 Credits

• Unless otherwise indicated, all photographs and

illustrations are under copyright of Jones &
Bartlett Learning.