Seat Air Bag - Operation

OPERATION

Each Seat Air Bag (SAB) is deployed individually by an electrical signal generated by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) to which it is connected through left or right SAB line 1 and line 2 (or squib) circuits. The hybrid-type inflator assembly for each airbag contains a small canister of highly compressed inert gas. When the ORC sends the proper electrical signal to the inflator, the electrical energy creates enough heat to ignite chemical pellets within the inflator.

Once ignited, these chemicals burn rapidly and produce the pressure necessary to rupture a containment disk in the inert gas canister. The inflator and inert gas canister are sealed and connected so that all of the released gas is directed into the folded SAB cushion, causing the cushion to inflate. As the cushion inflates it will split open the clamshell case, the sewn pouch (intensifier) and the outboard side of the seat back trim cover and expand into the area between the outboard side of the front seat and the front door to form a cushion to protect the front seat occupant during a side impact collision or a vehicle rollover incident.

Following the deployment, the SAB cushion slowly deflates by venting the inert gas through the loose weave of the cushion fabric, and the deflated cushion hangs down loosely from the outboard side of the front seat back.

Proper diagnosis of the SAB inflator and squib circuits requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.