Side airbag
Side airbag |
The Saab 9-3 is fitted as standard with side airbags for the driver's and the passenger's seat.
The side airbags are concealed under the backrest upholstery fabric on the front seats. The side airbags are connected to control module pins 10 and 11 (driver's seat) and 13 and 14 (passenger's seat).
The purpose of the side airbag, in the event of a side collision, is to provide enhanced crash protection for the person sitting on the impact side. This is achieved by the inflation of an airbag between his or her upper body and the side of the door.
The side airbags, which have a volume of about 25 litres, incorporate a gas generator. The airbag is protected by a plastic cover with fracture lines.
The side airbag is specific to the seat and the car on which it is fitted. There are four different side airbags.
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Driver and passenger, LHD
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Driver and passenger, RHD
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Gas generator of the side airbag |
The gas generator consists of a steel housing, a detonator with an explosive charge, and a pressurized vessel. This vessel contains a gas composed of 98% argon and 2% helium. The gas pressure in the vessel is 250 bars.
Upon activation, the control module sends a current pulse to the detonator, which initiates the combustion of the fuel. The seal of the pressure vessel gives way under the pressure developed by the detonator. After filtration, the air escapes to fill the airbag.