Airbags usually fill with air at lightning speed on impact—within 20 to 50 milliseconds. Volkswagen equipped a Golf GTI with an airbag demonstrator to show what an airbag looks like inflated and how it works—without the accident. Festo developed the required compressed-air system that inflates the protective airbags at the press of a button.
In the test vehicle, the airbags inflate somewhat more slowly, within five seconds, so that the participant is not startled or injured during the demonstration. Several compressed-air reservoirs are required to complete the process and are operated by a valve manifold and a control module.
When the button is pressed, the head, front, side, and knee airbags fill with 120 liters (27 gallons) of air, allowing the person in the driver’s seat to experience their protective effects. The system then suctions the air out of the airbags, which need to be replaced with new ones for each demonstration. A compressor fills the compressed-air reservoirs and the demonstrator is ready for the next time.
Festo engineers developed a complete system that also comprises a switch cabinet, control software, and a visualization display. All the equipment, including the vacuum pump and the compressor for filling the compressed-air reservoirs, is contained in the trunk of the Golf. An emergency off switch, which can immediately stop the demonstration, and a variety of sensors that monitor system operation and the person ensure the safety of the ‘driver.’
Submitted by: Frank Langro, Director – Marketing and Product Management, Festo Corp.
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