Function

When the actuation threshold is exceeded during a side collision the left rear side airbag squib (R12/11)/right rear side airbag squib (R12/12) is actuated-simultaneously with the side airbag in the front door and the window airbag. This is accomplished by an electrical pulse generated by the airbag control module (N2/7) and sent to the squib in the gas generator for the side airbag. The squib ignites the solid propellant in the gas generator. The solid propellant burns developing gas which flows explosively under high pressure into the airbag folded together in the rear door.

Under the pressure of the gas flowing in the inflating airbag tears open the side airbag housing and the planned fracture area in the door liner and inflates in the passenger compartment. After approx. 20 ms the airbag reaches its maximum volume of 16 liters.

After reaching the maximum volume the pressure in the airbag begins to decrease immediately. The gas escapes from the airbag through a filter and the airbag collapses.