Contents: Side airbags ↡ T-model variants ↡
Two front airbags with non-toxic pyrotechnic charge and two side airbags located in the front doors simultaneously protect the driver and the passenger sitting next to them.
The response time of the front airbag is from 40 to 60 ms, the side airbag – 20 ms.
Fig. 1.6. Passenger seat sensor pad
The saloon and T-model estate are equipped with a pressure-sensitive sensor pad located in the right front seat trim (Fig. 1.6), which automatically detects whether there is a passenger in the seat. The conductive strips of the pad are connected to the seat back adjustment control. If the passenger seat is loaded with a mass of more than 12 kg, the sensor pad sends a corresponding signal to the airbag electronics, which, depending on the nature of the collision, activates the right airbag, the seat belt or the side airbag.
The 12 kg weight limit is necessary to prevent sensors from mistakenly perceiving shopping bags or a briefcase in the front seat as a passenger.
Side airbags
Fig. 1.7. Side airbag
The Mercedes E-class car is equipped with side airbags (Fig. 1.7), which makes protection against side impact more effective.
Material created based on the website mercedesman
The side airbag is located in the front door, has a volume of 15 liters and when inflated reaches a thickness of about 7 cm.
In 7 ms, the sensitive element – the sensor – determines in the event of an accident whether the airbag needs to be deployed.
If the microcomputer issues a trigger pulse, then after 2 ms the side airbag breaks through the door trim, after another 13 ms it is brought into working condition, thereby protecting the driver or passenger. In general, about 20 ms pass before the moment of formation of an air pocket between the door and the occupant. In order to track the process of triggering the side airbag, it was necessary to use a high-speed camera, taking 4000 pictures per second.
T-model variants
The luggage compartment of the E-Class T-model is made as high-quality as the interior. The bottom and side walls are covered with carpet velour. On the left side are the spare wheel, jack and tools. The warning triangle and first aid kit are located in the valve pocket of the trim on the right side of the trunk. On the left side of the cabin is a 12-volt socket built into the trim, covered with a safety cover. A niche in the cargo compartment serves as an additional compartment and is locked with a lock. If desired, this compartment can be equipped with an additional row of seats for two passengers, equipped with three-position automatic seat belts.