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Student Name: ID Number

Unit Number and Title: AUT323 Vehicle Security and Safety Systems
Qualification Higher National Diploma in Autotronics (Y3)

Academic Year: 2022/2023 Assessor Name: Dr. Mustafa Elkady

Assignment Internal Verifier Assoc. Prof. Haytham ElZomor

Seat Belt and Air Bag
Title: Name:
Assignment No. ASS 1 Issue Date: 19 /03 /2023
Submission Format:
Technical report Submission Date: 26/03 /2023
Type of Evidence

STUDENT DECLARATION
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a particular form of cheating. Plagiarism must be avoided at all costs and students who break the rules, however
innocently, may be penalised. It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand correct referencing practices. As a university
level student, you are expected to use appropriate references throughout and keep carefully detailed notes of all your sources of
materials for material you have used in your work, including any material downloaded from the Internet. Please consult the
relevant unit lecturer or your course tutor if you need any further advice.
Student Declaration
Student declaration
I certify that the assignment submission is entirely my own work and I fully understand the consequences of plagiarism. I understand
that making a false declaration is a form of malpractice.

Also, I acknowledge that I have received the feedback about my work from the assessor.

Student signature: Date: / /2022

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

Learning Outcome Pass Merit Distinction
LO1 understand the P1 Explain the purpose of M1 Compare D1 Evaluate the state,
current engineering passive restraint systems. difference between repair, and service

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technologies as P2 Describe the basic
related to seat belt operation of passive seat
and belt systems.
seat belt P3 Describe the purpose and active and passive passive belt systems.
pretensioners. including operation of seat belt restraint systems.
functions, components, pretensioners.
and method of
operation.
P4 Describe the function M2 Explain in detail the D2 Diagnose and service
and operation of air bags. sequence of events that an air bag system.
LO2 understand the occur during air bag
P5 Identify the major parts of
current engineering deployment.
a typical air bag system.
technologies as related
to air bags including P6 List and describe the
functions, components, operation of the different
types of air bag system
and method of
sensors.
operation.
P7 Describe the f unction of
the clock spring.
Scenario
Suppose you are a technician for a car service, and you are required to inspect the
seat belt and the airbag of a car. After that you are required to write a technical
report including the following tasks:

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Task No.01
Write a technical report for the following tests:
1. Explain the purpose of passive restraint systems.
2. Decide if the seat belt is active or passive system with explanation of the
difference between the two systems.
3. Check the pretensioner and classify its type (describe the purpose and
operation of each type).
4. Evaluate the condition of the seatbelt and suggest the required repair and
service.
5. Diagnose the air bag and identify the expected error for each part of the air
bag system for this car. List the types of the air bag sensors for this car. Check
the clock spring and describe the function of it.
6. Explain in detail the sequence of events that occur during air bag deployment.

Sources of information
• Class handouts.
• Daniel J. Inman, “Engineering Vibration”, Fourth Edition, 2014.
• J. Y. Wong, “Theory of Ground Vehicles”, Third Edition”, 2001.

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There are only two major passive restraint systems: air bags and automatic belts, when used properly, both
passive restraint systems are quite effective in reducing the risk of death and serious injury.
Examples are: Automatic Seatbelt, airbag &ABS
The function of Seat belts The function of seat belts is to restrain the occupants of a vehicle in their seats when the
vehicle impacts against an obstacle. In this way, the occupants are already involved at an early stage in the deceleration
of the vehicle during an impact

The function airbag is to slow the passenger’s speed to zero with little or no damage. The constraints that it has to work
within are huge. The airbag has the space between the passenger and the steering wheel or dashboard and a fraction of
a second to work with.

the basic operation of passive seat belt systems

A passive seat belt system uses electric motors to automatically move shoulder belts across the driver and front seat
passenger. The upper end of the belt is attached to a carrier that moves in a track at the top of the doorframe. The other
end is secured to an inertia lock retractor mounted to the center console. When the door is opened, the outer end of the
shoulder belt moves forward to allow for easy entry or exit. When the doors are closed and the ignition is turned on, the
belts move rearward and secure the occupants.

The active belt is manually fastened and should be worn with the passive belt. Most vehicles have two active belts. One
is a lap belt that goes across the occupant’s lap; the other is a shoulder belt that goes across the shoulder and chest. The
two belts join together at a single point where they are inserted into a buckle anchored to the vehicle’s floor.

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The purpose and operation of seat belt pretensioners
When unbuckled, seat belts are stowed away by the seat belt retractors. The retractors may also work as pretensioners
to take up the belt’s slack during an accident to limit the forward movement of the occupant’s body. Inertia lock
retractors prevent the belt from coming out of the retractor when there is a sudden pull on the belt. Some vehicles have
electric or pyrotechnic-type pretensioners. Both of these are designed to quickly tighten the belt at the start of a crash.

Operating pretensioners.

Shoulder-belt pretensioner When activated, the shoulder-belt pretensioner

eliminates the belt slack and the “film-reel effect” by rolling up and tightening
the belt webbing. Here, the system electrically fires a pyrotechnic propellant
charge (in the following Figure). The gas charge released in this process acts on
a plunger, which turns the belt reel via a steel cable in such a way that it is held
tightly against the occupant’s body. The belt webbing is therefore tightened
already before the occupant starts their forward movement. With these belt
pretensioners the belt webbing can be pulled back within a period of 10 MS by
up to 12 cm. Electromechanically actuated belt pretensioners are reversible and
can therefore already be activated early in a hazardous situation without there
being a collision.

Types of pretensioners
Mechanical Tensioner: The mechanical tensioner is the least common of the Shoulder-belt pretensioner

three technologies. It is connected to the belt by a very powerful spring, which is compressed and latched in place. In the
case of an immediate acceleration/deceleration, the latch is unlocked and the spring is released, tightening the seat belt.
The disadvantage to this particular technology is that very common actions can activate the pretensioner, such as
putting on the seat belt quickly. It is also usually very difficult if not impossible to reset, meaning you would most likely
need to replace it after it is activated.

Electrical Tensioner: Before the introduction of the pyrotechnic version, the electrical tensioner was the preferred
option. Connected to the ECU, the pretensioner receives a signal from the accelerometer, sometimes the same sensor
used for the airbag deployment system. When this sensor detects a sudden deceleration, it sends a signal which triggers
a motor to quickly retract and tighten the belt. Because this technology is linked to a sensor somewhere else in the car,
it does not have the problem of accidental triggering that the mechanical version does. Also, this type is the popular
choice to use when the pretensioner is activated during an evasive maneuver due to its ability to be reused multiple
times.

Pyrotechnic Tensioner: Currently, the pyrotechnic pretensioner is the most common version found in modern cars. This
is because they are considered the most reliable of the three. The pyrotechnic tensioner is also connected to the ECU,
and uses an accelerometer found elsewhere in the vehicle. When it receives an electric pulse, an explosive charge is
used to set off a gas generator. The volume of gas applies pressure to a mechanical linkage with pulls on the seat belt.
The benefit of this technology is that it is currently the fastest option. However, the downside of this one is that it is a
one-time use, meaning it needs to be replaced after it is activated.

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Webbing Inspection
Collision forces center on these locations (the buckle, D-ring, and retractor) and
can weaken the belt. Signs of damage at these points require belt replacement.
Check for twisted webbing due to improper alignment when connecting the
buckle. Fully extend the webbing from the retractor. Inspect the webbing and
replace it with a new assembly if the following conditions are noted (following
figure): cut or damaged webbing, broken or pulled threads, cut loops at the belt
edge, color fading as a result of exposure to sun or chemical agents, or bowed
webbing. If the webbing cannot be pulled out of the retractor or will not retract
to the stowed position, check for the following conditions and clean or correct
as necessary: webbing soiled with gum, syrup, grease, or other material;
twisted webbing; or the retractor or loop on the B-pillar out of position.

Examples of webbing defects.

Retractor Inspection
Retractors for lap belts should lock automatically once the belt is fully out. Either webbing-sensitive or vehicle-sensitive
seat belt retractors are used with passive seat belt systems. Webbing-sensitive retractors can be tested by grasping the
seat belt and jerking it. The retractor should lock up; if it does not, replace the seat belt retractor.

Vehicle-sensitive belt retractors will not lock up using the same procedure. To test these belts, a braking test is required.
Perform this test in a safe place. A helper is required to check the retractors on the passenger side and in the back if the
vehicle is equipped with rear lap/shoulder belts. Test each belt by driving the car at 5 to 8 mph and quickly applying the
brakes. If a belt does not lock up, replace the seat belt assembly. During this test, it is important for the driver and helper
to brace themselves in the event the retractor does not lock up.

Drive Track Assembly

Passive systems have a drive motor usually located at the base of the track assembly behind the rear seat side trim
panel. The motor pulls the tape that positions the belt. If the motor is faulty, replace it. To service a motorized seat belt
system, follow the instructions given in the service manual

Warning Light and Sound Systems

When the ignition is turned to the on or run position, the Fasten Seat Belt light should come on. There should also be a
buzzer or chime. If these warning light and sound systems do not come on, check for a blown fuse or circuit breaker. If
that checks out fine, and there is sound but no light, check for a damaged or burned-out bulb. If the bulb lights but there
is no sound, check for damaged or loose wiring, switches, or buzzer (voice module)

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Airbags

The objective of an airbag is to slow the passenger's speed to zero with little or no damage.
The constraints that it has to work within are huge. The airbag has the space between the
passenger and the steering wheel or dashboard and a fraction of a second to work with.

The inflation system

In order to overcome the problem of space in the car for a gas canister and the doubt
whether the gas would remain contained at high pressure for the life of the car.

The airbag system ignites a solid propellant, which burns extremely rapidly to create a
large volume of gas to inflate the bag. The whole process happens in just 1/25 of a
second. After a second, the gas in the bag begins to dissipate through tiny holes so that
the person can move.

The front airbags are only activated by frontal hits in determined area.

Spiral cable
In order to maintain the connections between the central control unit
and the inflation system is used a rotary contact. This rotary contact is
not more than 2 circular elements that rotates between them, housing a
cable in a ribbon shape. This permits that the steering wheel rotates the
maximum to the both sides without breaking the connection

The system consists in three parts:

• The bag – is made of a thin, nylon fabric, which is folded into the steering wheel or
dashboard or, more recently, the seat or door;

• The sensor – the device that gives the order to the inflation;

• The inflation system – A reaction between sodium aside and potassium nitrate produces
nitrogen gas. This gas will inflate the airbag .

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Airbags Sensors

1- Passenger detection sensor: The picture at the right side represents a sensor that detects the presence of a person on
the seat. This can be used to decide whether the passenger airbag actuates or not in case of
accident.

Passenger detection sensor

2-Frontal sensors: These sensors are located at the front of the vehicle, one on each side
of the radiator. Each sensor has a accelerometer that detects a quick variation of speed,
and that sends a signal to the ACU for the frontal airbags deployment. If the force of
deceleration is bigger than the one stored in the ACU, the deployment occurs.

Frontal airbag sensor

3- Side sensors: These sensors are normally located at doors of the vehicle. In the case of an
side accident the sensor sends a signal that activates the airbags. This is an deformation type
of system.

In the case of sensors based on acceleration measures, the best location is at the seat cross
member, near to the sill.

Side airbag sensor

F Side accelerometer airbag

sensor best location

4- Seat position sensor: This sensor is located under the seat; it uses the seat rail to calculate
and inform the ACU about the position of the seat (closer or further away from the steering
wheel). In this way, the ACU calculates the best inflation rate of the airbag.

Seat position sensor

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Front airbags deployment conditions
The ACU is constituted by an electrical and mechanic acceleration sensor, a supply module, and a
microprocessor.

In the most cases, the deployment exists when a signal from the front airbag sensor is sent to the
ACU and is confirmed by the two sensors (electrical and mechanic) of the own ACU Figure 27 –
Deployment conditions to the front seats

Deployment conditions to the front seat’s airbags

Side airbags deployment conditions

In case of a lateral accident the door airbag sensor sends a signal to the ACU. If the safety sensor is also activated the
ACU gives order to the deployment of the side and curtain airbag.

If, in any case, the front seat side airbag is deployed, the curtain airbag will also be deployed even if the door sensor
don’t send a signal to the ACU.

Deployment conditions to the side airbags

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Airbags activation time sequence
Moment (milliseconds) Occurrence
0 The collision occurs
30 The bag begins to fill, causing it to exit from under the
cover of the steering wheel, while the driver begins to
be thrown forward
40 The passenger airbag begins to fill
45 The driver has moved about 12 cm forward; however,
the belt slowed the movement of the body, absorbing
some of their energy
50 The driver’s airbag is completely full.
60 The passenger’s airbag is also completely full
90 The airbag receives the impact of the head and chest
of the driver
100 The airbag receives the impact of the head and chest
of the passenger
140 Both airbags are empty and the driver and passenger
returned to their initial positions (leaning on the seats

Diagnoses for the Air bag

Retrieving Trouble Codes

If the system detects a problem in the SRS system, the malfunction data will be stored in memory and the warning
indicator will be lit. Normally two types of faults are stored. Active DTCs will turn the air bag warning lamp on, whereas
stored codes are intermittent problems and probably will not turn on the warning lamp. SRS problems are difficult to
verify; therefore, DTCs are extremely important for troubleshooting the system. Most systems have two- and five-digit
DTCs. The two-digit codes are flash codes displayed with the SRS warning indicator. The five-digit codes are displayed on
a scan tool. It is important to note that when the negative battery cable is disconnected, the system’s memory is erased.
Therefore, DTCs should be retrieved before disconnecting the battery.

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Flash Codes On vehicles that display codes with the warning light or on
the digital instrument panel, make sure you follow the procedure
prescribed by the manufacturer to retrieve the codes. Normally a
jumper wire is connected across two terminals in the DLC with the ignition switch on. Make sure the wire is connected
correctly and does not contact other pins in the connector. Once the jumper is in place, observe the action of the SRS
warning lamp. Count the blinks and refer to the manufacturer’s code table to interpret the code. If there is more than
one stored DTC, the second code will flash shortly after the first code is displayed. In most cases, the codes will be
erased when the ignition is turned off

Scan Tool DTC Retrieval

To retrieve codes, connect the scan tool (in the following Figure) to the DLC and turn
the ignition on. Follow the instructions for the scan tool to retrieve air bag information.
Record all stored and active codes. Diagnose the cause of the codes in order, from the
lowest number to the highest. Stored codes can be erased with the scan tool but active
codes will only be erased when the problem is corrected. Once the codes are retrieved,
refer to the manufacturer’s information to identify the steps for isolating and correcting
the problem.

An OBD-II scan tool that checks the

air bag, antilock brake, and engine
control systems. Courtesy of SPX
Service Solutions

Air Bag Simulator

To safely test SRS components, the use of an air bag simulator (in the following Figure) is
recommended. This simulator is installed in place of the air bag. The simulator can be adjusted
to provide the normal electrical load of the air bag, thereby allowing accurate testing of the
circuits without the fear of accidental air bag deployment.

An air bag simulator is used as a

substitute for the actual air bag
during testing. Courtesy of SPX
Service Solutions

Higher Nationals - Summative Assignment

Feedback Form
Student ID
Student Name

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 Unit Title
Assignment Number(x of Assignment Title
y)

Assessor Summative Feedback: Feedback should be against the learning outcomes and assessment criteria
to help students understand how these inform the process of judging the overall grade. *should be constructive and
useful including:
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a) Strengths of performance

b) Limitations of performance

c) Any improvements needed in future assessments

Assessor Signature: Date: / /2022

/ /2021 Actual Date Received / /2022

Re-submission Date Re-submission
Resubmission Feedback:
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Assessor Signature: Date: / /2022

Internal Verifier’s Comments:

Signature: Date: / /2022

* Please note that grade decisions are provisional. They are only confirmed once internal and external moderation has taken place
and grades decisions have been agreed at the assessment board.

Summative Assignment Feedback Form

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