õhukotts

õhukotts is an Estonian term that translates to "airbag" in English. It refers to a safety device installed in vehicles, designed to inflate rapidly during a collision to protect occupants from injury. The system typically comprises an airbag module, a sensor, and an inflation system. Sensors detect the deceleration or impact of a crash, triggering the inflation mechanism. This mechanism uses a small chemical charge to produce a large volume of gas, rapidly expanding the fabric bag. The airbag then deflates almost immediately after impact, allowing the occupants to exit the vehicle.

Various types of õhukotid exist, including frontal airbags for the driver and front passenger, side airbags to protect the torso and head in side impacts, and curtain airbags that deploy from the roof to cover the side windows. Newer vehicles may also feature knee airbags, rear side airbags, and even pedestrian airbags. The primary function of an õhukott is to cushion the impact between the occupant and hard surfaces within the vehicle's interior, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or door panels. They are a crucial component of a vehicle's passive safety system, working in conjunction with seat belts to significantly reduce the risk of severe injury or fatality in an accident. Proper maintenance and understanding of their limitations are important for ensuring their effective operation.