õhupadi

Õhupadi is an Estonian term that translates to "air cushion" or "airbag." In its most common usage, it refers to the safety device found in vehicles designed to inflate rapidly in the event of a collision, protecting occupants from injury. This system is a crucial component of modern automotive safety technology.

The primary function of an õhupadi is to decelerate the occupant's movement during a sudden impact. When a sensor detects a significant deceleration, it triggers an inflator. This inflator rapidly fills the cushion with a gas, typically nitrogen, in a fraction of a second. The inflated õhupadi then acts as a buffer between the occupant and the vehicle's interior components, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or door panels.

Õhupadjad are designed to work in conjunction with seatbelts. The seatbelt restrains the occupant, preventing them from being thrown too far forward, while the õhupadi provides cushioning for the remaining impact. Different types of õhupadjad exist, including frontal airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, and curtain airbags, each designed to protect specific areas of the body and mitigate various types of collisions. The development and widespread adoption of õhupadjad have significantly contributed to reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries worldwide.