SIR System Overview

Fig 1: Identifying SIR System Overview

Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.

The supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system supplements the protection offered by the occupants Seat Belt System (2). The SIR system may contain several inflator modules located throughout the vehicle, i.e. steering wheel module (1), instrument panel (I/P) module (1), or roof rail modules. In addition to inflator modules, the vehicle may contain seat belt pretensioners that tighten the seat belt in the event of a collision, thus reducing the distance between the occupant and the seat belt when an inflator module is deployed. Each inflator module has a deployment loop that is controlled by the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) mounted inside the vehicle. The SDM determines the severity of a collision with the assistance of various sensor inputs located at strategic points on the vehicle. When the SDM detects a collision, it will process the information provided by the sensors to further support air bag or pretensioner deployment. The SDM will deploy the frontal air bags and pretensioners if it detects a collision of sufficient force. If the force of the impact is not sufficient to warrant inflator module deployment, the SDM may still deploy the seat belt pretensioners. The SDM performs continuous diagnostic monitoring of the SIR system electrical components. Upon detection of a circuit malfunction, the SDM will set a DTC and inform the driver by turning the AIR BAG indicator ON. The steering column (1) and knee bolsters (3) are designed to absorb energy and compress during frontal collisions in order to limit leg movement and decrease the chance of injury to the driver and passenger.