Strapped in – Seatbelt tensioner and airbags
In the event of a collision, the seatbelt’s tightening mechanism operates similarly to the acceleration of a projectile when a firearm is discharged. The seatbelt tensioner uses a chemical propellant based on nitrocellulose.
When activated, the propellant charge releases gases that expand explosively within approximately 15 milliseconds, resulting in the seatbelt tightening by around 15 centimeters. Without this propellant charge, the seatbelt tensioner would remain inactive, thus failing to offer the necessary protection to vehicle occupants.
Consequently, the seatbelt tensioner is an essential component of a car’s passive safety systems. Rheinmetall also provides propellant powder specifically for seatbelt tensioners to clients in the automotive sector.
