Coloured SEM of micro-accelerometer and pencil tip

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Coloured SEM of micro-accelerometer and pencil tip

Car air bag sensor. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the surface of a micro- accelerometer from a cars air bag. A pencil tip is shown for scale. The mauve squares are tiny pressure sensors which detect the rapid deceleration which occurs in a crash. They trigger a circuit which starts the rapid inflation of a plastic bag with air or nitrogen gas. The air bag deploys between the driver and the steering wheel in about one fifth of a second, preventing injury as the driver is thrown forward. Magnification: x10 at 7x4.5cm size

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6429267

© VOLKER STEGER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Mechanical Micro Micromechanical Micromechanics Nanotechnology Pencil Sensor Accelerometer

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the intricate details of a micro-accelerometer, specifically designed for car air bag sensors. The coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) showcases the surface of this tiny device, with a pencil tip placed beside it to provide scale. The eye-catching mauve squares scattered across its surface are actually minuscule pressure sensors that play a crucial role in detecting rapid deceleration during an automobile crash. When triggered by such sudden changes in motion, these pressure sensors activate a circuit that initiates the swift inflation of an air or nitrogen gas-filled plastic bag. This life-saving mechanism deploys within a mere fraction of a second, positioning itself between the driver and the steering wheel. By doing so, it effectively prevents injuries caused by forward propulsion during impact. With magnification at x10 and measuring 7x4.5cm in size, this SEM image offers us an extraordinary glimpse into the world of micromechanics and nanotechnology applied to enhance car safety systems. It serves as a reminder of how advanced engineering can seamlessly integrate with our everyday lives to protect us when we need it most.

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