380SL (107.045) V8-3.8L (116.960) (1982)
Seat Belt Tensioner: Description and Operation
1st Version:
Turbine Tensioner - Layout:
The turbine tensioner unit comprises:
-
Gas generator
-
Flying piston
-
Tube filled with fluid
-
Turbine wheel
-
Automatic seat belt retractor
1
Cap nut
2
Gas generator
3
Gas generator bearing
4
Flying piston
5
Tube filled with fluid
6
Automatic seat belt retractor
7
Turbine wheel
Operation:
If an electrical impulse is sent from the control unit to the gas generator, the fuel is ignited producing a gas under high pressure which forces the flying
piston through the tube filled with fluid. The fluid is forced through a nozzle which was previously closed onto the blades of the turbine wheel causing
it to turn.
The reel shaft is caused to wind back thus eliminating seat belt slack and the film reel effect. The belt thus sits tightly on the person in question
offering him or her greater protection. The forces of the belt tensioner have been specially calibrated so that the belt does not pull the passenger back
into the passenger's seat.
The complete unit is installed instead of the standard belt retractor in the respective-hand center pillar. The electrical connection is via a two-pin plug.