it relied on compressed gas to inflate the airbag, which proved to be too slow to deploy effectively in a collision. The inflation time needed to be significantly shorter than what this gas-based design could achieve, as research and experimentation revealed that the airbags had to deploy almost instantaneously when a crash occurred to adequately protect the occupant.
The 1950s design, while innovative for its time, could not provide the rapid response necessary, and thus did not meet safety standards or effectively shield occupants during accidents. The realization that an explosive mechanism was required marked a pivotal moment in airbag design—one driven by the urgency of occupant safety during high-speed collisions. Explosive charges ultimately allowed for nearly instantaneous inflation, dramatically reducing the time it takes from the moment of impact to when the airbag needs to be fully deployed, therefore offering a crucial cushion against injury from collisions. This evolution in airbag technology reflects the commitment to enhancing automotive safety in increasingly effective ways.