Roll Bar Crash Deployment: Description

NOTE: The roll bar may also be referred to as roll-over bar. The roll bar crash-actuated trigger module may also be referred to as roll bar control module. The top actuation control module may also be referred to as soft/hard top control module.

The U-shaped roll-over bar is mounted on 2 main bearings on the left and right center pillars. In the retracted state the roll bar is positioned in front of the soft top compartment. In the event of an accident or critical driving situation, e.g. extreme inclination of the vehicle, complete extension of the rear axle suspension, the roll bar is automatically extended by the roll bar crash-actuated trigger module. In the event of crash actuation the central locking mechanism receives a signal to unlock. At a vehicle acceleration/deceleration rate greater than 0.4 g or vehicle inclination greater than 22° the automatic belt retractors on the driver's and passenger seat belts are locked. The roll bar can also be put up manually with a roll bar switch in the center console (convenience feature). This is possible while driving when the hard top is attached or when the soft top is up. See Fig 1 . The roll bar system consists primarily of the following components and assemblies:

Roll Bar
Control Module
Triggering Solenoid
Roll Bar (Convenience) Switch
Indicator Lamp
Rear Axle Switches
Support And Actuating Elements
Automatic Belt Retractor With Electrically Controlled Belt Lock
Seat Belt Buckles
Hydraulic Pump Unit
Central Locking

Fig 1: Function Of Roll Bar System

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.