This paper gives a historical overview of inflatable belts and quantifies the added benefits in frontal, side and rollover crashes. It also addresses concerns arising from interaction between the inflatable belt and child seats or small children. Inflatable belts are generally comprised of a standard seat belt fitted with an inflatable portion and an inflation device. Inflatable belts provide a higher level of protection at higher severity crashes than standard seat belt systems. Inflated belts provide an added biomechanical benefit in frontal, oblique, side and rollover crashes. When worn, the inflatable seatbelt is always positioned on the occupant, providing early restraint in the event of a crash.The cushioning effect of the inflatable belt will distribute belt loading over a larger contact area which reduces the probability of rib and clavicle fracture. Inflation of the belt on the shoulder provides support for the head and neck reducing lateral movement during side loading which occurs during side impact and rollover crashes. Additionally, the inflation produces a downward force on the occupant providing a higher level of coupling between occupant and seat and limits the movement of the occupant during rollover crashes.
Benefits of inflatable belts in reducing serious injury to vehicle occupants during crashes
Vorteile aufblasbarer Gürtel bei der Reduzierung schwerer Verletzungen von Fahrzeuginsassen bei Unfällen
16 Seiten, 11 Bilder, 3 Tabellen, 7 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
Benefits of inflatable belts in reducing serious injury to vehicle occupants during crashes
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