Search Results

Even though child restraint systems (CRS) are very effective there are still serious problems because of non-use or misuse. This is often due to the fact that the installation of the CRS in the cars is difficult, complicated and unstable. A standardised interface between the CRS and the car seat would solve these problems. Within the IS0 Committee ISO/TC22/SC12NVGl this item has been raised and several proposals for an “ISOFIX have been discussed. Apart from the installation aspects, other features e.g. disconnection of passenger airbags can be included in the system. Several concepts called ISOFlX type 1 to 7 with different working names e.g. DELTAFIX, EASY-FIX, MONOFIX and UNlFlX have been evaluated. The handling performance of some of the prototypes have been tested by customer evaluation with very positive results. Crash performance has also been investigated. The paper will give an update on the latest progress of this development, including a preliminary specification.

Injuries in side impact collisions constitute one fourth of the serious or fatal injuries sustained by occupants in ordinary passenger cars. The Volvo Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) provides a substantially enhanced protection for car occupants in side collisions. The protection level of the SIPS system has been further increased by the addition of the Sipsbag, a quick-deploying side impact airbag system integrated in the seat backrest. The design of the non-electrical Sipsbag system is explained, as well as the advantages with a completely seat-integrated system. The process to industrialise the side airbag concept is summarised. Laboratory test results are discussed. Using methodology to correlate laboratory test data with accident data, an estimate of the injury-reducing effectiveness of the SIPS and Sipsbag system is made.

In air bag tests without a restraining seat belt (FMVSS208) several users of the Hybrid III dummy have reported a pelvic interference problem during the tests. An insufficient range of motion and a hard metal to metal contact between the pelvis and femur has lead to unexpected chest acceleration waveforms. The paper gives a mechanical analysis of this phenomenon, explaining how the forces acting on the dummy lead to a rotation of the pelvis and femur and how forces arise between the pelvis and the chest. Finally two sample tests where the pelvic interference problem has occurred are presented.

The airbag simulation program DRACR has been revised to include belt routines. The amended program is used to indicate optimal choice of parameters for a driver supplementary airbag system. As a validation, results from sled tests are given and compared with the computer runs. A good agreement is found for the values of the most essential protection criteria such as chest g's and HIC's. The model has proven to be useful in the engineering process of an airbag restraint system. The interrelationship between important input variables is easily studied. Further validation of the model by other teams is encouraged