This paper discusses the development of adequate criteria and evaluation methods for seat belt restraint design. These criteria should include the effect of seat belts in abdominal injury as well as head injury. It is concluded that belt load limiters and energy-absorbing devices should limit head-to-vehicle contact, ensure that the lap belt maintains proper contact with the bony pelvic girdle, and limit the belt loads. Studies are made of pulse shape and belt fabrics. Currently available mathematical models are used for the studies included in the paper.
Citation: McElhaney, J., Roberts, V., Melvin, J., Shelton, W. et al., "Biomechanics of Seat Belt Design," SAE Technical Paper 720972, 1972, https://doi.org/10.4271/720972. Download Citation
Author(s):
James H. McElhaney, Verne L. Roberts, John W. Melvin, William Shelton, Albert J. Hammond
Affiliated:
Highway Safety Research Institute, The University of Michigan, Ford Motor Co.
