Factors influencing occupant-to-seat belt interaction in far-side crashes. Annu Proc Assoc Adv Automot Med 2007;51:319-39
Date
01/11/2008Pubmed ID
18184500Pubmed Central ID
PMC3217521Scopus ID
2-s2.0-44849100927 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 27 CitationsAbstract
Seat belt interaction with a far-side occupant's shoulder and thorax is critical to governing excursion towards the struck-side of the vehicle in side impact. In this study, occupant-to-belt interaction was simulated using a modified MADYMO human model and finite element belts. Quasi-static tests with volunteers and dynamic sled tests with PMHS and WorldSID were used for model validation and comparison. Parameter studies were then undertaken to quantify the effect of impact direction, seat belt geometry and pretension on occupant-to-seat belt interaction. Results suggest that lowering the D-ring and increasing pretension reduces the likelihood of the belt slipping off the shoulder. Anthropometry was also shown to influence restraint provided by the shoulder belt. Furthermore, the belt may slip off the occupant's shoulder at impact angles greater than 40 degrees from frontal when no pretension is used. However, the addition of pretension allowed the shoulder to engage the belt in all impacts from 30 to 90 degrees.
Author List
Douglas CA, Fildes BN, Gibson TJ, Boström O, Pintar FAAuthor
Frank A. Pintar PhD Chair, Professor in the Biomedical Engineering department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Accidents, TrafficAged
Aged, 80 and over
Air Bags
Anthropometry
Australia
Automobiles
Female
Humans
Male
Models, Theoretical
Pilot Projects
Risk Assessment
Safety
Seat Belts
United States
