SAE J140 defines the test procedures for abrasion testing of the webbing used in seat belt assemblies. SAE J141 defines the acceptance requirements for these tests. The testing and test sequences are similar but not identical to what is defined in FMVSS 209 and TP-209. The legal requirements for web abrasion have been the same for many years. No evidence has been presented of any field concerns arising from shortcomings in the FMVSS and TP requirements.
It is proposed to revise SAE J140 and SAE J141 to make them consistent with the FMVSS and TP regulations, with some small exceptions. These exceptions are the changes and clarifications proposed by the AORC to NHTSA in December of 2008. It is expected that NHTSA will adopt the AORC proposals eventually.
Also, it is proposed to add web abrasion requirements to SAE J140 and SAE J141 for seat belt systems that do not use a manual adjusting latchplates. The existing abrasion requirements of SAE J140 and SAE J141 only include systems with manual adjusting latchplates. These devices are not used in most seat belts today. It is proposed to adopt the hex bar abrasion requirements of FMVSS 209 for seat belts that do not include a manual adjustable latchplate. It is reasonable to require some degree of abrasion resistance for seat belt webbing. No evidence has been presented to show that the current FMVSS abrasion standard is inadequate.
A clarification has been added so that it is understood that the manual adjust latchplate tilt lock requirements do not apply to semi cinching latchplates or dynamically cinching latchplates. Semi cinching latchplates are intended to meet the child seat locking requirements of FMVSS 208 S7.1.1.5, which can be met without passing the tilt lock test. Dynamically locking latchplates are intended to improve performance in NCAP or other crash testing. The locking requirements of such devices are best defined by the vehicle manufacturer to optimize performance in the specific applications.
The section of SAE J140/1 about attachment hook retention was deleted. Attachment hooks have not been used in light vehicles for many years. Similarly the section on lift buckles was also removed for the same reason. Section 4.5.2 does refer to ‘buckles of other types’ so there is a requirement for any potential future buckle release design. Also, FMVSS 208 S7.2d) requires that buckles be activated by push buttons.
The sections on buckle compression have been harmonized with FMVSS 209.
The requirement for web resistance to microorganisms has been deleted. It was included in the chart in SAE140 4.1 but not defined. All web in current use is made of synthetic fiber and not subject to the microorganism requirements of FMVSS 209.
A section defining the light resistance was added to J140 and J141. Light resistance was already in the chart in SAE J140 4.1, but the requirements were not defined. The light resistance requirements were taken from the AORC proposal of December 2008.