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Combination of Belt Load Limiter With Airbag Pressure Control~Field Experiences and Laboratory Test Results
Technical Paper
2000-31-0013
Sector:
Event:
Airbag 2000
Language:
English
Abstract
In 1997 a restraint system aiming at the reduction of thoracic injuries in frontal impact was introduced in Renault cars. The system comprises a seat belt that includes a pretensioner and a load limiter, and an airbag that was designed to protect the torso and the head of the occupant. The airbag characteristics include a vent that operates as a function of occupant action. The key function of the complete restraint system is to reduce loads acting on the thorax from the belt in case of severe impact with the objective to limit the risk of rib fractures. To achieve this, the belt and the airbag were developed to work together as a system, in order to mange occupant restraint energy. Accident data involving this type of restraint were collected and analyzed. A total of 65 files were investigated in relation with occupant thoracic AIS. It is shown that such a restraint system is an effective measure to reduce the occurrence of thoracic injuries in frontal impact as a significant reduction of that risk was observed in the sample analyzed.