The paper describes a novel test methodology for assessing the energy dissipation ability of the interior fitment as required by 74/60/EEC and ECE R21. It develops guidelines for the use of a conventional headform impact pendulum (designed for performing similar test on head restraints, steering wheel etc.) for testing the interior fitments. This two stage method is simple and user friendly.
For the first stage, a portable tool has been described which is used for establishing the space reachable by a human head around an occupied seat. The head contact zone (reference zone) which is a subset of this space, can then be established based on the regulatory guidelines. The tool has provision for measuring the location of each contact point in the surrounding space originating at “H” point. The tool is small and handy, inexpensive in content and to manufacture, complies with the relevant regulations and is useful for benchmarking studies as well.
In the second stage, guidelines are explained for how to orient the interior fitment for the test, in relation to the headform impact pendulum so as to maintain the direction of head impact is the same that an occupant would assume inside the passenger compartment.
A sample report format using an actual test data is enclosed for reference.
In the end, the merits of the proposed methodology are discussed in comparison with a prevalent method.