Abstract
The seat belt pretensioner designed to eliminate belt slack in lap/shoulder belt systems with emergency locking retractors, is described as well as the current Mercedes-Benz passive restraint system which consists of air bags deployed by means of solid propellant gas generators, knee bolsters, and an electronic crash sensor with dual level triggering function. Combinations of lap/shoulder belts, air bags, and pretensioners are presented and lead to the conclusion that an optimal restraint system would not be in compliance with current regulations. (A)