This report summaries the evidence and observation on the subject of rib signal "Flat Tops" available inside the TNO Crash Safety Research Centre. The data studied are collected in the past and obtained by recent investigations. They include: Component test data on EUROSID-1 Thorax, full-scale test data and simulation results. So far there is no convincing evidence found proving that the concept and design of the rib module is inadequate for the side impact environment it has been designed for. The integration of the rib module in the dummy does not allow large rib displacements in case of impacts from aft direction. The cause of this problem is the Torso Back Plate width. A concept solution by a reduction of the width of the Torso Back Plate is presented. The readers of this report which can contribute to a better understanding of the problem are invited to contact the TNO Crash Safety Research Centre. (A)
Abstract