Fatalities in various modes of transportation are reviewed with the point being made that distances increase. The multiple origins of airbag restraint concepts are traced. The possibility is presented of having no restraint other than the seats prior to a crash situation, then automatically inflating transparent chest airbags to "grab the wife and kids" if a crash is developing. The driver would wear a lap belt and shoulder straps. The bags would automatically deflate after the crash. Analytical models of automobile crash loads, and of passenger motions in the airstop restraint consisting of a chest airbag and an inflated "airseat"are reviewed, with emphases on rear and side collisions. For higher speed crashes, additional protection is suggested by using a 10.000 pound loop strength lap belt on the airseat and within 0.03 seconds after impact reloading the chest airbag to a higher pressure proportional to speed. A lateral crash protection door structure with a lateral bumper to prevent penetration, improved padding, and a transparent airbag inflated upwards over the windows is suggested. The fact that dummy remained in an inflated airseat trough an 80 mph C-45 aircraft crash with aircraft loads estimated at more than -30g is presented. A preliminary directional analyses of car crashes indicates that half of our present fatalities are occurring with passenger compartment accelerations of less than 20 G. Other features of a safety car design are tabulated.
Abstract