This study investigates occupant body weight distribution on various seat components at different seated positions. A test seat with instrument panel and door prototypes was constructed, and load cells used to quantify load distribution on seat and other interior components. Three experiments were conducted: the first one used 36 adult subjects at 13 selected normal positions; the second experiment used 11 adults at 17 non-normal positions; and the third one used 19 children at 7 positions. For adults, the lowest load on seat cushion is 51.1% of body weight for normal seated positions, and 55.1% for non-normal positions. The lowest load on seat cushion and back is 76% of body weight for normal positions, and 55% for non-normal positions. For children at various positions, the highest load to seat cushion is 93.4%, and to the cushion and back 94%. With 2% of all tests, the cushion load is less than 30 kg, and cushion and back summed load less than 40 kg. Using cushion based occupant detection technology, there is an overlapping zone between small female adults and 30 kg children. The frame-based technology can increase discrimination power. Reducing critical weight for airbag suppression from 30 kg to 24 kg can significantly minimize, even eliminate, the overlapping zone. (A)
Abstract