This paper describes: (1) the development of the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) BELTFIT computer program. This is a predictive program for testing and improving seat belt layouts at the drawing board stage; and (2) the latest enhancements of the program including restraint system design for rear seat occupants. The analysis technique takes into account any combination of anchorage locations, stalk characteristics, seat position and seat angles. The program predicts the belt paths and a wide range of occupant sizes. It also carries out a series of checks against comfort and safety criteria. Using dynamic programming techniques, the path of the belt across the occupant is predicted by calculating the shortest route over the body surface. Rapid assessment of seat belt installations is possible without the need for lengthy subjective wearer trials. In addition to checks of fit on human wearers, the program can also be used to predict the fit on anthropomorphic test devices prior to impact test evaluations.
Samenvatting