The potential injury-reducing benefits in frontal impacts of a well designed seat have been evaluated through mathematical simulations. In these simulations various seat properties have been studied. In order to help design the mathematical model and verify the results from the simulations, a test rig has been developed and constructed. This rig enables measurements of the forces at the points where the seat is anchored to the vehicle. The results show that considerably improved protection can be achieved through proper seat design. They also show that the time at which the lower torso comes into contact with the load-carrying structures in the seat is essential for the injury risk. In particular, the risk of both submarining and head striking the vehicle interior are affected by variations in the seat design. (A)
Samenvatting