Development of Shock-Absorbing Grip-Handle Structures on the Headliner

Abstract

Occupant protection during interior head impact is should be consider while designing the headliner. There is a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, FMVSS201 to ensure the occupant’s safety during an interior head impact. Energy absorbing components are used to protect the occupant in the event of impact with components of upper passenger compartment. Automobile manufacturers have been developing suitable designs without Energy absorbing components because of cost issues. The objective of this study is to develop the design method without Energy absorbing components on the grip-handle areas. Grip-handles are located on upper roof in the vehicle where is impact zone that must meet the occupant safety requirement during interior head impact such as FMVSS201U. The head acceleration must be reduced to lower the Head Injury Criterion (HIC) to 1,000. To reduce the head acceleration without energy absorbing components, Grip-handles and related components should absorb the impact by themselves. Grip-handles are connected to brackets. The bracket is used to assemble the headliner with grip-handles. Grip-handles and the brackets should endure the downward force. On the other hand, when FMH impact Roof trim, the bracket is deflecting upward and it will absorb the impact energy The bracket needs to meet two demands. In order to meet these demands, Experiment of design will be carried out with the help of CAE and DOE.