Investigation of the adaptation of the belt force limiter to an individual stiffness of the steering column to optimise the overall performance of the restraint system

Abstract

In the event of a collision, steering columns, airbag systems, and seat belts all absorb the kinetic energy of passengers in front collisions. Most steering columns have a deformation mechanism installed, which allows for a little amount of forward movement of the steering wheel when the occupant is dynamically impacting it. These features deform less when loaded with lower energy, such as when struck by a smaller occupant, because they operate at the re described force levels. So, especially for little passengers, the maximum forward displacement is not utilised, causing them to decelerate at greater g-levels than necessary. In a preliminary investigation, the steering column's stiffness was altered, but the belt force limiter's force remained unchanged. Because of this, the deceleration curve did not follow a continuous force level about the occupant for tiny, light occupants because the belt absorbed a significant percentage of the load. In Western markets where the population is on average larger (about 50 percentile dummy), as well as Asian markets where the population is on average smaller (approximately 5 percentile dummy), this technique could considerably increase vehicle safety.