Citation

Acar M, Bewsher SR. Int. J. Crashworthiness 2016; 21(1): 79-88.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13588265.2015.1116427

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper presents design of a concept for an integrated head restraint and car seat system to mitigate whiplash in rear-end vehicle collisions. The main emphasis is on a concept, which combines a reactive head restraint with a reactive seat. The chosen concept is developed in the form of mechanical linkages using linkage analysis software, SAM 6.1. A human model positioned in a 'good' driving posture is used to show how the head restraint and seat would operate using a typical crash pulse used for dynamic sled testing of automotive seats. The head restraint system is capable of translating into an optimal position of 40 mm forwards and 60 mm upwards in 12 ms, before whiplash-induced injuries start to take place. The reactive seat is also capable of reclining 15 degrees. The combination of reducing the backset and reclining the seat to reduce the relative motion between the head and torso has the potential to reduce the whiplash-effect-related injuries in rear-end collisions.

Language: en