Abstract:
Current passive occupant restraints do not adequately restrict upper torso/head motion during a crash, especially with a combined forward and vertical acceleration component. The belt geometry of conventional webbing restraints allows the upper torso to rotate forward, increasing the probability of secondary impacts. In addition to the suboptimal belt geometry issues, some occupants are not familiar with the current 4-point and 5-point restraints. Safe, Inc. has developed a passive restraint system with improved belt routing geometry to reduce the occupant's motion and resulting injury risk. The restraint supplements the familiar automotive 3-point restraint system with a second, mirror image diagonal shoulder belt to provide upper torso restraint in all directions. It is intuitive to don with minimal installation instruction to encourage more frequent and proper use. The restraint would be beneficial to all vehicle types and is well suited for the emerging Urban Air Mobility (UAM) platforms.