Benefits of the inflatable tubular structure an investigation on the casualty abatement capability of the BMW head protection system HPS

Kompass, Klaus; Digges, Kennerly; Malliaris, A.

Affiliations

¹Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Germany

²K. Digges and Associates

³Data Link, Inc., United States of America

Abstract

Beginning in model year 1997, BMW introduced an innovative head protection system HPS called the Inflatable Tubular Structure (HPS). Tests indicate that the system dramatically reduces the severity ofhead impacts in side crashes.

This investigation is an evaluation of casualty abatement benefits that are derived from applying injury measures based on the HPS test results to the population in US National Accident Sampling System (NASSCDS). The results of component and vehicle crash tests are summarized. The procedures for estimating benefits are described along with the benefits in terms of injuries mitigated, maximum injuries to occupants mitigated, and fatalities prevented.

Links

URL: http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/esv/esv16/98s8o .pdf

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Cited By (1)

Year	Entry
2010	Jakobsson L, Lindman M, Svanberg B, Carlsson H. Real world data driven evolution of Volvo cars' side impact protection systems and their effectiveness. In: 54th Annual Proceedings, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM). October 17-20, 2010; Las Vegas, NV.127-136.