The safety level in modern vehicles is extremely high. Restraint systems that are currently used, consisting of the classic seat belt and airbag system, feature a mature level of optimization. In the investigation examined here, we shall leave behind the "classic" restraint system approach and discuss the question as to whether and how occupant restraint could be initiated in a hazardous situation even before the seat belt and airbag system responds. Could the valuable milliseconds between the start of the crash and the response of the occupant restraint system be used for dissipating energy?
The purpose of this investigation is to design a system for early occupant impact protection that reduces the forces to which occupants are subjected during a crash. The focus is on frontal collisions. By inputting energy in a targeted manner, occupants are already restrained at the point in time when vehicle deceleration has still had only minor or no effects on the occupants. Methods for inputting energy as well as implementing this are examined. Furthermore, the paper describes the differences in occupant kinematics caused by the system and highlights the potential this technology holds for reducing the forces to which occupants are subjected.
Based on the results of the preliminary investigation, the predevelopment of an approach for implementing an early occupant impact protection system that is fit for production is described. At the end of the paper, we present this system, with all the advantages it holds, as well as an outlook with regard to the potentials still to be exploited.