Restraints
DRE’s vast experience in research and analysis related to the design and field performance of active and passive occupant restraint systems has resulted in numerous technical publications. This research, along with associated testing, provides an understanding of the total safety system and how each component is designed and engineered to manage collision forces for occupant protection.
Seat belt system evaluations often begin with an inspection of the accident involved vehicle and restraint system components for physical evidence. Results provide an understanding of collision forces and related load signatures to various components. Seat belt system evaluations include the retractor assemblies’ dynamic collision performance assessment incorporating such features as web-grabbers, load limiters and pretensioners. Design and performance evaluations of seat belt buckle assemblies include the feasibility of inertial, inadvertent and partial engagement buckle release scenarios and how the buckle component performs in the vehicle environment during a collision and during everyday use by vehicle occupants. Seat belt webbing can also provide information related to occupant use and restraint system performance.
Inflatable restraints (airbags) with complex sensing systems and algorithm designs in a variety of collision modes are analyzed in the context of specific accident vehicle collision dynamics and occupant kinematics. Overall system performance evaluations are conducted based on collision dynamics and subject vehicle physical evidence to determine whether the subject collision impulses were sufficient for deployment, whether deployment occurred timely, and the efficacy of the inflatable restraint in the given accident. Investigations of inflatable restraints, along with seat belt systems, knee bolsters and seating systems can provide vital information related to the overall occupant protection system performance.
DRE’s engineers also have a thorough understanding of seating and restraint system regulatory requirements, their history and testing procedures including FMVSS/CMVSS 207, 208, 209 and 210 as well as ECE standards.