Inflatable Rear Safety Belts

**russellw** · 06-08-2011, 05:58 PM

A world-first in safety and comfort.

Introducing the world's first automotive production inflatable rear outboard safety belts. They're the latest evolution in safety and comfort from Ford. In the event of a frontal or side crash, the inflated belt is designed to deploy in less than the blink of an eye.

Its unique design helps distribute crash force energy across more of the occupant's torso than a traditional belt, which helps reduce the risk of injury while providing support for the head and neck. After deployment, the belt remains inflated for several seconds before dispersing its air through the pores in the air-bag.

Inflatable safety belts are compatible with child safety seats. Because inflatable belts are not as large as traditional front air-bags, they can fill at a lower pressure and at a slower rate. Ford research showed that more than 90 percent of people who tested the inflatable safety belts found them to be similar or more comfortable than a conventional belt because the belts feel padded and softer.

VIDEO LINK

NudgE^SIKBRO · 06-08-2011, 06:19 PM

I think thats a great thing! The one thing ive been wondering is, why has an airbag never been fitted to the back of the front seats in cars aside from the fact that the seat moves back and forth im sure that wouldnt be had to fix because people in the front still sit at different distances from the dash/steering wheel. Howabout a drop down type, like a curtain airbag from the roof in over the back seat just for that little bit of something more

geckoGT · 06-08-2011, 07:24 PM

Very interesting concept with a lot of merit. I would like to see the further development of this, not only for rear passengers but front as well.

Particularly in higher speed impacts (such as 70 km/h+), a high incidence of seat belt injuries are seen on all occupants, this sort of system could reduce that and be the next logical step in crash management.

Franco Cozzo · 06-08-2011, 07:32 PM

I would have loved to have that when I totalled my Focus.

You hit something, car stops hard, you fly forwards fast and hard, pre tensioners fire and rip the belt back in and your body is pushing hard on that small strip.

It hurts a fair bit and you're left with purple bruising.

geckoGT · 06-08-2011, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

I would have loved to have that when I totalled my Focus.

You hit something, car stops hard, you fly forwards fast and hard, pre tensioners fire and rip the belt back in and your body is pushing hard on that small strip.

It hurts a fair bit and you're left with purple bruising.

Perfect example, we see that injury pattern frequently and this type of device would go a long way to prevent it.

Simple physics, the higher the force the more surface area required to decrease the injury causing pressure on the occupant. As cars go faster, restraint technology must evolve as well and this seems to be a promising evolution.