Title: Strength analysis of automotive seat belt anchorage

Authors: Sung-Jong Kang, B.K. Chun

Addresses: Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Catholic University of Daegu, Hayang, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk, 712-702, Republic of Korea. ' Scientific Forming Technologies Corporation, 5038 Reed Road, Columbus, OH 43220, USA

Abstract: A seat belt is regarded as important equipment to keep the safety of occupants in case of frontal impact condition. However, if the seat belt anchorage does not endure load that was derived by an occupant motion during a frontal impact, the seat belt can not do the role of a restraint system any more. Thus, proper strength of a seat belt anchorage in case of a frontal impact is essential. This paper describes the modelling and analysis technique of seat belt anchorage, the seat track and the rear floor, to ensure the safety of the occupants in cases of front impact conditions. To do this, the effectiveness of the components of the seat structure was examined and the new criterion for spot weld rupture was presented. The validity of this analysis technique is shown by comparison with test results.

Keywords: automotive seat system; seat structure design; floor strength; seat belt anchorage strength; spot weld rupture; vehicle safety; occupant safety; frontal impact; crashworthiness; modelling; seat track.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2001.005220

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2001 Vol.26 No.5, pp.496 - 508

Published online: 12 Sep 2004 *

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