Abstract:

In vehicle side impact collisions, side structure intrusion must be controlled to reduce risks of injuries and fatalities to occupants. This paper proposes adding a structural mechanism between B-pillar and seat frame as an additional load path to distribute partial side impact load to seat frame and vehicle structure for reducing side structure intrusion. Design requirements and a conceptual design are described. The added structure can also serve as an armrest and is retractable in order not to affect ingress and egress of occupant. The device can be automatically positioned by the door opening and closing. Requirements on ergonomics and anthropometric have been considered in the design to ensure that the side impact load transfer function and the armrest function can work properly in the main ranges of human anthropometry dimensions and seat positions.

Key words: vehicle safety, side impact, intrusion, load path, ergonomics, armrest