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Seat belt air bags
I recently read in a Popular Mechanics that car manufactures (Ford in this case) are adding air bags into seat belts to increase the contact patch on a person in an incident. I did some searches and didn't find much about them. Specifically I'm wondering about the inflation device power source, location, how the belt deflates (if it does), how seat belt cutters work on it, and any other info about them.
Any info or thoughts about them would be appreciated. I feel the idea from a safety standpoint to occupants is good, but would like some info to stay safe if dealing with them.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Randy Bawks on
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Well, I work at a Ford Dealer and I haven't heard anything about it, BUT we are usually the last to know everything. I seem to recall that some high end European cars may have had this, but I'm not entirely sure. You sure do bring up some interesting points.
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Permalink Reply by Andy Turnham on
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I found a couple of videos about air-bags in seat belts, one specifically from Ford. It looks like there are a couple of different approaches and that, at the moment, Ford is looking more at rear seat protection than front seat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZfPJG3LXxk
http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2009-11/seatbeltair-bag-hybrid-s...
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Permalink Reply by Alex Taylor on
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Excellent find. I'd read it in the magazine and hadn't thought to visit their site. Looks good and gives an idea of where the compressed gas canister is. Looks like a pain for belt cutters though. I think scissors will work once it's punctured.
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Here is some operational info
The inflatable safety belt system uses a pyrotechnic device mounted below the seat to release an inert gas which deploys the inflatable shoulder belt. Upon deployment, gas flows through a manifold tube into the safety belt buckle. From the buckle, gas moves through the safety belt tongue and into the inflatable shoulder belt, causing the belt to expand.
As it states in one of the links Andy submitted, it is currently in use in the new Explorer. And from everything I see, it is only used in the second row of seating (at least in the Explorers case) You can bet I will be checking one out tomorrow.
Maybe I should know our product better. LOL
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