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Non-Tech : Simula (SMU) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Neil who wrote (793)	11/16/1997 1:41:00 AM
From: Noblesse Oblige	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1671

Hi Neil, Perhaps you missed it, but the test results on ITTR have been posted here before. In a 25 MPH frontal impact, regular three-point seatbelts allow head motion of approximately 23 inches. With ITTR?: About 5 inches!! The tubular frontal portion of ITTR also acts as a pre-tensioner, pulling the seat occupant back towards the seat at impact, thus reducing the forward momentum that ordinarily causes most of the damage following an accident. Not only that, but the "loads" on a passenger involved in a frontal accident with ITTR are substantially lower than for that of conventional three-point belts. This is a definite benefit to children, the elderly, and pregnant women, as there is significantly less risk to the occupant from the belt mechanism itself. It is a major advance in technology over a combination frontal airbag and seatbelt. However, what has kept it from being utilized in the United States is the way testing is done here. That is, dummy tests are performed without the benefit of seatbelts (which is unlike the case in Europe) because the US regulatory agencies (principally NHTSA) wanted to test for a totally passive solution...one that the seat occupant didn't have to be counted on to utilize on his own. If there is ever a change in the way testing is done in the US, and auto companies and first tier suppliers are allowed to test belted dummies, ITTR might well become a billion dollar a year product on its own. Right now, the only thing holding it up is the testing protocols. However, I understand that Senator McCain's committee has or is reviewing this entire issue, and NHTSA has once again taken it under advisement because of the very recent problems associated with reactive front-seat airbags and children or out-of-position passengers. The best guess at the moment is that there will be a change in testing procedures, but that this may come in another 12-15 months. If it works out that way, Simula's products (which are patent protected) will get a huge portion of the total market. The technology is (believe it or not!!) less expensive to employ than standard seatbelts with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners. Personally, it would be hard to understand why Breed didn't seek to "lock-up" this technology even now...surely it would be an "extra" that virtually all parents would prefer for back-seat applications in autos that contain their most prized of "assets," their children. Have a good weekend all.