Design of an Automotive Occupant Restraint Systems for Reclined Seating

Design of an Automotive Occupant Restraint Systems for Reclined Seating

Singh, Utkarsh (TU Delft Industrial Design Engineering)

Vink, P. (mentor)
van Breemen, E.J.J. (graduation committee)
Wegner, Maximilian (graduation committee)

Delft University of Technology

Integrated Product Design

2023-08-28

As the automotive industry advances towards greater autonomy, the landscape of car travel is evolving. The integration of reclined seating within vehicles, made possible without major alterations to traditional layouts, presents a promising avenue for enhancing passenger experiences. This shift, however, comes with unique safety challenges due to the changed seating dynamics.

Research, including insights from General Motors, Volvo & Volkswagen emphasizes the need for innovative safety solutions for reclined seating. Simulations comparing three-point and four point seat belt configurations, in both upright and reclined positions, reveal advantages for the latter at higher speeds. This configuration produces a more balanced force distribution during
impacts, away from vital areas.

While the potential of a four-point restraint system is evident, implementation hurdles arise. Addressing both safety and comfort, a study assesses the user experience for both systems. Building on these insights, a convertible restraint system is proposed, seamlessly transitioning from a three-point to a four-point
configuration based on passenger position. This adaptable design merges safety and comfort effectively.

The proposed design requires redesign of certain components of the seat back & headrest. These are provided as recommendations

Occupant Safety
Automotive design
Restraint System

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:bab7bc43-5866-4322-96ab-b503aea730d7

Student theses

master thesis

© 2023 Utkarsh Singh