INFLATABLE HEAD RESTRAINT

摘要

Whiplash injury of the head and neck is one of the highest traffic incidences during rear impact. Yet not until recent years, the dynamic head protection systems have been put into the enforced requirement by auto safety authorities. Various designs of head protection are under developed by vehicle manufacturers. A study by Dante Bigi, et al. shows inflatable head rest is more beneficial against mechanical active ones. This study is to demonstrate an innovative design of inflatable head restraint. The system is characterized in having a U-shape air bag offering a cushion effect during whiplash movement of the head and an additional protection from the secondary impact of interior components, and a tag bag which offers a better support for neck. Comparing to other dynamic head restraint devices, this innovative inflatable head restraint is designed not only to minimize the gap between head and head rest during impact happens, but also to offer a better support for the neck to lessen the bending moment of the neck during whiplash movement. A sled test using the 50th percentile male, hybrid III dummy demonstrated the benefit of head restraint with airbag in reducing the whiplash loading to the head and neck; and the significance of inflatable head restraint with or without the tag bag in further supporting the neck during a rear-impact. The result shows significant differences in HIC & Nij values among these three testing groups, it thus confirms the benefits of this innovative inflatable head restraint.