Benefits of inflatable tubular structure: an investigation on the casualty abatement capability of the BMW head protection system HPS

摘要

Beginning in model year 1997, BMW introduced an innovative head protection system HPS called the Inflatable Tubular Structure (HP S). Tests indicate that the system dramatically reduces the severity of head impacts in side crashes.This investigation is an evaluation of casualty abatement benefits that are derived from applying injury measures based on the HPS test results to the population in US National Accident Sampling System (NASS/CDS). The results of component and vehiclecrash tests are summarized. The procedures for estimating benefits are described along with the benefits in terms of injuries mitigated, maximum injuries to occupants mitigated, and fatalities prevented.The calculated benefits of the HPS in reducing fatalities and the most serious injuries to front seat occupants of passenger cars are: