DEVELOPMENT OF OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS FOR FUTURESEATING POSITIONS IN FULLY OR SEMI AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

摘要

The advent of fully autonomous vehicles has inspired automotive interior designers to rethink the vehicle interior space. A pre-defined driving position might no longer be a necessity. Flexible seating positions which enable more space and comfort for the occupants during travel have been shown in various studies and concept vehicles. The question is however, how realistic are these positions when considering occupant safety? The objective of this study is to show the challenges that exist for a selection of these positions and discuss possible solutions. The main focus of the study are seats rotated 90° and 180° to the direction of travel and seats which enable possible sleeping positions.