Subcompact Vehicle Energy Absorbing Steering Column Evaluation and Improvement. Executive Summary

摘要

Testing was conducted for the purpose of analyzing the interrelationships between and the effects of automobile interior surfaces on driver injury. Testing was limited to frontal impacts of subcompact vehicles. At velocities near 20 mph, variations in steering wheels, steering columns and knee restraints did not substantially affect the driver's injury severity as described by FMVSS 208. At velocities near 25 mph, these effects became evident. Steering wheels which deform easily in a mode which aligns the steering wheel rim and hub to the driver's torso result in significant reductions in the driver's chest injury severity. The tube and mandrel type steering column, designed to reduce binding due to bending forces, produced less chest injury. The passive knee restraint substantially increased driver femur forces. With no knee restraint, the driver submarined under the steering wheel and instrument panel, whereas with the knee restraint, the forward translation of the driver's knees was restricted, causing the driver to rotate about the H-point into the steering wheel and windshield. This reduced head and chest injury, but contributed to neck hyperextension.