Biomechanical Modeling & Design
Modern seat belts utilize a three point anchorage
system to assist the occupant in reducing the body’s movement
when the vehicle experiences a sudden change in velocity and/or
direction. This design feature increases the biomechanical effectiveness
of the air bag when deployed. Biomechanical analysis utilizing
MADYMO simulation tools is extremely effective in mathematically
modeling the various anchorage points provided in various types
of motor vehicles.
Accordingly, highly accurate biomechanical analyses
can be performed for both lap and shoulder seat belt systems incorporating
precise belt geometry, along with the restraint system’s
pretensioner, which removes slack from the seat belt during a
collision. Interestingly, the pretensioner is activated within
milliseconds of a collision to increase tension of the seatbelt
and couple the occupant to the seat which ultimately results in
preventing the occupant from contacting the vehicle’s interior.
