Pelvis Lap Belt Engagement of Small-Sized Females in Frontal Impacts Using Seat-Integrated Restraints and Vehicle Seats for Alternative Seating Positions

Authors: Rachel Newman, Jeesoo Shin, Sara Sochor, Neal Morgan, Bronislaw Gepner, Jason Kerrigan, University of Virginia; Yongtae Kim, Sung Rae Kim, Hyundai Motor Company

Abstract

Non-traditional vehicle seating postures challenge traditional occupant protection paradigms that promote pelvis lap belt engagement. Seat-integrated restraints may promote pelvis lap belt engagement in alternative seating postures but have not been evaluated with post-mortem human subjects (PMHS) in vehicle seats. The goal of this research was to perform three 38.8 g, 56 km/hr frontal impact sled tests with small-sized female PMHS in a crash environment with a vehicle seat designed for alternative seating positions. PMHS pelvis kinematics, lap belt engagement, and submarining response were compared to that of the Hybrid III 5^th female (HIII-5F) in the same environment. The seat was in the rearmost seat track position, reclined 40° from vertical, and incorporated a leg rest, which elevated the feet off the floor. A seat cushion airbag (SCAB), large passenger airbag (PAB), shoulder belt pretensioner (SB P/T), and seat-integrated belt (BIS) were incorporated into the testing environment. The SCAB restricted initial downward translation of the pelvis and induced 7.7°-11.8°of initial pelvis rearward rotation. Lap belt loading of the abdominal soft tissue occurred in each test via three distinct interactions: (1) initial pelvis lap belt engagement followed by pelvis fracture and subsequent submarining; (2) lack of initial pelvis engagement and direct abdominal loading; (3) initial pelvis lap belt engagement followed by submarining. In a matched test environment, the HIII-5F did not submarine nor reproduce the entire lap belt pelvis interactions observed by the PMHS. Future research must develop better tools for predicting lap belt engagement in alternative seating positions. 

Type: Full Paper, Research

Keywords: alternative seating positions, PMHS, HIII-5F, seat cushion airbag, submarining, vehicle seat 

© Stapp Association, 2025

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