TRW Automotive has demonstrated a combination of advanced restraint systems that can protect rear seat occupants in case of frontal accident.
The advanced rear seat technologies showcased by TRW at the Airbag 2014 Symposium, included Roof-mounted rear airbag concept which is specifically designed for the rear seats.
When the roof-mounted rear airbag is used in combination with a seat belt equipped with single constant load limiter and a retractor pretensioner, can prevent rear seat occupant's head contact with the front seat.
The concept was developed after static and dynamic testing using 5th, 50th and 95th percentile dummies.
TRW also demonstrated the front-seat mounted rear airbag concept which was placed at the rear-facing side of front.
The airbag has a different design which adjusts to the different distances between the front seat and the rear seat occupants.
TRW Occupant Safety Systems, Inflatable Restraints director Dirk Schultz said: "During frontal impacts, the protection of rear seat occupants differs from those of occupants in front seats. Protecting rear seat occupants can be a challenge, considering the larger range of occupant ages and sizes - from child to adult - and vehicle interior space that varies depending on the position of the front seat.
"Advanced restraint systems such as seat belts, pretensioners and load limiters can help to reduce the injury potential on the rear sear occupant."
According to TRW, the airbags are specifically designed for rear seat environment which can be combined with advanced seat belt systems to help reduce injury to rear seat occupants.
