Belt routing and safety assessment through computer simulation

Most of the research on safety belt systems has involved crash simulation that only considered a dynamic human model. However, belt routing analysis, usually known as comfort level estimation, is also an important factor in safety belt design, considering that serious injuries of the abdominal region result from the infiltration of a belt into the neck or the chest. Thus, safety belt evaluations using kinematic human models are also needed. In this paper, a belt fit simulation method is suggested. Using the proposed process, both comfort and safety analyses can be performed under the same conditions continuously, and thus the safety belt design parameters, such as the location of anchor points, dummy posture and etc., can be evaluated. In conclusion, this computer process enables a belt system design to reduce injuries.