Ford set to launch inflatable seat belts
A car company had revealed a range of inflatable seat belts which they claim will reduce head, chest and neck injuries.Ford, which will debut the belts in their new Explorer, say the inflatable device spreads crash forces over five times more area of the body than conventional seat belts.
This means that it reduces pressure on the chest in an accident and helps control head and neck motion, which can cause injury. Upon sensing a crash the belt inflates in just 40 milliseconds filling a tubular air bag.
Cold compressed gas, flows through a specially designed buckle from a cylinder housed below the seat to inflate the belt… just make sure you aren't wearing anything too spiky.
A spokesperson for Ford said: "Ford’s rear inflatable seat belt technology will enhance safety for rear-seat passengers of all ages, especially for young children who are more vulnerable in crashes."It's a very simple and logical system, but it required extensive trial and error and testing over several years to prove out the technology and ensure precise reliable performance in a crash situation."
Ford was the first automaker to introduce seat belts in 1955 and led the way in making driver and front-passenger air bags standard in most vehicles by 1993.
LINKS
Ford
Photo Credit: Sam VarnHagen / Ford Motor Co
