BioVolume : The Seat Integrated Human Based System to Meet FMVSS208 Automatic Suppression Concerns 2003-01-0515

Motor vehicle Occupant related indications such as morphology class and dynamic position are important information to be taken into account by future passive safety systems in order to increase protection of occupants. Since 1998, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated the first step that will require introduction of occupant sensing means. Occupant information will have to be considered as prior in airbag deployment decision in the event of a frontal crash. A first rule that amends the occupant crash protection standard will require application of improvements in order to reduce risk of severe or fatal airbag induced injuries to occupants, particularly young children and small adults [3], [4]. This paper presents the Faurecia BioVolume sensing system which has been developed for the purpose of occupant monitoring. This system which establish relevant information on occupant morphology and dynamic position can be used for Static or Dynamic Automatic Suppression Option required by the new FMVSS208.