DISPLACEABLE CAR FRONT FOR THE PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS

VERSCHIEBBARE AUTOFRONT FUER DEN FUSSGAENGERSCHUTZ

The development of a vehicle front designed for the protection of pedestrians is discussed. The design is based on the load limits of the human body. A deformable bonnet is described, which when in collision with a pedestrian, follows a deformation path necessary to prevent slight and serious injuries. This modified bonnet is compared with conventional designs. With this deformable bonnet all loads on pedestrians at collision speeds of up to 35 km/hr could be reduced to more tolerable levels (HIC of over 1500 for the control vehicle reduced to under 500). The individual modifications were checked by testing the components. Full scale impact tests confirm the suitability of these component tests, together with the functioning of the bonnet which is opened solely by impact energy. (TRRL)

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was originally a lecture given in German on the occasion of a visit by representatives from the car industry, Zurich, 27 June 1984.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)

  Wokingham, Berkshire  United Kingdom 
• Authors:
  • Gaegauf, M
  • Kaeser, R
  • Reif, G
• Publication Date: 1985

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: 6 p.
• Serial:
  • TRRL TRANSLATION
  • Issue Number: 3252
  • Publisher: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Crash tests; Crashes; Deformation; Hoods; Injuries; Pedestrians; Prevention; Vehicle components; Vehicle design
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Research; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00459921
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Report/Paper Numbers: Translation 3223
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 30 1986 12:00AM