Active Seat Belt Tensioning (AST

In line with the NHTSA¿s desire to encourage the development of restorable vehicle occupant safety systems here in the U.S., Mide is proposing to develop a active seat belt tensioning (AST) device that can control and tailor the rate at which the belt pre-stiffens during a crash, depending on the expected severity of the crash. To do this Mide will develop and integrated system that will take its cues from pre-crash sensing systems and accelerometers that are already on board to make decisions about deployment and control of the safety device. The mechanics of the system will rely on the high energy absorbing qualities of Nitinol shape memory alloy, as well its stiffening characteristics that can be controlled through temperature generated by passing current from the vehicle¿s battery, through the material. This device will be able to prepare itself for an impending crash and will maximize the energy absorption during the crash while minimizing the shock loading imparted to the occupant. In the event a crash is avoided, the system will reset itself and be ready for redeployment.