Technical Commitee on Inflatable Restraints

Mission Statement  - The committee will provide technical support in the area of inflatable restraints to support the broader objectives of AORC.

Recent Issues Addressed: Questions regarding the appropriateness of the USCAR Inflator specification have resulted in an ad hoc group of inflator specialists from the major inflator suppliers convening to discuss this issue.

Based on their preliminary discussion, shared issues included the following:

1. Ballistic Slope Variability
• Suggested, was the elimination of this slope requirement and a reliance on the performance gates.

2. T90%, T50% Ballistic Variability Gates
• Suggested was the development of an alternative gate or elimination altogether.

3. Gas Effluents
• Suggested was the use of AEGL (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels) – one time exposure.

4. Particulate Effluent
• Suggested was the deletion of ph requirement and consideration for total particulate effect.

5. Sympathetic Ignition
• Suggested was a rewrite in this area.

6. Flaming
• Suggested was to make this a module requirement.

7. Future Requirements Incorporation (Living Document)
• Suggested was the development of a process for review and update of inflator requirements.

8. Select Enforcement / Deviation Use
• Suggested was a procedure with clear guidelines to be established to manage dispute resolution and assure consistent application of criteria.

Future Projects and Activities:
•  Remain committed to propose a “Petition” to the USCAR Inflator Specification authors for their consideration; therefore, a follow up meeting has been scheduled for April at Autoliv.
•  Review and possibly comment/petition pending rule making by NHTSA on advanced inflatable restraints.