Abstract – An inertial locking mechanism of a seatbelt is designed to prevent further seatbelt extension when it exceeds an acceleration threshold. The acceleration threshold varies with the orientation of the mechanism and direction of acceleration. A setup and procedure were created to test the acceleration threshold of the inertial locking mechanism of a seatbelt in various orientations.
- For an example of an inertial locking mechanism a 1984 Ford Mustang seatbelt mechanism was used.
- During testing, the mechanism was put into an orientation that simulated accelerations that could be seen in normal collisions.
- The mechanism responded by locking with an average acceleration of 2.535 g.
- The mechanism was then tested in orientations that would simulate those seen by a vehicle in a rollover situation.
In certain orientations, the mechanism was locked while at rest, but became unlocked when accelerated.
Why does my Car Seat belt keep locking?
1. Seat Belt Locked Up After Accident – Manufacturers designed the seat belt retractor to lock up in traumatic situations. This retractor imitates a spool with a teeth-liked edge. It permits the seat harness to be pulled and adjusted as a passenger wants.
What to do if your Seatbelt is not working properly?
2. Faulty seat belt – If your safety harness would regularly lock up when you pull it, it may be faulty. Get it checked to know if it is correctly calibrated and not too sensitive to function properly. You should check for rips and tears as well. If you are unsure if your seat belt is faulty, try these steps.
- Buckle up your safety harness and confirm the seat belt indicator turns off.
- Try the pull test. Tug your safety harness quickly and ensure it locks.
- If your seat belt responds poorly to both steps, you would need to change your seat belt.
How do seat belts work in a car crash?
This device, which looks like a spool with teeth on the edges, will normally allow your seat belt to extend and retract freely, but during crashes and sudden braking, will lock the seat belt from extending any further than it already is. Thus, the passenger will be secured in their seat instead of being thrown forward by momentum.
Do you wiggle your seat belt when it locks up?
You know those times when you’re sitting in the passenger seat of your friend’s car and you go to lean forward, and your seat belt locks up? Wiggle and tug as you might, the seat belt won’t loosen up and, in fact, ends up becoming increasingly constricting.
