Safety of Airbag Vest Verified

During the course of its development, the "Airbag Vest" system was subjected to demanding tests using the equipment for testing helmets.
 

The following G value shocks illustrate the likely injury sustained.

More than 300 G's: Concussion or similar injury
More than 350 G's: Concussion and possible loss of consciousness
More than 400 G's: Possible life threatening injuries.
Date of the Test: August 30, 2000
Temperature: 26 (79)
Tester: (JIS) T-8133.
Tested jacket made by SPIDI of Italy
Tested padding made by Knox of England


Test A

Shock absorbing factor (G Value) of a falling model human head model weighing 5 kg (11 lbs.)



The centre of the back of the jacket (i.e. the position of the spinal cord) is spread over a flat anvil (steel sheet). A JIS standard 5kg (11 lbs.) human head model is released from above to measure the shock absorption factor. Note: When the "Airbag Vest" is fully inflated, internal pressure is 25kpa - 35kpa. (3.5 - 5 psi.)

A
Jacket + Inflated "Airbag Vest" + Spinal cord padding
B
Jacket + Inflated "Airbag Vest"
C
Jacket + Spinal cord padding
D
Jacket only



Test Data

Shock absorbing material
Falling Height
(M)
A B C D
0 0 0 0 0
0.1       110(G)
0.2       284(G)
0.25 10(G)   63(G) 381(G)
0.5 17(G) 17(G) 106(G)  
1.0 28(G) 49(G) 481(G)  
1.25        
1.5 87(G)      
2.0 156(G)      
2.5 273(G)      



Test B
Shock absorbing factor (G Value) of a falling human head model weighing 5 kg (11 lbs.)



The standard test model wearing a helmet, to which the inflated neck portion of "Airbag Vest" is attached, is dropped to test the shock-absorbing effect. The test was conducted to simulate the model falling on the back of the head. As the data show, the results proved the effectiveness of the "Airbag Vest" system. Note: When the "Airbag Vest" is fully inflated, internal pressure is 25kpa - 35kpa. (3.5 - 5 psi.)


A
Helmet + Inflated Neck cushion
B
Helmet only



test data

Shock absorbing material
Falling Height (M) A B
0 0 0
0.5 57(G) 81(G)
1.0 137(G) 146(G)