Method for protecting driver of vehicle during front collision, involves tensioning safety belt with increased clamping force, and driving belt tensioner at collision time such that occupant is moved toward and supported at seatback

摘要

The method involves driving an irreversible belt tensioner (5) to position and fix a vehicle occupant (3) by a safety belt (4) i.e. three-point safety belt, when initiating collision is detected. A collision time is predicted, and the tensioner is activated as an electric motor for a time interval of 100 to 500 milliseconds before the predicted collision time. The belt is tensioned with increased belt clamping force (Fr), and the tensioner is driven at the predicted collision time such that the belt is tightened and the occupant is moved toward and supported at a seatback (2.1) by the belt. An independent claim is also included for a device for protecting an occupant of a vehicle, comprising detecting units.