Citation

Konosu A, Issiki T, Tanahashi M. Proc. Int. Tech. Conf. Enhanced Safety Vehicles 2005; 2005: 25p.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, In public domain, Publisher National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. and the Japan Automobile Research Institute are jointly engaged in the development of a flexible pedestrian legform impactor (hereafter referred to as "Flex-PLI"). However, a study for the development of a pedestrian lower extremity protection car using the Flex-PLI has not been reported. In this study, development of sedan, minivan and sport utility vehicle (SUV) type cars for pedestrian lower extremity protection was conducted using a Flex-PLI. The study results indicated a good possibility of lower-extremity protection in collisions by pushing the pedestrian's legs forward within the extent of not causing bone fractures. However, such protection methodology is difficult for SUVs because they need high ground clearance and large approach angle as for rough road condition running purpose. This study is the first trial study for the development of a pedestrian lower extremity protection car using a Flex-PLI, therefore, additional similar studies are necessary.