Interpretation ID: nht78-3.21

DATE: 07/26/78

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; J. J. Levin, Jr.; NHTSA

TO: T. Iinuma - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This responds to your May 25, 1978, question concerning the strength requirements of Safety Standard No. 210, Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages, as they would be applicable to the anchorage on a single diagonal passive belt system. You ask how many pounds of force should be applied to such a belt system for the anchorage strength test.

The anchorage for a single diagonal passive seat belt should be tested with a 3,000 pound force for purposes of the Standard 210 requirements, the same force required for the upper torso portion of a Type 2 seat belt. Most vehicles with single diagonal passive belt will have knee bolters or some other method to restrain the legs in a crash, so the anchorage will not experience as much stress as would be placed on a lap belt without knee bolsters. Therefore, 3,000 pound test should ensure that the anchorage for a diagonal passive belt can withstand typical crash forces.

SINCERELY,

NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.

May 25, 1978

Joseph J. Levin Chief Counsel NHTSA Department of Transportation

Dear Mr. Levin:

This letter is to request your interpretation regarding the test method of FMVSS 210 "Seat belt assembly anchorages". The force applied to the anchorage of Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly is expressed clearly in that standard. (Type 1:5000 lbs., Type 2:lap portion 3000 lbs. and shoulder portion 3000 lbs. simultaneously).

It seems, however, there is no specific description of the force for the anchorage of the single diagonal passive seat belt (so called VW Rabbit type passive seat belt).

I would like to know how many pounds we should apply to the above mentioned passive seat belt for the anchorage strength test.

I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible

Tokio Iinuma Staff, Safety

cc: WILLIAM E. SMITH -- CRASHWORTHINESS DIV., NHTSA