AlliedSignal Introduces New Fiber To Boost Seatbelt Safety
7 July 1999
AlliedSignal Introduces New Fiber To Boost Seatbelt Safety
COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va.--July 6, 1999-- AlliedSignal Inc. today introduced a new automotive seatbelt fiber (called Securus(TM) fiber) to help increase occupant safety and lower safety-restraint system costs.Seatbelt fabric made with patented Securus fiber is designed to work in conjunction with the airbag in a collision to enhance restraint of occupants of a broad range of body types - including smaller women and children.
The unique fiber replaces the mechanical load-limiting device in constant-force retractors (CFRs) used in some newer model cars, which have been instrumental in securing the five star protection rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The company projects sales of $10 million next year, increasing to $100 million annually in five years. Commercial shipping of the fiber is slated to begin next month.
The new fiber is AlliedSignal's response to the industry's decade-long search for seatbelts that work more safely with decelerating airbags in a vehicle crash, according to Fred Festa, Vice President and General Manager of the company's Performance Fibers business.
"We call Securus(TM) fiber the `smart response' fiber," said Greg Rogowski, Marketing Manager for the business. Seatbelts made with patented Securus fiber deliver a three-step restraint reaction during a crash. First, they hold occupants in position at impact. Then, the fibers relax or stretch as needed to limit the force imposed on the occupant, complementing the deflating action of the airbag and allowing the occupants' bodies to decelerate. Finally, their high-strength comes back into play, helping to prevent impact with dashboard, steering wheel or windshield.
AlliedSignal produces Securus fiber from a new polymer using a novel fiber-making process. In addition, Securus fiber introduces a new category of synthetic fibers, PELCO(TM), based on a patented polyester-caprolactone block copolymer. Securus fiber is the first fiber to be engineered for safety restraints and other managed-energy uses, such as slings and climbing ropes.
Tests have shown seatbelts made with Securus fiber provide enhanced restraint for occupants of any size compared with safety belts with CFR devices or standard retractors. Today's seatbelt systems are designed for an average car passenger, a 175-pound man.
Festa projects seatbelts made with Securus(TM) fiber will lower a car's safety-belt system cost by 25% for each seating position compared with use of CFR devices.
AlliedSignal Inc. is an advanced technology and manufacturing company serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services, automotive products, chemicals, fibers and advanced materials. It is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is also a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. The company employs 70,400 people in some 40 countries. Additional information on the company is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.alliedsignal.com.
AlliedSignal was named the best diversified company by Forbes Global magazine; the most admired aerospace company by Fortune magazine, both globally and in the U.S.; and one of the 100 best companies to work for by Fortune.
Securus is a trademark of AlliedSignal Inc.