"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
10/25/2015 at 23:30 • Filed to: None
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"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
10/25/2015 at 23:30 • Filed to: None | 5
| 4 |
In 1986, Audi introduced a proprietary Safety Restraint System known as the procon-ten system. This restraint system, whose acronym stood for Programmed Contraction-Tension, utilized high strength cables routed behind and attached to the rear of the engine. These cables were also attached to the steering column and seat-belt mounts.
In the event of an accident, the engine would be pushed towards the firewall, applying tension to the cables. When the cables were pulled taught, the steering wheel was pulled away from the driver, and any slack was removed from the seat-belts.
During this time, Audi primarily used longitudinally mounted engines. This helped to ensure that the restraint system activated during a frontal impact, since the engine was one of the first things struck in a frontal impact. The system proved to be so reliable and cost effective, that Audi was one of the last German automaker to utilize an Airbag system.
Audi continued to use the procon-ten system until the 1995 model year.
Santiago of Escuderia Boricua
> Boxer_4
10/25/2015 at 23:43 |
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I’m guessing by 95 everyone had pyrotechnic pretensioners. This is a very good system for front impacts since the cable should be pretty reliable. The tunability of a pyro PT is better for getting a five star though
Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing.
> Boxer_4
10/25/2015 at 23:51 |
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This is my kind of engineering solution - mechanical, simple and effective. I’ve always admired this setup, and would rather trust my life to it than something involving electronics and explosives, especially as a car ages. When was the last time you saw a racing vehicle with airbags? Never - mechanical safety systems only.
I am reminded of those GM ‘Comfort’ seatbelts that would allow extra slack but wouldn’t necessarily take the slack back in. I’m scared of any seatbelt where I can’t test the effectiveness of the inertial reel with a quick pull on the belt. Comfort is nice, but I’ll take safety over comfort any day.
pip bip - choose Corrour
> Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing.
10/26/2015 at 03:24 |
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i distinctly recall a Mercedes Benz 190 racing car here in Australia had an airbag for the driver.
iirc it was the late 80’s or very early 90’s.
KatzManDu
> pip bip - choose Corrour
10/26/2015 at 06:18 |
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Mercedes had some of the 1st commercially available airbags as early as the 1980s. Go read the wiki article on the SEC.