Behavior Analysis of Active and Proactive Headrest during Low-Velocity Rear-End Collisions

Abstract

The accidents caused by car collisions can be categorized into front collision, side collision, and rear-end collision, among which the fatal accident incidence rate of rear-end collisions is the highest. Because neck injury is the most common injury associated with rear-end collision, the car headrest should be redesigned to minimize such injuries. In this study, we investigated the neck injury indices in active and proactive headrests using a sled test. The predictability of injury indices was examined through the behavior analysis of the head and seat. The characteristics of the head–neck behavior and the structure of the headrest were studied. Furthermore, the neck injury indices corresponding to the two headrests were compared. The predictability of major neck injury indices was examined, which may be used as a reference for developing an active deployment system to complement the existing headrest deployment characteristics.