SubscribeRecent legislation has resulted in an increased number of vehicles being fitted with improved safety devices.
Schoeller Arca Systems has developed a UN Certified Container for the transportation of seat belts with pretensioners for leading car manufacturers including Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Saab.
Pretensioners are used to tighten a seat belt in the event of an accident. Seat belts arrive at the car manufacturer ready charged with an explosive propellant, which pulls the seat belt into the driver or passenger. This enables the person to have a loose belt for comfort but prevents them from slipping underneath the belt upon impact.
Schoeller Arca Systems worked with a leading seat belt manufacturer, on the development for a container to handle explosive charge. The Integra returnable container was chosen, as it has an attached lid, which keeps products safely inside during transit. The box also contains four vacuum formed trays, to allow the seat belt pretensioners to sit and pack safely within the container.
Before being approved for use, the box was tested by PIRA, an independent company certified to test packaging to UN standards. This involved dropping the box with the seat belts inside. The Integra passed: the seat belts stayed within the box and the charge was contained. It was then given a unique UN number, which must be shown on all packaging carrying hazardous goods.
Tim Mabbutt, Business Segment Manager for Automotive UK at Schoeller Arca Systems said, "One of the most important safety features in any vehicle is that of the seat belt design. We are delighted that the Integra was given approval in all UN tests carried out for the transportation of seat belts with pretensioners. It has proved to be the ideal returnable container for this purpose."
Abingdon, Oxon, November 2005