WHIPS

WHIPS





WHIPS seat
The aim of WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System) is to reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in the event of collision from the rear. The system is designed for maximum performance at low speed collisions. The majority of whiplash injuries occur during accidents at a speed of 10-20 km/h (6-12 mph).
WHIPS seats have a normal folding function, similar to the passenger seats in the present 850 series. However the mechanism has been modified to take a WHIPS deployment mechanism for the backrest in both joints (a pendulum function with a suppressing deformation element).
The mechanism consists of the following components:
- Mounting plate for seat backrest
- Heat plate with window (23)
- Link (25)
- Deformation element (24)
- Seat anchor plate (23)
- Indicator pin (26)
- Damper spring
WHIPS seats are standard for both front seats.
In relation to current seats, WHIPS seats backrests are more resistant to twisting because of the greater lower tube dimension while the upper section of the backrest is shaped like a closed beam. The springs for the backrest back pad are equipped with compression limiters (22)
In order to protect the occupants' heads during an accident, the head restraint is now in a more forward position (the same position as in the P90). The distance between the head restraint struts has also been reduced.
The deployment mechanism begins to operate in the event of a collision speed of approximately 14 to 18 km/h (9 - 11 mph), depending on the weight of the occupant (the collision speed at which the indicator pin shears off).




In the event of a collision from the rear, the seat moves forward, thereby pressing the backrest against the occupant. The system then activates, going through two clearly defined phases.

Illustration A
At activation the seat back moves first mainly backward in upright position, whereby the body is secured in a balanced way. The distance of this parallel movement is approximately 50 mm (1.97 in). At activation, the indicator pin (26) shears off.

Illustration B
Instead of the occupant now being thrown forward, as in a traditional seat, the backrest now begins to angle backwards (up to 15 degrees). This is achieved using a deformation element (a link with set deformation qualities, 24) which collapses and therefore gently brakes movement (absorbs energy during the crash sequence). The compression limited springs distributes force evenly throughout the entire spine to avoid pressure points which often previously resulted in S-curvatures to the spine.
Because lesser collisions from the rear may also activate the system, a repair kit has bee produced. The WHIPS repair kit consists of:
- Deformation elements (x 2)
- Indicator pins (x 2)
- Return springs (x 2)
- Link washer (x 2)
- Pivot bushing (x 2)
- Pivot shaft with nut (x 2)
- Notched washer