Seat Belt & Seat Belts Components

COMPONENTS

Descriptions of the component parts of a Seat Belt with Links to pictures & line drawings.

WEBBING
Generally black and woven from thousands of strands of polyester.
Made to a high specification and designed to elongate by 10% to 15% in an accident to absorb energy.
Other colours in the standard range: 'Securon' Red, Blue, Grey and Beige.
Colours may fade and change so to achieve matching webbing buy all the Seat Belts at the same time.

Webbing must be in good condition - Fluffing, fraying or broken strands weaken webbing - just like any piece of cloth.
Webbing is generally about 50mm wide, wider webbing (i.e. 75mm) is used on some 'special' applications and Race/Rally Harnesses.

AUTO
Means the Seat Belt has a Retractor.

STATIC
Means the Seat Belt does not have a Retractor.

RETRACTOR
Also known as Roll-up device, Retracting, Inertia Reel, Automatic Reel & Automatic Seat Belt.
Designed to stow webbing not in use and lock in a predetermined situation.
Types frequently used are:

1. 'Pendulum' based - Known as vehicle sensitive i.e. lock when the 'pendulum' moves because of sudden vehicle movement.
Technically known as Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR).

2. Webbing acceleration based - Known as snatch sensitive i.e. lock when webbing is snatched.
Technically known as Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR).

3. A combination of 1 & 2 - Known as Dual Sensitive ELR.

4. Automatic Locking - i.e. lock when webbing is extracted and fastened, unlock when webbing is fully retracted.
Technically known as Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR).

Securon manufacture for their standard range:

     a)   A dual sensitive ELR for vertical installation.
       b)   A dual sensitive ELR for horizontal installation.
       c)   A dual sensitive ELR with an angle adjustable 'pendulum' for installation at any angle.
       d)   An ALR for installation at any angle.

ADJUSTER
Used to remove slack from the Seat Belt. It can be separate (in the webbing), part of the end bracket or part of another component i.e. the tongue.

TONGUE (male) connector
The part that is pushed into the Buckle when connecting the Seat Belt and is ejected when the quick release is used.

BUCKLE (female) connector
The part into which the tongue is pushed when connecting the Seat Belt.
Generally located just on or below the hip on Seat Belts or on the lap of Harnesses.
The Buckle is connected to the vehicle by means of:

A Stalk/Cable with an anchorage hole.
A Metal strap with an anchorage hole.
Webbing with an end bracket.

Securon manufacture the following quick release Buckles:

1. Twin Release Buckle (unique to Securon). Designed to be released from the top or side
- quicker to release & easier to install.

2. Twin Release Buckle with Micro Switch (IP67 Rated).

3. Single Release Buckle. Ideal for Lap Belts and Harnesses.

4. Turn Lever Buckle. A 5 way turn lever Buckle which complies with the latest FIA requirements.

STALK/CABLE
Often used to connect the buckle to the Anchorage Point and to help position the Buckle just on or below the hip.

END BRACKET
Used to secure the Seat Belt to the (PreDesignated) Anchorage Point on the vehicle generally by means of a 7/16" UNF Set Screw.
May include an adjuster to alter the length of the webbing. Either rotates in the direction of the load ( with the use of a shouldered spacer) or is fixed in the direction of the load. A Snap Hook for quick release, from an eye bolt, is used in some applications.

ANCHORAGE HOLES
Used to secure the Seat Belt to the (PreDesignated) Anchorage Points on the vehicle generally by means of 7/16" UNF Set Screws. Found in End Brackets or other components i.e. the Retractor, Pillar Loop, Buckle etc.

ANCHORAGE FITTINGS
Fittings i.e. set screws, nuts, washers, brackets etc. used to connect the Seat Belt via its Anchorage Holes to the (PreDesignated) Anchorage Points.

ANCHORAGE POINTS
(PreDesignated) Anchorage Points are the points on the vehicle to which the Seat Belt is attached.
They are fabricated by the vehicle manufacturer to help absorb the loads in an accident and position the Seat Belt correctly.
The strength and position of (PreDesignated) Anchorage Points is independently approved.

PILLAR LOOP/WEBBING GUIDE
A metal guide that helps the webbing flow in the correct position. Generally only included on a Seat Belt with a Retractor.

LAP
The section of webbing that passes across the wearer's lap (bone structure at the top of the legs).

DIAGONAL/SASH
The section of webbing that passes across the centre of the wearer's shoulder and chest (bone structure).

DIMENSIONS
Are approximate and are measured from the centre of anchorage holes to mouths of buckles.

APPROVALS
Seat Belts and the anchorage points to which they are fitted should be approved. A Seat Belt should be clearly marked to indicate that it is Approved to an Internationally recognised Standard i.e. 'E' (Economic Commission for Europe) or 'BSI' (British Standards Institute). FURTHER INFORMATION

PRETENSIONERS
A device attached to or incorporated in some Seat Belt systems at the Retractor or Buckle. Intended to help reduce any webbing slack in the event of an accident. They are NOT a requirement of the Seat Belt Standards and many systems, including Securon's, do not use them. GUIDANCE ON DEACTIVATION

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Attached to some Seat Belt systems at the Retractor or Buckle. Intended to help provide a warning and or help control a Pretensioner. They are NOT part of the Seat Belt Standards and many systems, including Securons, do not use them.

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