Roll Model: The Side Roll Protection System
A side-roll creates obvious hazards. Traffic deaths are the second leading
cause of firefighter death, and 60% of all traffic deaths involve a roll.
The Pierce® Side Roll Protection system, which we
co-engineered with IMMI (safety consulting), aims to improve those
statistics.
The Side Roll Protection system consists of four integrated components:
ROLL SENSOR
A Roll Sensor monitors the truck's movement. This
microprocessor-controlled, solid-state sensing device utilizes complex
proprietary algorithms along with vehicle-specific calibrations to
detect rollovers. Taking into account several critical dynamic factors
specific to fire trucks, the sensing device can determine when a truck
is rolling in time for advanced occupant protection systems to be
deployed. When a roll is imminent, the sensor activates all occupant
protection devices. The exact moment of activation is determined by a
"decision table" that factors the speed of the vehicle and the angle and
rate of the roll, so that protection devices are deployed at the optimal
moment. Faster, on a fast roll. Slower, on a slow roll.
SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER
The seat belt buckle receives a signal from the roll sensor during a
roll for the pretensioner on the buckle to tighten the seat belt to the
occupant, better positioning the occupant in the seat. The seatbelt has been
designed to be comfortable and durable, even in rough riding environments.
S4 SEAT PULL-DOWN SYSTEM
During a roll, the S4 System pulls the air suspension seat down to the
floor, positioning the occupant in a zone providing a more survivable
space while minimizing head contact with the roof interior.
The seat during normal operation The seat during a roll
INFLATABLE TUBULAR STRUCTURE (ITS) and CREW CAB AIR CURTAINS
During a roll, an inflatable tubular structure (or curtain), hidden in
the trim above the door or attached to ABTS seats in the crew cab,
deploys across the window and side of the vehicle interior to protect
the driver's head during impact. This reduces movement, lowers the
chance of head contact with the roof, and increases the survivable
space. On a slow roll, the system accounts for the fact that you may
already be leaning. In total, it activates in about the time it takes to
blink. It remains inflated for ten seconds, enough for the longest
duration accident.
HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS
When it senses a roll, the Side Roll Protection System:
- Tightens the seat belts
- Lowers the seats to their lowest position
- Locks the seats down to eliminate movement
- Inflates tubular side airbags and curtains
PASSENGER PROTECTION
Sidewall padding has been optimally placed to reduce head injuries for
rear passengers. And the system design was tested not simply for a
hypothetical average occupant but with crash dummies ranging from 5th
percentile females to the 95th percentile males. The savings this offers compared to a 15"-brake, straight axle configuration is shown below.
PROTECTION FROM HOT AIR INFLATORS
A combination of high-pressure stored argon and oxygen (and a
pyrotechnic charge for initiation) inflates the bags to a relatively
cool 120° Fahrenheit, protecting the occupant from the burns that are
possible from hot air inflators.
360° Protection isn't just better by degrees. It's a higher level of
commitment to your safety.
Brochure (PDF
490KB)
| Video (1.62MB) |
