Adaptive Load Limiter
An adaptive load-limiting device is integral to the front passenger seat belt retractor to supplement the anchor and retractor tensioners. The adaptive load limiter is controlled by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). The front retractors (1) have two pyrotechnic initiators, one for the adaptive load limiter (3) and one for the tensioner (2).
Adaptive load limiting can substantially reduce the load on small occupants while also improving the protection for larger occupants. The seatbelt retractor can tune its restraining force individually to each vehicle occupant and the crash severity without using sensors.
The adaptive load limiter (1) is also controlled by the ORC. Each adaptive load limiter squib is connected to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out of the body wire harness by a keyed and latching yellow molded plastic connector insulator to ensure a secure connection.
The mechanism uses a spring-loaded disc (2) in the retractor which has multiple teeth (3) on both sides. The teeth will engage in and out of the closest fitting grooves as the disc rotates. Milliseconds after a crash has occurred, seatbelt webbing is gradually released after the crash reducing any rebound effect.
The adaptive load limiter cannot be repaired and, if ineffective or damaged, the entire front seat belt and retractor unit must be replaced. If the front airbags have been deployed, the adaptive load limiter has also been deployed. The adaptive load limiter is not intended for reuse and must be replaced following any front airbag deployment. Refer to RETRACTOR, SEAT BELT, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .