Smithsonian Exhibits Ford’s Inflatable Seat Belt
The vehicle safety invention was on display as part of the Innovation Festival, held by the Smithsonian and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Image courtesy of Ford.
Image courtesy of Ford.
A two-day festival celebrating American innovation, held Nov. 1-2 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., included an exhibit of Ford’s inflatable seat belt.
Ford Motor Co. was one of 10 companies selected to exhibit a technology product for the festival. In everyday use, inflatable belts operate like conventional safety belts. During a crash, however, the inflatable belt helps distribute crash forces across more of a passenger’s torso than a traditional belt – up to five times more. Spreading the pressure over a larger area helps reduce pressure on the passenger’s chest, and helps control head and neck motion.
“Ford has a rich history of developing industry-first technology,” said Bill Coughlin, president and CEO of Ford Global Technologies, “and for that effort, and to be recognized by such a prestigious institution, is a great honor for our team.”
The Innovation Festival is part of a five-year agreement between the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the Smithsonian Institution to develop programs and exhibitions celebrating American innovation.
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