Proposal of draft text to transpose GTR No. 7 (head restraints) into UN R17, including the draft Amendment 1 to GTR 7 addressing use of the BioRID II test dummy, backset measurement method revision, and new head restraint height thresholds.

Proposal to clarify the testing of seats with and without head restraints. This proposal would allow alternatives at the request of the manufacturer by clarifying that under testing of a bench seat with three seating positions and two head restraints, a moment of 3 × 373Nm shall be applied to the back of seats and of 2 × 373Nm to the head restraints:
(a) If the manufacturer wants to comply with the test requirements of paragraph 6.2. (strength of the seat-back), by the test of head restraint performance of paragraph 6.4., they choose to apply 53 daNm to each seat back without head restraint and 89 daN to each head restraint. In this case only one test shall be performed.
(b) If the manufacturer chooses not to apply 53 daNm, during the test of paragraph 6.4., the seat back strength test of paragraph 6.2. has to be performed in addition to the test of paragraph 6.4.

Proposal to correct the reference to paragraph 5.1.3. in paragraph 5.2.3.2. to read 5.2.3.

Proposal to clarify that seat belt components such as retractors shall not sustain damage during testing according to Annex 9 of UN R17. Presently, these components have occasionally been damaged during testing such that their functionality has been impaired. In order to ensure adequate occupant safety, this proposal would require all safety-belt components to be included in the test installation, clarifies that such damage is not acceptable, and requires post-test inspection.

Proposal to eliminate divergent interpretations of paragraph 6.4. with regard to the testing for head restraint performance of a bench seat with three seating positions and two head restraints. Under this condition, the proposal would require application of a moment of 3 × 373 Nm to the back of the seats and of 2 × 373 Nm to the head restraints. The manufacturer may request to apply 53 daNm to each seat back without head restraint and 89 daNm to each head restraint in order to comply with the requirements of paragraph 6.2. on the strength of the seat back during this test. If the manufacturer does not opt to apply these forces, then the test procedure specified in paragraph 6.2. must be carried out in addition to the head restraint testing under paragraph 6.4.

Proposal to eliminate divergent interpretations of paragraph 6.4. with regard to the testing for head restraint performance of a bench seat with three seating positions and two head restraints. Under this condition, the proposal would require application of a moment of 3 × 373 Nm to the back of the seats and of 2 × 373 Nm to the head restraints. The manufacturer may request to apply 53 daNm to each seat back without head restraint and 89 daNm to each head restraint in order to comply with the requirements of paragraph 6.2. on the strength of the seat back during this test. If the manufacturer does not opt to apply these forces, then the test procedure specified in paragraph 6.2. must be carried out in addition to the head restraint testing under paragraph 6.4.

Proposal to correct the reference to paragraph 5.1.3. in paragraph 5.2.3.2. to read 5.2.3.