Thorax compression criterion (ThCC) under the draft new regulation on frontal impact protection and occupant restraint systems.
37. The expert from France, Chair of the Frontal Impact IWG, introduced the latest draft amendments of his group (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/23) to the draft UN Regulation (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/10) on frontal impact with focus on the restraint system, with a thorax compression criterion (ThCC) of 42 mm. He also introduced GRSP-56-36, showing three possible solutions to implement a ThCC of 34 mm for the Hybrid III fifth percentile female dummy as requested by the expert from Japan. The expert from OICA introduced GRSP-56-13-Rev.1 endorsing 42 mm criterion because more balanced to protect both young and elderly people. He added that if a decision would be taken by GRSP to endorse 34 mm, this should be introduced at a later stage as a new series of amendments. The expert from Japan introduced GRSP-56-23-Rev.2 aimed at supporting a ThCC of 34 mm and stated that this value was evidence based for its feasibility. The expert from Sweden stated that she was not in the position to support one of the two values. The expert from Italy was in favour of 42 mm because the ThCC of 34 mm criterion needed further investigation. The expert from EU announced that a test programme (sponsored by the European Union) would start at the beginning of 2015 to investigate on this issue. GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its May 2015 session on the basis of revised proposals to be submitted by the expert from France (including GRSP-56-13-Rev.1 and GRSP-56-23-Rev.2).