Part 1: Evaluation of Performance Criteria for AIRBAG Triggered and Triggerless Technologies

The use of air in body protectors for motorcyclists represents a significant advance in safety. However, the performance of these devices needs to be rigorously evaluated to guarantee their effectiveness in real-life situations. This first part explores the performance criteria for AIRBAGS ALWAYS GONFLES, such as A.S.A TECHNOLOGIE (AIR SHOCK ABSORBER), and AIRBAGS A DECLENCHEMENT.

Performance issues: Can we have a serious, technical debate?

The performance of AIRBAGS for motorcyclists is determined by several factors, including shock absorption, ergonomics and speed of deployment. European CE standards, such as 1621-2, 1621-3 and 1621-4, define specific test protocols for assessing these criteria. The difference between these standards lies mainly in the shape of the impactor used, whether or not it is oven-proof, and the speed at which the protection is made available.

Let’s talk standards:

CE 1621-2 and 3: Applies to all body protection devices, whether inflatable or not, but without triggering.

CE 1621-4 : Specifically designed and adapted for AIRBAGS.

Impactor: For CE standards 1621-2 and 1621-3, the impactor resembles a bar, whereas for CE standard 1621-4, the impactor is hemispherical. This difference ensures a more uniform distribution of energy over a wider surface.

Proofing : CE 1621-4 does not require oven drying, unlike 1621-2 and 1621-3. The absence of this procedure simplifies the testing process and may indicate a lower requirement in terms of material robustness.

Use of materials: TRIP AIRBAGS must use resilient foam to achieve their performance targets, while the AIRBAG TOUJOURS GONFLE uses a sandwich of = FOAM + AIR + FLEXIBLE PVC to ensure its performance.

In 1621-2 and 3, the use of metal and rigid parts is forbidden, whereas in 1621-4 metal cartridges and even batteries are authorized.

Ergonomic evaluation

Ergonomic assessment is essential to determine the AIRBAG’s comfort and impact on the rider’s freedom of movement. AIRBAGS ALWAYS GONFLES like A.S.A TECHNOLOGIE (AIR SHOCK ABSORBER) must be sufficiently flexible and light so as not to hinder the user. TRIGGER AIRBAGS can offer a slightly smaller footprint, but at the expense of greater weight.

Acceleration and Force Opposed to Impact

The way these AIRBAGS handle acceleration and the force opposing impact is crucial to their performance:

A.S.A TECHNOLOGY (AIR SHOCK ABSORBER): These AIRBAGS are designed to provide continuous opposition to the force of impact, reducing the risk of internal injury. Inflation is decided in advance according to the level of protection required.

TRIP AIRBAGS: These AIRBAGS may show a slight delay or overpressure due to the explosion and the speed of deployment, which may affect their immediate effectiveness.

Concussion and Thickness

The thickness and distribution of AIRBAGS padding play a role in protecting the head and preventing concussions:

• A.S.A TECHNOLOGY (AIR SHOCK ABSORBER): Uniform, thin thickness does not cause significant over-thickness.
• TRIGGER AIRBAGS: The need for a large volume of air, batteries, housings and reinforcing foams results in greater thickness and weight, which can potentially increase head acceleration during a fall, posing a concussion risk.

Metal and rigid parts

The use of metal or rigid parts in AIRBAGS is critical as they can transmit shock and cause further injury:

• A.S.A TECHNOLOGIE (AIR SHOCK ABSORBER) : Manufactured without rigid metal parts to avoid the risks associated with shock transmission.
• TRIP AIRBAGS: Some systems include rigid parts such as batteries, connectors and air cartridges, which can pose risks.

Punchingage

Punching is a major concern for AIRBAGS:

• A.S.A TECHNOLOGIE (AIR SHOCK ABSORBER) technology: The materials used are resistant to punching, and the AIRBAGS are protected by soft PVC shells.
• TRIP AIRBAGS: Vulnerability varies according to design and materials. Additional protection may be required.

In summary, A.S.A TECHNOLOGIE AIRBAGS (AIR SHOCK ABSORBER) and AIRBAGS A DECLENCHEMENT have distinct advantages and disadvantages:

• Zone of Protection: Caution: some AIRBAGS have a space in the liver and spleen where the handlebars of an off-road motorcycle could get stuck, with catastrophic consequences in the event of impalement.
• Acceleration and Impact Force: AIRBAGS A.S.A TECHNOLOGIE (AIR SHOCK ABSORBER) provide continuous protection with no deployment delay.
• Concussion: The design must balance thickness to minimize head acceleration.
• Metal/hard parts: Metal is the worst material for transmitting shockwaves.
• Punching: Both technologies must use resistant materials to prevent perforation.

These differences underline the need to choose the type of AIRBAG according to the specific needs of the motorcyclist, considering aspects of protection, comfort and overall safety.

The “wow” effect of AIRBAG releases always causes a stir at trade fairs and shows, but they don’t necessarily perform any better in real-life situations, and especially depending on use.

Let’s consider three different motorcycling environments, involving a specific use, a particular user and a coverage area where our products are already in use:

• ENVIRONMENT 1: Asphalt circuit closed to traffic
  The MOTOGP showcase, with its large circuits and areas for sliding in the event of a fall, is the ideal place for rider safety. Accident rates remain low, with the main problem being to accompany the fall and abrasion while sliding. Trigger AIRBAGS have the space and time required for their use, and their small size under wetsuits is also a big plus.
• ENVIRONMENT 2: Open road, asphalt or off-road
  Speed remains enemy number one, with collisions and the environment being the main dangers. Effective, easy-to-use protection is still the best option, but education and speed reduction are the most important.

ENVIRONMENT 3: Off-road circuit closed to traffic
In this case, the speed is low but the environment, the frequency of falls, the risk with other competitors and the competition aspect in a natural environment are very different from an asphalt circuit with large clear zones.

Part 2: Practical and economic considerations of AIRBAG technologies for motorcyclists

This section looks at the practical and economic aspects of using AIRBAG technologies, in particular the differences between always-inflated systems such as A.S.A TECHNOLOGIE (AIR SHOCK ABSORBER) and AIRBAGS A DECLENCHEMENT. We’ll be looking at factors such as the number of re-inflations, material resistance, maintenance and associated financial costs.

Number of re-inflations and modes of use

• AIRBAGS A.S.A TECHNOLOGIE (AIR SHOCK ABSORBER) : Always inflated and autonomous, suitable for off-road and urban environments with no risk of deployment.
• TRIP AIRBAGS: require rearming and replacement of gas cartridges after each activation, posing a problem in competition or off-road environments.

Fabric Resistance and Cartridge Replacement

Fabric resistance: Materials must be able to withstand multiple activations. AIRBAGS A.S.A TECHNOLOGIE (AIR SHOCK ABSORBER) are protected by plastic parts, while AIRBAGS A DECLENCHEMENT must guarantee the durability of fabrics after several activations.

Cartridge replacement: Each release requires a new cartridge, representing a recurring cost.

Maintenance and Financial Costs

• Cartridge costs: Trigger AIRBAGS involve significant costs for cartridge replacement.
• Maintenance: Both types require regular maintenance. A.S.A TECHNOLOGIE AIRBAGS (AIR SHOCK ABSORBER) require periodic inspection, while AIRBAGS A DECLENCHEMENT must be checked after each activation.
• Repair costs: Repairs may be necessary after multiple impacts, as the electronic components of Trigger AIRBAGS are particularly vulnerable and very costly.

Triggering during a competition

• Post-trigger management: After a trigger, it’s crucial to know how to continue competing. A.S.A TECHNOLOGIE AIRBAGS (AIR SHOCK ABSORBER) continue to protect, while TRIGGER AIRBAGS require a cartridge change and procedure.
• Rear protection: Both systems must offer adequate protection against impacts from all directions. Even when another rider jumps on you!
• Battery casing breakage: Trigger AIRBAG casings can break, compromising their operation.

Battery and fire hazards

Batteries must be resistant to friction and heat to prevent fires, especially in group falls.

Use in Difficult Environments

• Use in Mud and Cleaning: AIRBAGS must be water and mud resistant. Trigger AIRBAGS require careful maintenance after each use.
• Use in high humidity: Materials must be tested to withstand high humidity.
• Allergies and bacteria: Materials must be hypoallergenic and easy to clean to avoid health problems caused by perspiration and bacteria.

Conclusion

Accident studies conducted to date show varied results. However, the increase in fatality rates among motorcyclists in 2024 suggests that equipment plays a crucial role in road safety. . Les analyses de vitesse et des organes affectés montrent que, au-delà de 55 km/h, une décélération brutale peut être fatale avec tous types de protections.

Modelling mechanical shocks in accordance with CE tests remains the most reliable method of assessing AIRBAGS performance.

The differences between A.S.A TECHNOLOGIE’s AIRBAGS TOUJOURS GONFLES and AIRBAGS A DECLENCHEMENT encompass practical considerations, durability, maintenance and cost. The practical aspects of safety and the influence of marketing on user education are also determining factors in the choice of equipment.

In conclusion, A.S.A TECHNOLOGIE AIR SHOCK ABSORBERS and AIRBAGS A DECLENCHEMENT have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Motorcyclist safety must always take into account practical aspects, and innovations must be based on expertise and in-depth knowledge of the targeted activities. At RXR, we don’t pretend to be the best, we develop solutions with over 20 years’ experience in protective products. We pioneered the use of air to protect motorcyclists, and our products, deployed in fields such as defense, reflect our commitment to ease of use, reliability and operational efficiency.

Our solutions, now deployed in the defense sector, have enabled us to integrate pragmatism, ease of use and vision to deliver reliable, operational solutions when our customers need them.

Innovation and competition are essential pillars of advances in security, but they must be underpinned by solid expertise and an understanding of users’ specific needs.

RXR PROTECT continues to focus on pragmatism and operability to provide effective and reliable protection solutions.