Ferrari has filed a patent utility for a four-point seat belt for highway automobiles, bringing a bit of security gear usually seen solely in observe automobiles to the road.

Security laws in most main international automotive markets mandate three-point seat belts, so named as a result of the belts are hooked up at both facet of the occupant’s lap and over one shoulder. 4-point belts add one other belt that goes over the opposite shoulder.

Ferrari four-point seatbelt patent picture

These kinds of belts are typically not accredited for avenue use and restricted to trace automobiles. Ferrari’s patent utility, which was revealed by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on July 20, 2023, after being filed the earlier January, particularly mentions use in a “highway car.”

Accompanying drawings present a design much like present four-point seat belts, with two over-the-shoulder belts and a bisected lap belt related by a quick-release mechanism on the middle. Within the utility, Ferrari explains that it will assist preserve the driving force regular within the right driving place, which turns into harder in high-g cornering.

Ferrari four-point seatbelt patent picture

Ferrari claims its design additionally addresses a serious disadvantage of four-point seat belts in road-car use. Whereas the belts firmly safe the occupant’s torso, limiting ahead motion in a crash, the top and neck stay unanchored. Meaning better power is transferred to them, rising the potential for damage or loss of life. In observe automobiles, drivers can shield towards this by carrying a HANS system, however that would not be sensible for highway use.

Ferrari’s resolution is a “damping system” that, when a given quantity of power is imparted on the belts, permits a certain amount of ahead motion of the occupant’s chest, which Ferrari claims limits the acceleration of the top. For this design to succeed in manufacturing, although, Ferrari will probably must persuade regulators that this will probably be sufficient to forestall critical accidents. It could additionally must persuade clients of the advantages of this extra cumbersome type of seat belt.