222. European Commission research showed that differences in the measured values from different BioRID ATD could be associated with the torso flesh, i.e. when swapping the flesh between ATD the resulting values changed accordingly. The research also recommended an evaluation of the contribution of BioRID’s intervertebral bumpers.

(ix) Limitations

223. The spine curvature of BioRID was established using a former (comb) during its assembly. This curvature essentially determines the device’s posture. IWG had based its evaluation work on the most recumbent of the two defined build options as this covers the majority of vehicle seats in the market. 224. While evaluation had not been made of the recumbent device’s repeatability and reproducibility when used in very upright vehicle seats, certain limitations were recognised even in a static condition, e.g. the stability of the head. 225. The use of BioRID was therefore limited, in the context of this UN GTR, for use with seat back angles between 20° and 30°. 226. The repeatability and reproducibility studies were completed exclusively using acceleration sleds (those that are accelerated from rest by the application of a sudden force). Annex 9 of this UN GTR contains procedures for the BioRID dummy using an acceleration sled only.

(c) Backset measurement method

227. The current H-point machine is defined in Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) SAE J826, and the HRMD was developed in the 1990s. For either machine, variations are large in the products available on the market, resulting in variations in the backset measurements. 228. At the second informal meeting, the results of research conducted by the German manufacturer's association (VDA) were introduced. VDA had developed a new H-point machine and a testing jig “Dilemma” by taking the average of many H-point machines and harmonizing it with the SAE standard. The VDA specifications were scheduled for issue in February 2010 and then a revision to the standard would be proposed to SAE. 229. At the fourth informal group meeting, it was reported that the draft 3D CAD data of the SAE HADD J826 H-Point manikin had been proposed at the SAE meeting on 20 October 2010. The proposal would be agreed on at a SAE conference, then 3D CAD could possibly be released to the public. A measurement method with HRMD would be considered and a proposal suggested by March 2011. 230. At the eighth informal meeting, the Chair spoke about the status of HRMD, and 3DH selection and calibration. SAE had indicated an interest in the gtr activity, but cautioned that their workload prevented any contribution to developing HRMD and 3DH device specifications. The Chair noted that as the group was aware of the devices’ variations and solution should be found. The informal working group would discuss this further. 231. At workshop held in July 2013 at BASt, the backset measurement and dummy seating procedure was examined. The conclusion was that the backset and the BioRID reference point (back of head) can be measured by coordinate measuring apparatus (without HRMD usage).

(d) Lead time

232. Contracting Parties which implement this UN GTR were recommended to allow adequate lead time before full mandatory application and give consideration to the necessary vehicle development time and product lifecycle. Part B, Text of the Regulation, renumber as II and amend to read: