topunktsbælt

A topunktsbælt, or three-point seat belt, is a mandatory safety device in most modern vehicles. Its primary function is to restrain occupants during a collision or sudden stop, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury or death. The system consists of a strap that goes over the chest and abdomen, with a buckle that fastens to an anchor point on the vehicle's structure.

Invented by Nils Bohlin for Volvo in 1959, the topunktsbælt was a revolutionary improvement over earlier lap belts. The design incorporates two anchor points and a central buckle, creating a diagonal strap across the torso and a lap strap across the pelvis. This configuration effectively distributes the force of impact across the strongest parts of the human body, preventing the occupant from being thrown forward or ejected from the vehicle.

Modern topunktsbælter often include additional safety features. A pre-tensioner can rapidly retract the belt in the initial moments of a crash, tightening it more securely around the occupant. Belt force limiters are also common, designed to release a small amount of belt tension once the maximum safe force has been reached, preventing excessive pressure on the chest. The widespread adoption and mandatory use of topunktsbælter are credited with saving countless lives and preventing millions of injuries worldwide, making it one of the most important automotive safety innovations.