Side Impact Protection System

SIPS was first introduced in 1991{{cite web |language=en |url=http://www.volvogroup.com/group/global/en-gb/researchandtechnology/milestones/Pages/milestones.aspx |title=R&D milestones of the Volvo Group |publisher=Volvo Group |website=www.volvogroup.com |date=2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616180833/http://www.volvogroup.com/group/global/en-gb/researchandtechnology/milestones/Pages/milestones.aspx |archive-date=2011-06-16 |access-date=2017-07-07 |url-status=dead}} for the Volvo 700, 900{{cite press release |language=en |url=http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/1992/1992_releases/1992_release_1.html |title=Volvo '92: New model, new engine and a unique safety innovation |location=Rockleigh, New Jersey |publisher=Volvo Cars of North America |website=new.volvocars.com |date=1992 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206184758/http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/1992/1992_releases/1992_release_1.html |archive-date=2017-02-06 |access-date=2017-07-07 |url-status=live}} and 850 series cars of model year 1992.{{cite web |language=sv |url=http://www.volvocars.com/se/sales-services/services/PreviousVolvos/Pages/info.aspx |title=Produktinformation - tidigare Volvomodeller |website=www.volvocars.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302163614/http://www.volvocars.com/se/sales-services/services/PreviousVolvos/Pages/info.aspx |archive-date=2015-03-02 |access-date=2017-07-07 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |language=en |url=http://www.oocities.org/thevolvoaddict/article_6.htm |title=Volvo 1992 Tech & Spec |publisher=Volvo Cars of North America |website=www.oocities.org |date=1992 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712024254/http://www.oocities.org/thevolvoaddict/article_6.htm |archive-date=2015-07-12 |access-date=2017-07-07 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |language=en |url=http://www.swedecar.com/volvo_history.htm |title=History of Volvo |website=www.swedecar.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829051346/http://www.swedecar.com/volvo_history.htm |archive-date=2011-08-29 |access-date=2017-07-07 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |language=en |url=https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/press/pdf/SIPSPressReleaseOct1991.pdf |title=SIPS: A unique safety solution from Volvo |publisher=Volvo Car Corporation |website=www.volvoclub.org.uk |date=October 1991 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804215307/https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/press/pdf/SIPSPressReleaseOct1991.pdf |archive-date=2017-08-04 |access-date=2017-07-07 |url-status=live}} It has been standard on every new Volvo since.

SIPS consists of a reinforced lower sill panel, "B pillar" and reinforcements with energy absorbing honeycomb materials{{cite web |language=en-US |url=http://www.iihs.org/externaldata/srdata/docs/sr3108.pdf |title=Status Report Vol.31 No.8 |publisher=IIHS |website=www.iihs.org |page=6 |date=28 September 1996 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514125110/http://www.iihs.org/externaldata/srdata/docs/sr3108.pdf |archive-date=2018-05-14 |access-date=2018-04-13 |url-status=live}}{{cite press release |language=en |url=http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/1995/1995_releases/1995_release_2.html |title=The new 960 from Volvo - an unexpected experience |location=Rockleigh, New Jersey |publisher=Volvo Cars of North America |website=new.volvocars.com |date=1995 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206185001/http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/1995/1995_releases/1995_release_2.html |archive-date=2017-02-06 |access-date=2017-07-07 |url-status=live}} inside the doors.{{cite press release |language=en |url=http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/1993/1993_releases/1993_release_1.html |title=It is an agile, exciting sports sedan. And by the way, it's also a Volvo! |location=Rockleigh, New Jersey |publisher=Volvo Cars of North America |website=new.volvocars.com |date=1993 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206185504/http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/1993/1993_releases/1993_release_1.html |archive-date=2017-02-06 |access-date=2017-07-07 |url-status=live}} The idea is to more widely distribute the energy in a side collision across the whole side of the car rather than having the b-pillar absorb it all. Driver and passenger seat are mounted on transverse steel rails,{{cite news |language=en |url=https://www.cars.com/reviews/los-angeles-timess-view-1420689067449/ |title=1993 Volvo 850 |publisher=Los Angeles Times |author=Paul Dean |website=www.cars.com |date=9 October 1992 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009120810/https://www.cars.com/reviews/los-angeles-timess-view-1420689067449/ |archive-date=2017-10-09 |access-date=2017-10-09 |url-access=limited |url-status=live}} not bolted to the floor as per the standard configuration.{{cite press release |language=en |url=http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/1993/1993_releases/1993_release_6.html |title=The 850 GLT: A new Volvo and more |location=Rockleigh, New Jersey |publisher=Volvo Cars of North America |website=new.volvocars.com |date=1992 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206185200/http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/1993/1993_releases/1993_release_6.html |archive-date=2017-02-06 |access-date=2017-07-07 |url-status=live}} In a side impact these transverse rails allow the seats to crush a reinforced center console designed to absorb additional energy.{{cite press release |language=en |url=http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/1993/1993_releases/1993_release_3.html|title=Volvo's innovative 850 features- four new patents |location=Rockleigh, New Jersey |publisher=Volvo Cars of North America |website=new.volvocars.com |date=1992 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206185318/http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/1993/1993_releases/1993_release_3.html |archive-date=2017-02-06 |access-date=2017-07-07 |url-status=live}}

In 1994, for the 1995 model year,{{cite web |language=en |url=http://www.volvocars.com/safety/ |title=Safety |publisher=Volvo Cars of North America |website=www.volvocars.com |date=1997 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980202013602/http://www.volvocars.com/safety/ |archive-date=1998-02-02 |access-date=2017-07-07 |url-status=dead}} the SIPS-Bag was introduced. Initially an option{{cite web |language=en |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/10/02/automobiles/driving-smart-the-first-side-impact-air-bags-how-volvo-s-system-works.html |title=The First Side-Impact Air Bags: How Volvo's System Works |author=Peter C. T. Elsworth |website=The New York Times |date=2 October 1994 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224215420/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/10/02/automobiles/driving-smart-the-first-side-impact-air-bags-how-volvo-s-system-works.html |archive-date=2017-02-24 |access-date=2017-07-07 |url-access=limited |url-status=live}} on 850 models,{{cite press release |language=en |url=http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/1995/1995_releases/1995_release_3.html |title=Volvo announces side-impact airbags - a world safety first |location=Rockleigh, New Jersey |publisher=Volvo Cars of North America |website=new.volvocars.com |date=1993 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206185227/http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/1995/1995_releases/1995_release_3.html |archive-date=2017-02-06 |access-date=2017-07-07 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |language=de-ch |url=http://www.gpbern.ch/cgi-bin/xcms/customers/28/files/Ranglisten/1995%20Ausgabe%20106_GP_web.pdf |title=Eine Beilage der Berner Zeitung BZ (Nr. 106) |trans-title=A supplement of the Berner Newspaper BZ (Nr. 106) |publisher=BZ |website=www.gpbern.ch |page=13 |date=8 May 1995 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826053549/http://www.gpbern.ch/cgi-bin/xcms/customers/28/files/Ranglisten/1995%20Ausgabe%20106_GP_web.pdf |archive-date=2016-08-26 |access-date=2017-10-09 |url-status=live}} it became standard equipment of all new Volvo automobiles beginning in 1995{{cite press release |language=en |url=http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/1995/1995_releases/1995_release_4.html |title=Volvo lights the way to safety - 100% of Volvos have DRL's |location=Rockleigh, New Jersey |publisher=Volvo Cars of North America |website=new.volvocars.com |date=1994 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206185442/http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/1995/1995_releases/1995_release_4.html |archive-date=2017-02-06 |access-date=2017-07-07 |url-status=live}} for the 1996 model year.{{cite web |language=en |url=https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/1999/IN-PE99040-NN.PDF |publisher=NHTSA |author=USDOT |website=static.nhtsa.gov |title=PE99-040 |type=ODI investigation |pages=2, 24 |date=7 June 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129201759/https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/1999/IN-PE99040-NN.PDF |archive-date=2018-01-29 |access-date=2018-01-29 |url-access=limited |url-status=live}} The system consists of a mechanically{{cite news |language=en |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/08/22/and-now-from-volvo-the-side-impact-air-bag/ |title=And Now, From Volvo, The Side-impact Air Bag |publisher=Chicago Tribune |author=Jim Mateja |website=Chicago Tribune |date=22 August 1994 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009121137/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1994-08-22/business/9408220011_1_side-impact-air-bag-volvo-spokesman-bob-austin-side-impact |archive-date=2017-10-09 |access-date=2017-10-09 |url-status=live}} activated{{cite web |language=de |url=http://www.technische-hilfeleistung.info/2014/05/20/gefaehrdungspotential-durch-mechanischen-sips-seiten-airbag-video/ |title=Gefährdungspotential durch mechanischen SIPS-Seiten-Airbag |trans-title=Dangers of mechanical SIPS side airbag |website=www.technische-hilfeleistung.info |date=20 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620205624/http://www.technische-hilfeleistung.info/2014/05/20/gefaehrdungspotential-durch-mechanischen-sips-seiten-airbag-video/ |archive-date=2014-06-20 |access-date=2017-08-04 |url-status=live}} side airbag that protects the front seat occupants torsos from hitting the cars interior.{{cite web |language=en-US |url=http://www.iihs.org/externaldata/srdata/docs/sr3104.pdf |title=Status Report Vol.31 No.4 |publisher=IIHS |website=www.iihs.org |pages=2–3 |date=4 May 1996 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413043800/http://www.iihs.org/externaldata/srdata/docs/sr3104.pdf |archive-date=2018-04-13 |access-date=2018-04-12 |url-status=live}}

In 1998, for the 1999 model year, the system was extensively redesigned. With the launch of the Volvo S80 the IC airbag,{{cite press release |language=en |url=http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/1999/1999_releases/1999_release_3.html |title=Engineering and technological innovation are hallmarks of the 1999 Volvo line-up |location=Rockleigh, New Jersey |publisher=Volvo Cars of North America |website=new.volvocars.com |date=October 1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102070956/http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/1999/1999_releases/1999_release_3.html |archive-date=2007-11-02 |access-date=2017-07-07 |url-status=live}} a curtain style airbag{{cite web |language=en |url=http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/2006/2006_S80/06s80_01b.htm |title=Airbags |publisher=Volvo Car Corporation |website=new.volvocars.com |type=Owner's manual |pages=12–14 |date=2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629095845/http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/2006/2006_S80/06s80_01b.htm |archive-date=2011-06-29 |access-date=2017-08-04 |url-status=live}} deploying from the headlining to protect the head, was added. It has since been standard equipment on all newly released Volvos.

Because of technical reasons the existing Volvo S70, V70 and C70 models were instead equipped with the SIPS-BAG II.{{cite web |language=en |url=http://www.volvogroup.com/group/global/en-gb/newsmedia/pressreleases/previous/1998/_layouts/CWP.Internet.VolvoCom/NewsItem.aspx?News.ItemId=22963&News.Language=en-gb |title=Second-Generation Sips-Bag protects both chest and head |publisher=Volvo Group |website=www.volvogroup.com |date=17 July 1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221210232/http://www.volvogroup.com/group/global/en-gb/newsmedia/pressreleases/previous/1998/_layouts/CWP.Internet.VolvoCom/NewsItem.aspx?News.ItemId=22963&News.Language=en-gb |archive-date=2015-02-21 |access-date=2017-07-07 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |language=en-US |url=http://www.iihs.org/externaldata/srdata/docs/sr3210.pdf |title=Status Report Vol.32 No.10 |publisher=IIHS |website=www.iihs.org |pages=1–3 |date=27 December 1997 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922094156/http://www.iihs.org/externaldata/srdata/docs/sr3210.pdf |archive-date= 2017-09-22 |access-date=2018-04-12 |url-status=live}}

In 2006,{{cite web |language=en |url=https://www.media.volvocars.com/us/en-us/media/pressreleases/3549 |title=All New Volvo S80: Style, Sophistication, Safety and Scandinavian |publisher=Volvo Car Corporation |website=www.media.volvocars.com |date=28 February 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302111856/https://www.media.volvocars.com/us/en-us/media/pressreleases/3549 |archive-date=2017-03-02 |access-date=2018-01-30 |url-status=live}} for the 2007 model year, the fourth generation SIPS was introduced incorporating more high strength steel, structural changes, more bracing and dual chamber sips-bags.{{cite journal | last=Jakobsson | first=Lotta | last2=Lindman | first2=Magdalena | last3=Svanberg | first3=Bo | last4=Carlsson | first4=Henrik | title=Real World Data Driven Evolution of Volvo Cars’ Side Impact Protection Systems and their Effectiveness | journal=Annals of Advances in Automotive Medicine / Annual Scientific Conference | volume=54 | date=2010 | issn=1943-2461 | pmid=21050597 | pmc=3242537 | pages=127–136}}{{cite web |language=en |url=https://www.media.volvocars.com/us/en-us/media/pressreleases/4828 |title=ALL-NEW VOLVO V70: Takes Safety to New Heights |publisher=Volvo Car Corporation |website=www.media.volvocars.com |date=1 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730234421/https://www.media.volvocars.com/us/en-us/media/pressreleases/4828 |archive-date=2018-07-30 |access-date=2018-05-24 |url-status=live}}

Notably, under Volvo's 1999-2006 tenure with Ford's Premier Automotive Group, Ford adapted the SIPS system to numerous of its vehicles, including the Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego, Freestyle, Taurus X, Flex and fifth generation Explorer as well as the Lincoln MKS, MKT. Ford marketed its system as SPACE (Side Protection and Cabin Enhancement) Architecture,''

incorporating at floor level a bolt-in hydroformed cross-car steel beam between the B-pillars directly below an identical reinforced cross-roof beam above the B-pillars to channel impact forces around rather than through the passenger cabin.{{cite web

|title = 2004 Detroit: Three new Fords have touches of Volvo: Influence shows in platform, safety

|publisher = Autoweek

|author = Richard Truett

|date = January 4, 2004

|url = https://www.autoweek.com/news/a2084761/2004-detroit-three-new-fords-have-touches-volvo-influence-shows-platform-safety/}}

File:VolvoS80cutaway.jpg|alt=Cutaway of second generation S80 showing structural reinforcements of the SIPS-system|Volvo S80 cutaway showing part of the SIPS system components

File:Volvo S80 в разрезе вид сзади Свид-Мобиль.jpg|Volvo S80 cutaway showing part of the SIPS system components

File:Volvo S80 в разрезе вид с боку Свид-Мобиль.jpg|Volvo S80 cutaway showing part of the SIPS system components

File:Volvo 850 SIPS airbag.jpg|SIPS airbag

• WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System)

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{{Volvo cars}}

Category:Vehicle safety technologies

Category:Volvo Cars