Emira harnessbar Dev: Part 4

 Our QUADloc harnessbar has approx 1.25" of height adjustability.  The two anti-rotation mechanisms offer enough adjustment to make this possible.

Based on Schroth's recommendations for belt orientation, we will be compliant for the vast majority of drivers.  Interestingly enough, torso length is the critical measurement as overall height is not relevant.  We have had clients with very short legs but very long torsos.  These folks can sit very high in a seat.  We also have seen the opposite - clients with long legs and short torso.

Fine tuning the fitment will quite easy for clients and does not require advanced mechanical skills.

We the angle for the belt with the bar in the lowest position.  The driver is a 6ft guy and the belt angle is at -10.5deg.  This is within the 0-20deg spec.  If the bar were to be raised, we could reduce the angle even further.  

Emira Harnessbar Development Part 3

Love this version!

 

We have successfully test fit the latest version of our QUADloc harnessbar for the Emira.   Overall I'm pleased with it but we are going to add an additional gusset to the outer tabs to make that portion super strong.

I did some math on our Anti-Rotation mechanisms:

1. Primary anti-rotation: 1 on each side (two total)
• Each of the bolts that secure this mechanism will take 29,000lbs of force
• Total strength = 58,000lbs of force
2. Secondary anti-rotation = 1 on each side (two total)
• Total strength = 6,000 lbs

With two 180lb people in the car, wearing harnesses, they would exert approx. 5,400lbs onto the QUADloc bar  in a 30g crash.  Our QUADloc will restrain up to 64,000lbs.  I’m confident it will not rotate!

We also confirmed our adjustability that eases installation works as expected.  This will be a very easy bar to install thanks to the split main bar.  It will also ship very easily.

We are now finalizing the costs to manufacture along with the final weights.  

Emira Harnessbar Development

 We have test fit the second proto bar in the car.  I had a brainstorm during my trip to Japan -  jet lag fueled!   We will have two anti-rotation mechanisms in our QUADloc bar.  I decided that the primary mechanism will change in form from a bracket to a bar.  This bar will feature a cam mechanism that will allow the bar to lock into the car more securely.  We prototyped this bar and test fit it into our bar.  It works really well and will play an integral role is saving the rear shelf space.  

Additionally, we confirmed that we have full seat travel with the bar.  This will be great for the tall folks out there!

We should have the third and final prototype into the car this coming week.  Once we confirm fitment, we will move forward into production....and reveal our innovations to the community.
 

Emira Harnessbar

Driving a Lotus on track is something that is a joy. But for some of us, a harness to hold us in the seat, becomes an important upgrade to really feel in control.  But safety drives our designs and we strive to produce products that not only work properly but also meet our clients needs.

We have begun designing a new harness bar for the Emira.  Our goal is to create one that:

1. Safe
2. Will be easy to fit
3. No modifications to the car
4. Preserve rear shelf space
5. Light

We have been designing proper harness bars since 2004 for Lotus cars. We were the first to offer a solution for the S2 Elise/Exige in the US.

We created one for the S1 Evora and have created them for other cars like the Alfa 4C.

We understand the safety requirements for this type of product as we work closely with Schroth USA owner, Joe Marko. Joe has guided us over the years to advise us of the latest safety practices. This helps when we are unable to crash test our products!  Joe's advice caused us to make improvements to our first two Elise bars.

We all understand that anything less than a full cage, 6pt harnesses and race seat is a compromise but if it is done well, a safe solution can be created. We know most weekend warriors need a solution that still allows them to enjoy their cars on the street.

Our bar will be quite innovative and easier to fit. Ours will be safe but also light and bolt-in with NO modifications needed. Our bar will offer more shelf space behind the seats than other options.

Here is a picture of the first prototype - this is far from the final design but gave us what we needed to further flesh out our concepts.