TJM's Research and Development team of engineers' commitment to safety and servicing the needs of our customers is second to none. This commitment is supported by a large capital investment in extensive research, design and testing programs to ensure the TJM range of Vehicle Frontal Protection Systems ( VFPS ) - bull bars and grille guards - do not have detrimental effects on vehicle SRS Air Bag triggering systems.

TJM use the latest technology, including computer simulation and static and dynamic crash testing methods, to validate air bag compatibility. With 30 years of experience, TJM is recognised as a leading manufacturer of Air Bag Compatible VFPS within Australian and International markets. TJM is an integral member of the Australian Standards Working Committee who introduced the VFPS Standard AS. 4876.1-2002. All TJM VFPS already conform to the 2003 requirements of the Standard and we are working towards compliance with the 2005 requirements. Stay tuned to this site where we will release more information about a new advancement in mounting systems and VFPS design.

Recognising the need for public safety, TJM has played a central role in the development of the new Australian Standard which makes sure our industry considers the safety of other road users in the design of VFPS. The standard specifies that all VFPS should conform to and hug the general shape of the vehicle, complementing the considerable time and effort vehicle manufacturers spend in designing and developing vehicle aesthetics. The implementation of this standard represents the culmination of the dedication and effort of a consultative committee comprised of responsible vehicle manufacturers, industry groups, and the Pedestrian Safety Council of Australia.
 
New South Wales has proposed legislation adopting the new standard as a requirement for vehicle registration. Under the NSW legislation, any VFPS released after 1 January 2004 that is not compliant may compromise vehicle roadworthiness. With the other states also considering the same action, TJM sees this as a positive step towards greater road safety and will continue to lead the industry in standards-compliant VFPS.

The TJM range of products is designed and rigorously tested to outlast inferior quality products and supported by a generous warranty period. The quality of a TJM product will long outlast the price tag.

At our manufacturing facility we ensure every component and accessory is consistently manufactured to the highest standards. Use of Computer Numeric Control (CNC) equipment operated by a highly skilled workforce, guarantees exceptional accuracy and quality. The use of digitising equipment and 3D design techniques keeps TJM at the forefront of prototype development, from concept through to production.

TJM uses the latest in CAD software to produce and optimise product designs and to shorten development lead-times. With the aid of surface modeling and 3D capability we can produce digital design concepts in a minimum of time. Finite element analysis is used to evaluate the strength and effectiveness of components before an exhaustive amount of physical testing. Our skilled and innovative designers provide the necessary expertise in analysing all relevant data to ensure customer needs are fully satisfied.

With new materials and ever improving design processes, every new vehicle is a technological advancement presenting many new challenges. Constant innovation is a demanding task, but we at TJM welcome these challenges.

HOW DO AIR BAGS WORK ?

Air Bags are a common safety feature on many vehicles today. These inflatable devices are mounted around the vehicle cabin. Activated by sensors located at various points on the vehicle, the air bags trigger when the vehicle is involved in a major frontal or side impact collision.

CRASH TESTING

TJM has conducted extensive static and dynamic impact tests on air bag equipped vehicles. To validate the design and testing methods used, TJM has completed many vehicle crash tests with frontal protection systems installed. The on-car crash tests have confirmed TJM's design and testing methods provide a safe and effective air bag compatible frontal protection system.

PRODUCT CERTIFICATION

Only after an intensive in-house testing and 3rd party certification programme is completed is a bar complianced for installation on an air bag equipped vehicle. TJM's compliance system identifies the VFPS and details the vehicle(s) to which it can be properly installed. TJM recommends only frontal protection systems and side protection bars complianced as Air Bag Compatible for installation to Air Bag equipped vehicles.

NEW CAR WARRANTY

It has been suggested that certain new car warranties may be jeopardised by the installation of aftermarket accessories to air bag equipped vehicles. This is not the case - any warranties which apply to the vehicles under the Commonwealth Trade Practices Act cannot be excluded.

CRUMPLE ZONES & CRUSH CANS

Crumple Zones and/or Crush Cans are used in modern vehicles to provide a 'soft zone' for improved occupant protection in frontal collisions. On certain 4WDs, crash cans are installed only on air bag equipped vehicles to provide this soft zone feature.

It is interesting to note that TJM frontal protection systems have effectively been providing an extended soft zone on 4WD vehicles long before the requirements of Australian Design Rules (ADR69).

WINCH INSTALLATION and AIR BAG BARS

Recovery winches are a common addition to many 4WD vehicles, the most popular installation being with TJM's T13 and T15 VFPS. The extra mass of the winch and its location in relation to the bull bar and the vehicle frame is of particular importance when considering possible effects on air bag triggering. Fitting of the winch must not restrict the bar's mount systems from deforming under collision conditions as originally designed. TJM considers all these factors and completes extensive testing before certifying winch installation with TJM Air Bag compatible bars.

SIDE BARS and AIR BAG BARS

TJM Side Bars when attached to air bag compatible bull bars also receive careful design considerations. Only after testing is complete and the most stringent criteria met are the side bars certified for installation on air bag equipped vehicles.