Sled test comparisons of child restraint performance

Kelleher, Barbara J.; Walsh, Michael J.

Affiliations

¹Calspan Corporation, Advanced Technology Center

Abstract

Child restraint performance in frontal and lateral crash simulations is presented and discussed based upon tests conducted on the Calspan HYGE acceleration sled. Differing acceleration pulses for frontal tests were used to evaluate the pulse shape effect upon the child restraint systems. Two types of three year old size ATDs were used and restraint systems were intentionally improperly installed in an effort to ascertain the potential hazard to the child occupant from improper installation. Data obtained include head excursion, head and chest triaxial accelerations, HSI and CSI values for the ATDs. High speed movie coverage produced dummy kinematic results.

Results of the study allow comparisons between the effects of different pulse shapes and the effects of different ATDs on restraint performance and comparisons in dynamic performance of the ATD/restraint complex under both proper and improper system installation.

FMVSS 213 and Canadian P.C. 1977-1013 dynamic performance criteria are discussed in light of the findings of this study.

This work was partially funded by Consumers Union of the U.S. and Consumer and Corporate Affairs - Canada.

Links

DOI: 10.4271/780903

SAE: 780903

Cited By (4)

Year	Entry
1986	Kahane CJ. An Evaluation of Child Passenger Safety: The Effectiveness and Benefits of Safety Seats. Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); February 1986. NHTSA Technical Report DOT HS 806 890.
1996	Chamouard F, Tarrière C, Baudrit P. Protection of children on board vehicles: influence of pelvis design and thigh and abdomen stiffness on the submarining risk for dummies installed on a booster. In: Proceedings of the 15th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). May 13-16, 1996; Melbourne, Australia.1063-1075.
1989	Weber B, Stcherbatcheff G, Brun Cassan F. Protection of children more than three years old: presentation of a concealable device integrated in a seat. In: Proceedings of the 12th International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESV). May 29–June 1, 1989; Göteborg, Sweden.76-79.
1983	Kelleher BJ, Walsh MJ, Dance DM, Gardner WT. An experimental study of the effects of child restraint improper installation and crash protection for larger size children. In: Proceedings of the 27th Stapp Car Crash Conference. October 17-19, 1983; San Diego, CA. Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers:31-51. SAE 831602.