A two-dimensional fluid-filled sensor is described in deterntitring abdominal loading separately in horizontal and vertical direction on TNO-child-dummies.

It is shown that an intrusion-capable surface-pressure onto the abdomen will result in a corresponding load within the abdomen. This can be measured by a hydraulic tube package positioned on the lumbar spinc (x-direction) resp. underneath the lower thorax (z-direction) and equipped with piezo-electrical pressure sensors. A series of tests were executed to prove that the proposed device clearly discriminates the degree of abdominal loading among various child safety systems and maintains the reproducibility required with no influence on other test criteria.