NHTSA’s initial evaluation of child side impact test procedures

Sullivan, Lisa K.; Louden, Allison E.

This paper details the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) initial research to evaluate potential child side impact test procedures. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 213, “Child Restraint Systems” currently only requires that U.S. marketed child restraints meet dynamic testing simulating a 48.3 kph (30 mph) frontal impact. NHTSA is evaluating test parameters and potential methodologies to replicate a representative side impact scenario that could potentially be developed into a future child restraint dynamic side impact test procedure. This paper will discuss (1) testing conducted using the side impact sled buck designed by TK HOLDINGS INC. (Takata), and (2) side impact moving deformable barrier (MDB) into vehicle crash tests, which were performed in an effort to refine sled buck test parameters. This study is limited to one generic sled test buck design concept and side impact tests involving small passenger vehicles. It was observed that the sled buck concept was repeatable and able to distinguish between child restraint system (CRS) models. The design of the CRSs’ seat back side wing is an important element for providing side impact protection, particularly when impact angles are varied. Trends in injury response values between sled and crash tests were similar for the two CRS models used in both types of testing.

Year

Entry

2007

McCray L, Scarboro M, Brewer J. Injuries to children one to three years old in side impact crashes. In: Proceedings of the 20th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). June 18-21, 2007; Lyon, France.

Year

Entry

2013

Hauschild HW, Humm JR, Yoganandan N. Injury potential at center rear seating positions in rear-facing child restraint systems in side impacts. In: 57th Annual Proceedings, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM). September 22-25, 2013; Quebec City, QC.281-295.

2011

Yoshida R, Okada H, Nomura M, Yokohashi M, Fujii C, Mizuno K, Yonezawa H, Tanaka Y, Hosokawa N, Matsui Y. Identification of head injury mechanisms of a child occupant in a child restraint system based on side impact tests. In: Proceedings of the 22nd International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). June 13-16, 2011; Washington, DC.

2011

Sullivan LK, Louden AE, Echemendia CG. NHTSA's evaluation of a potential child side impact test procedure. In: Proceedings of the 22nd International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). June 13-16, 2011; Washington, DC.