THE FRONTAL IMPACT PERFORMANCE OF A SAMPLE OF CURRENT UK CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS WHEN MOUNTED IN CAR BODY SHELLS

The current generation of framed Child Restraint Systems (CRS), when used by children in cars, are commonly attached to the structure by lap and diagonal automatic seat belts. In order to conform to ECE R44 (the European regulation) these systems are dynamically tested in simulated vehicle frontal impacts using a standardised test seat, anchorage positions, with static lap and diagonal belts. However when used in cars, the value of certain parameters may differ from those in the compliance tests. This study assesses the performance of a sample of current UK CRS in car body shells, mounted on a sled, compared with baseline CRS performances. All tests were based on the standard ECE R44 impact pulse. Differences in initial webbing tension and stiffness and belt anchorage geometry are shown to result in changes in performance of the CRS. Comments are made regarding the influence of seat cushions. As a result of this study some modifications to the current test procedure are proposed. (A)

• Corporate Authors:

  TRL

  Crowthorne House, Nine Mile Ride
  Wokingham, Berkshire  United Kingdom  RG40 3GA
• Authors:
  • ROY, A P
  • ROBERTS, A K
• Publication Date: 1994

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 11 p.
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: 94-S10-W-12

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Children; Conferences; Crash tests; Design; Evaluation and assessment; Frontal crashes; Manual safety belts; Seats
• Uncontrolled Terms: Front
• ITRD Terms: 1243: Car; 1758: Child; 8525: Conference; 9011: Design (overall design); 9020: Evaluation (assessment); 9025: Front; 1640: Head on collision; 1648: Impact test (crash); 1476: Safety belt; 1388: Seat (veh)
• Subject Areas: Design; Research;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00671240
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: TRL
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Jan 24 1995 12:00AM