SAFE DECELERATION OF INFANTS IN CAR CRASHES

The most important biomechanical characteristics of infants from birth to about six months are compiled in view of the development of adequate restraining devices for this group. Conventional engineering approaches are discussed, along with a new method called a swinging bed. The long axis of the shell of this bed is placed perpendicular to the main axis of the vehicle on the rear seat. The top of the shell is attached at both sides by a strap to the vehicle frame, for example by an adult seat belt. As the center of gravity of the shell plus infant is below the attachment points, the shell turns in a frontal crash. This transfers the impact load over a large area of the infant and also reduces the duration of maximal impact for each area element.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Proceedings of 20th Conference, Dearborn, Michigan, October 18-20, 1976.
• Corporate Authors:

  Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

  400 Commonwealth Drive
  Warrendale, PA  United States  15096
• Authors:
  • Von, WHF
  • Czernakowski, W J
• Conference:
  • Stapp Car Crash Conference Proceedings
• Publication Date: 1976

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 545-556

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Biophysics; Child restraint systems; Crashes; Deceleration; Impact studies; Infants; Restraint systems; Safety equipment; Traffic crashes
• Uncontrolled Terms: Motor vehicle accidents
• Old TRIS Terms: Infant deceleration; Passenger restraints
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00164962
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Report/Paper Numbers: Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 18 1978 12:00AM