A study was conducted, which involved analyzing the interaction between child restraints and passenger side air bags. This was achieved with 3 series of HYGE sled tests, using the FMVSS No. 213 pulse and velocity: (1) baseline (no air bag) tests, (2) mid-mount air bag tests and (3) top-mount air bag tests. Four types of child restraints were tested (lateral car bed, rear-facing infant seats, convertible infant/toddler seats and booster seats), with 3 sizes of dummies (newborn, 9 mos. old and 3 yr. old). The vehicle seat was adjustable along a seat track. FMVSS No. 213 criteria were used solely for comparative purposes. Results indicate that the interaction between rear-facing child restraints and passenger air bags tend to produce substantial increases in the HIC and chest acceleration values compared to baseline tests. Results from forward facing child restraint/air bag tests indicate substantial reductions in HIC values for the 9-month-old dummy compared to baseline tests. Modest decreases in the HIC value were observed for the 3-year-old dummy when tested with the air bag restraints.
Child Restraint/Passenger Air Bag Interaction Analysis
1992
114 pages
Report
No indication
English