Citation

Bastiaanse JC, Maltha J, Tak AGM. Proc. IRCOBI 1982; 10: 241-255.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1982, International Research Council on Biomechanics of Injury)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

An evaluation of the dynamic test requirements of the ECE 44 child restraint regulation is made, based on 1 1/2 years of experience with a wide variety of child-restraint systems in about 450 tests. The performance of current "state of the art" child-restraint concepts is discussed, the conclusion being that most current designs need substantial modifications to fulfil the ECE 44 requirements. There is a problem with the seats using adult 3-point belts as regards the chest acceleration tolerances. The padded shield-type seats with lap belts, on the other hand, have a tendency to exceed the maximum head excursion limit of 550 mm. Most systems using belts show abdominal penetration, often resulting in a submarining. The regulation is found to be very restrictive, which could lead to overcomplicated systems likely to be rejected by parents. A cause of the difficulty can be the seat cushion of the ECE 44 bench seat which seems to be too soft. Some improvements to the dummies and the abdominal penetration measurements is discussed. Measurement of head accelerations is proposed because of the possibility of head contacts with certain types of restraint systems. (Author/TRRL)