A Preliminary Look at Occupant Sensing and Child Restraints

Wendy Pewinski; Kevin Ventura; John Sadek

doi:10.4271/2001-01-0163

2001-03-05

A Preliminary Look at Occupant Sensing and Child Restraints 2001-01-0163

Manufacturer supplied child restraint systems were positioned on a current production automotive seat. Data were collected to determine current footprint pressure data plots. Based on these data, two easily identifiable footprint configurations were developed in the investigation of reproducible sensor mat classifications based on a common footprint. Testing for visual comparison and procedural confidence was carried out using both the normal and modified configurations.

The completed prototypes were subsequently tested in a seat outfitted with an occupant classification sensor for learning and system verification capability. Data were collected in four scenarios; a 0,15, 30, and 45 degree skew across the seat cushion centerline for all three footprint configurations. Each scenario was incrementally loaded at 9.1, 13.6, and 18.2 kg (20, 30, and 40 lbs.).

This preliminary investigation showed that although more testing and collaboration needs to take place, the mat type sensing system has the potential to characterize the base, or footprint, of a child restraint system. Additionally, it is suggested that efforts continue to realize an industry communization to reduce test complexity and thus program development validation costs.

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A Preliminary Look at Occupant Sensing and Child Restraints 2001-01-0163

SAE MOBILUS