These manikins represent body shape models for children weighing 9 to 23 kg in a seated posture relevant to child restraint design. The design of child restraints is guided in part by anthropometric data describing the distributions of body dimensions of children. However, three-dimensional body shape data have not been available for children younger than three years of age. These manikins will be useful for assessing child accommodation in restraints. The SBSM can also provide guidance for the development of anthropomorphic test devices and computational models of child occupants.
The sampled manikins were predicted for a range of torso length and body weight dimensions. The SBSM model was exercised for two torso lengths and nine body weights to obtain 18 body shapes. The 3D shape models can be downloaded in a standard mesh format (PLY). Each body shape is accompanied by predicted landmark locations and standard anthropometric variables.
This study evaluated the performance of a video-based intervention for improving the belt fit obtained by drivers. Previous laboratory studies have demonstrated that some drivers position their seat belts suboptimally. Specifically, the lap portion of the belt may be higher and farther forward relative to the pelvis than best practice, and the shoulder portion of the belt may be outboard or inboard of mid-shoulder.
A video was developed to present the most important aspects of belt fit best practices, with emphasis on the lap belt. The video demonstrated how a seat belt should be routed with respect to an individual’s anatomy to ensure a proper fit. The three key belt fit concepts conveyed in the video were:
1) Lap belt low on hips, touching the thighs.
2) Shoulder belt crossing middle of collarbone.
3) Belt snug, as close to bones as possible.
Additional context about the ability to achieve to good belt fit, such as opening a heavy coat or adjusting the height adjusters on the B-pillar behind the windows, were also presented.
