Development of Virtual Toddler Fit Models for Child Safety Restraint Design

Abstract

The design of child restraints is guided in part by data on the size and shape of child occupants. This study presents for the first time statistical body shape models for children weighing 9 to 27 kg (20 to 60 lb) in a seated posture relevant to child restraint design. A laboratory study was conducted with 47 child participants, ages 12 to 48 months. Standard anthropometric dimensions were taken and whole-body surface scans were conducted in a range of postures. A three- dimensional coordinate measurement system was used to record body landmarks. The body surface data were analyzed using novel template fitting methods to obtain homologous meshes for each participant in a standardized seated posture. Data from the current study were combined with data from a preceding study to obtain body scans from 68 children. Principal component analysis and regression were used to develop a statistical body shape model (SBSM). The SBSM was exercised to create 18 manikins representing children with long and short torsos at body weights ranging from 20 to 60 lb. These manikins will be useful for assessing child accommodation in restraints. The SBSM can provide guidance for the development of anthropomorphic test devices and computational models of child occupants.