Development and validation of a set of wheelchair finite element models in frontal, side, and rear impact conditions.

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop and validate finite element (FE) models of commercial manual and power wheelchairs, as well as related test fixtures and tiedown hardware, to provide tools for designing integrated wheelchair seating stations for automated and other vehicles.

Methods: The manual wheelchair model is based on a Ki Mobility Catalyst 5, and the power wheelchair is based on a Quantum Rehab Q6 Edge 2.0 with Synergy Seating.

Optimizing frontal impact occupant protection systems for passengers seated in wheelchairs.

Objective: The advent of automated vehicles (AVs) provides an opportunity to design integrated wheelchair seating stations that provide an equivalent level of safety for occupants using wheelchairs as those using vehicle seating. This study designed a frontal occupant protection system for an integrated second-row wheelchair seating station that includes optimized airbags and seatbelt systems.

Methods: MADYMO models were used to optimize belt geometry for a midsized male ATD seated in a surrogate wheelchair fixture, with and without inclusion of a Self Conforming Rearseat Air Bag (SCaRAB).

Child occupant safety in unconventional seating for vehicles with automated driving systems.

The objective of this study was to use computational models to study how unconventional seating positions and orientations in vehicles with Automated Driving System (ADS) may affect occupant response metrics of children with various restraint conditions. A literature review was first conducted to frame a simulation plan, including selections of surrogate ADS-equipped vehicles, potential seating arrangements, impact scenarios, anthropomorphic test device (ATD) models, and child restraint system (CRS) models that are relevant to the selected ATD models. Due to the lack of impact tests with child ATDs and CRS in farside, oblique, and rear impacts, 17 sled tests were conducted with CRS harness-restrained ATDs and vehicle belt-restrained ATDs in frontal, farside, oblique, and rear impact conditions.

A Literature Review of Wheelchair Transportation Safety Relevant to Automated Vehicles.

This literature review summarizes wheelchair transportation safety, focusing on areas pertinent to designing automated vehicles (AVs) so they can accommodate people who remain seated in their wheelchairs for travel. In these situations, it is necessary to secure the wheelchair to the vehicle and provide occupant protection with a Wheelchair Tiedown and Occupant Restraint System (WTORS). For this population to use AVs, a WTORS must be crashworthy for use in smaller vehicles, able to be used independently, and adaptable for a wide range of wheelchair types.

Dynamic metrics to differentiate booster performance.

Objective: The purpose of this research was to explore candidate booster performance metrics that may have the potential to identify less effective booster systems, because current FMVSS No. 213 booster performance requirements can be met without a booster.

Methods: To provide a more realistic test environment, dynamic testing was performed using a surrogate seat belt retractor on the most recent preliminary design update proposed for the FMVSS No.

Effects of child restraint misuse on dynamic performance.

Estimates of child restraint misuse rates in the United States range from 49% to 95%, but not all misuse modes have similar consequences in terms of restraint effectiveness. A series of laboratory sled tests was conducted to determine the effects of common misuses and combinations of misuses, including loose harness, loose installation, incorrect installation angle, incorrect belt path, loose/no tether, and incorrect harness clip usage. Three commercial convertible child restraint models were loaded with the Hybrid III 3-year-old anthropomorphic test device (ATD) and secured by either LATCH or seat belt on a modified FMVSS No.

The influence of personal protection equipment, occupant body size, and restraint system on the frontal impact responses of Hybrid III ATDs in tactical vehicles.

Objective: Although advanced restraint systems, such as seat belt pretensioners and load limiters, can provide improved occupant protection in crashes, such technologies are currently not utilized in military vehicles. The design and use of military vehicles presents unique challenges to occupant safety-including differences in compartment geometry and occupant clothing and gear-that make direct application of optimal civilian restraint systems to military vehicles inappropriate. For military vehicle environments, finite element (FE) modeling can be used to assess various configurations of restraint systems and determine the optimal configuration that minimizes injury risk to the occupant.

Factors affecting tether use and correct use in child restraint installations.

Introduction: Field studies show that top tethers go unused in half of forward-facing child restraint installations.

Method: In this study, parent volunteers were asked to use the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) to install child restraints in several vehicles to identify tether anchor characteristics that are associated with tether use. Thirty-seven volunteers were assigned to four groups.

Development and testing of a more realistic pelvis for the Hybrid III 6-year-old ATD.

Objective: Design and test a new pelvis for the Hybrid III 6-year-old (6YO) anthropometric test device (ATD) with a more humanlike bone structure, flesh contour, and flesh stiffness intended to provide more realistic interaction with belt restraints.

Methods: Target geometry for the new pelvis bone was based on a 3D model of the skeletal pelvis derived from statistical analysis of pediatric computed tomography (CT) scans. The current pelvis bone was reshaped to better match the target geometry, with a particular emphasis on the contour in the areas of belt interaction.