2022-2023

Effects of Head Restraint Interference on CRS Performance in Frontal and Side Impacts

Principal Investigator: John H. Bolte IV, PhD

This project aims to study the effects of head restraint interference on dynamic child restraint system (CRS) performance by conducting sled tests simulating frontal and far-side impacts.

2021-2022

Effects of Temperature and Humidity on Dynamic Test Components

Principal Investigator: John H. Bolte IV, PhD

This project seeks to determine how environmental conditions, specifically temperature and humidity, impact the dynamic and quasi-static response of the newly proposed FMVSS 213 bench foam. A range of acceptable temperature and humidity conditions mandated by the federal standard will be studied.

2020-2021

Shoulder Belt Interaction for Booster-Seated ATDs

Principal Investigator: John H. Bolte IV, PhD

The goal of the study is to evaluate dynamic outcomes of belt-positioning booster (BPB)-seated ATDs for various initial belt fit conditions and crash directions, in order to identify relationships between static belt fit and occupant posture with kinematic and injury outcomes during crash.

CRS Fit on Aircraft

Principal Investigator: John H. Bolte IV, PhD

This study aims to document compatibility concerns between CRS and aircraft seats and belts, including FMVSS 213 inversion test apparatus. The results will provide benchmark data for manufacturers and will develop guidelines for families who are preparing to fly with a CRS.

2017-2018

Evaluation of Variability in Five-point Harness Tightening Procedures

Principal Investigator: Julie Mansfield, PhD

CRS sled testing efforts depend on the ability of the sled protocol to produce consistent results. Small variations in test benches, seat belt tensions, ATD calibrations, and harness tensions can affect the quality of test results. One important aspect of CRS testing which has not been extensively studied is the method by which the harness is tightened, and the process of verifying that consistent harness tensions are being used across trials. The long…

Evaluation of Variability in Five-point Harness Tightening Procedures

Principal Investigator: John H. Bolte IV, PhD

CRS sled testing efforts depend on the ability of the sled protocol to produce consistent results. Small variations in test benches, seat belt tensions, ATD calibrations, and harness tensions can affect the quality of test results. One important aspect of CRS testing which has not been extensively studied is the method by which the harness is tightened, and the process of verifying that consistent harness tensions are being used across trials. The…

Evaluation of CRS and Vehicle Features Associated with Improved Top Tether Attachment Rates

Principal Investigator: Julie Mansfield, PhD

Proper use of the top tether is associated with reduced head excursion and reduction of other injury metrics in forward-facing child restraint systems (FF CRS). Even imperfect top tether attachments can still provide some degree of protection to occupants. Unfortunately, the top tether is only attached in approximately 50% of FF CRS installations. Studies indicate that large percentages of caregivers do not realize that the top tether exists, and do…

Evaluation of CRS and Vehicle Features Associated with Improved Top Tether Attachment Rates

Principal Investigator: John H. Bolte IV, PhD

Proper use of the top tether is associated with reduced head excursion and reduction of other injury metrics in forward-facing child restraint systems (FF CRS). Even imperfect top tether attachments can still provide some degree of protection to occupants. Unfortunately, the top tether is only attached in approximately 50% of FF CRS installations. Studies indicate that large percentages of caregivers do not realize that the top tether exists, and do…

Pediatric Response to Oblique Loading in Aircraft Seats with Standard and Inflatable Seat Belts

Principal Investigator: John H. Bolte IV, PhD

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that all children ride in a size-appropriate child restraint system (CRS) while onboard aircraft. As aircraft seating evolves to accommodate the safety and comfort needs of the adult population, all such changes should be evaluated to determine their impact on the pediatric population. Little data exists to ensure satisfactory performance of CRS in aircraft crashes. More data from dynamic crash…

Large Omnidirectional Child (LODC) ATD: Round Robin Testing

Principal Investigator: John H. Bolte IV, PhD

In 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated a research project to guide the development of a new pediatric ATD that would identify how to maintain the safety of children transitioning between belt-positioning boosters and standard vehicle restraints. The result of the 5-year project is the large omnidirectional child (LODC) ATD. While the LODC has undergone numerous biofidelity tests by Vehicle Research and Test…

2016-2017

Usability of Non-standard Lower Anchor Spacing for CRS Installations

Principal Investigator: Julie Mansfield, PhD

Vehicle manufacturers are under increased pressure from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to provide the option of using LATCH in the rear center position of vehicles. One possible solution to this request is to allow consumers to “borrow” the inboard lower anchor from each outboard LATCH position to create a “simulated” center LATCH position. However, these borrowed lower…

Usability of Non-standard Lower Anchor Spacing for CRS Installations

Principal Investigator: John H. Bolte IV, PhD

Vehicle manufacturers are under increased pressure from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to provide the option of using LATCH in the rear center position of vehicles. One possible solution to this request is to allow consumers to “borrow” the inboard lower anchor from each outboard LATCH position to create a “simulated” center LATCH position. However, these borrowed lower…

Survey of Car Seat Usage, Knowledge, and Attitudes

Principal Investigator: John H. Bolte IV, PhD

Despite the careful development of best practice recommendations from the child passenger safety community, high rates of child restraint system misuse exist today. This study will identify topics of greatest concern to consumers by opening the lines of communication between consumers, industry, and researchers. Specifically, the study will gauge current caregiver attitudes regarding car seat usage; identify the reasoning behind parental car seat…

2014-2015

Optimization of Recline Angle in Rear-facing Child Restraint Systems

Principal Investigator: John H. Bolte IV, PhD

Rear-facing child restraint systems (RF CRS) are designed to absorb and distribute crash forces throughout the child’s back and into the CRS. The majority of RF CRS are meant to be installed with a recline angle around 30° to 45° from vertical. However, the origins of this guideline are not clear, nor are the consequences of straying from it. The long term research goal of this study is to optimize the recline angle of RF CRS to provide optimal crash…

2012-2013

Analysis of Child Comfort in Forward-facing versus Rear-facing Child Restraint Systems

Principal Investigator: John H. Bolte IV, PhD

The long-term research goal of this project is to identify comfort level of larger, older children in rear-facing child restraints in order to support AAP and NHTSA guidelines. The specific aims of this study are: to identify variables for analyzing child seating position comfort (including parental perception); to analyze comfort and posture of young children (2-3 years old) in forward-facing and rear-facing child restraints; and to conduct a pilot…

2011-2012

Clavicle Fractures Due to Belt Loading in Rear-Seated Adolescent Occupants

Principal Investigator: John H. Bolte IV, PhD

The objectives of this research are to investigate the fracture tolerance of the pediatric clavicle through statistical, analytical, and radiological techniques. Using information obtained from crash data, the study will examine the sensitivity of the pediatric shoulder's response to belt loading in both oblique and frontal loading scenarios.

Clavicle Fractures Due to Belt Loading in Rear-Seated Adolescent Occupants

Principal Investigator: Kristy Arbogast, PhD

The objectives of this research are to investigate the fracture tolerance of the pediatric clavicle through statistical, analytical, and radiological techniques. Using information obtained from crash data, the study will examine the sensitivity of the pediatric shoulder's response to belt loading in both oblique and frontal loading scenarios.

Biomechanical Response of the Pediatric Ankle

Principal Investigator: John H. Bolte IV, PhD

Data obtained in this study will provide information on the mechanics of the pediatric ankle joint. Using data regarding the geometry, range of motion, and static/dynamic responses of the ankle, the biofidelity of child ATDs can be improved. Accomplishing a biofidelic response in the child's ankle joint will improve the response of the entire lower extremity, resulting in more accurate prediction of pediatric injury.

2010-2011

Characterization of the Pediatric Shoulder’s Resistance to Various Loading Conditions

Principal Investigator: John H. Bolte IV, PhD

The specific aim of this study is to define the dynamic response of the pediatric shoulder by non-invasively analyzing its resistance to lateral impact loading conditions.

2009-2010

Knee Injury Air Bag Risk Assessment for Children

Principal Investigator: John H. Bolte IV, PhD

This study aims to determine what risks, if any, that the knee bolster air bag introduces to front seat child occupants.