Search Results

This paper describes usability trials conducted to determine the ease of use and incidence of misuse of four alternative child restraint/vehicle attachment systems compared to the current system attached via the vehicle seat belt and a top tether. The accuracy of use of each of the alternative systems was significantly higher than the conventional system, and the 76 participants reported they were much easier to use. Systems which utilise the ISOFIX pins were used without difficulty by participants who had no prior experience with this concept. The systems which depend on the users to tighten side straps on the child restraints were improperly installed more frequently than the ISOFIX pin systems.

This paper describes the development of an interface system for attaching infant and child restraints and booster cushions to passenger vehicles. The resulting prototype, known as CANFIX is based on the ISOFIX concept which was conceived in Sweden. The CANFIX design comprises two rear attachments to be secured to two anchorage points located behind the vehicle seat bight. In forward-facing child restraints, the CANFIX system also includes the tether anchorage feature. The results of preliminary dynamic testing of three CANFIX modified restraint systems are presented in the paper with the results of tests to examine the compatibility of the CANFIX system with current vehicle seats.