An abdominal penetration detector for TNO child dummies

The TNO child dummies that are used in the ECE Regulation 44 test on child restraints use compression of a block of modelling clay as a means of detecting abdominal penetration. However, articulation of the dummy without abdominal penetration during the test can deform the clay and it is sometimes difficult to establish unequivocally whether penetration has occurred. Two alternative detectors were made and evaluated; an electrical event switch and a mechanical event detector. Both methods proved satisfactory and, because of its low cost and relative simplicity, the latter, based on polythene bubble film was developed further. This report describes the development of the detector and some dynamic tests in which it was used. The method for converting the TNO child dummies for use with the bubble film detector, the procedure for use and the specification for the bubble film are given in the Appendix. (A)