The effect of a Pretensioner and a Load Limiter on a HIII 6Y, Seated on Four Different Types of Booster Cushions in Frontal Impacts

Over the years, vehicles have become stiffer and front occupant belt pretensioners and load limiters have become standard, showing great benefits in terms of compartment intrusion and injury values. While vehicle safety for children has also increased, there is limited research showing how, with today's stiffer cars, child safety could be improved by introducing pretensioners and load limiters in the rear seat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of pretensioners and load limiters for a HIII 6y anthropometric dummy seated on three different aftermarket booster cushions (with and without backrest) and on one integrated booster cushion. The results showed that adding a pretensioner and a load limiter to a standard retractor reduced loading of the head, neck and chest for all tested booster cushions. The integrated booster cushion offered the best protection. Real life data have shown a reduction of abdominal injuries when using booster cushions compared to seat belt use alone. There are, however, misuse problems with the aftermarket booster cushion where they are either not used at all or incorrectly used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of pretensioners and load limiters regarding chest, head and neck injuries to children in frontal impacts. The method used was sled tests where a HIII 6y was seated on aftermarket/integrated booster cushions.