Date of Award

2016

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.Sc.

Department

Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering

Keywords

Child Safety

Supervisor

Altenhof, William

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

This research focuses on the development of a child restraint system installation-aid device (CRSIAD) for the purpose of mitigating child safety seat misuse in terms of installation. A geometric study was performed base on surveying dimensions of currently existing child safety seat products. Material property experiments were conducted to develop an anisotropic wood material model for the CRSIAD in order to virtually evaluate device stress levels. Finite element analysis (FEA) of both the material model and CRSIAD were performed in comparison with lab test data to validate structural performance. The CRSIAD was then fabricated and finalized after multiple design iterations for geometry and components based on in-car testing. User satisfaction survey and professional review by certified CRS installation personnel were completed to ensure the value of CRSIAD as well as provide feedback for future improvements. From the testing results and user feedbacks, the CRSIAD was believed to be an important contribution towards the improvement of child safety in vehicles.

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