Abstract: | The use of child seats reduces the risk of injuries to children in automobile accidents. However,many current child seats provide poor protective effect due to improper structural design. In this study, a child restraint system (CRS) model, including a sled seat, a typical child seat, a five-point seat belt and the P3child dummy, was developed based on MADYMO. The model was validated by comparing the dummy''s motion trajectory and injury metrics with the results of the frontal impact sled tests conducted in accordancewith GB 27887. The results show that the developed CRS model can reflect the real vehicle collision process with a high degree of accuracy. In order to solve the issue of excessive deformation in the upper part of the seatback during a collision, an improved design strategy was proposed which involves installing a reinforcing plate on the deformation region and creating holes at the bottom of the seatback. The performance of the improved design strategy in protecting the child under different acceleration conditions for frontal collisions was evaluated based on the validated CRS model. The results show that the improved strategy can effectively reduce the amount of deformation in the seatback without increasing the seat mass. It ensures the structural integrity of the seat and the child''s safety during a collision, thereby achieving the expected protective effect. This study provides useful guidance for the design and improvement of new child seats. |