A pregnancy insert was developed for the 5th percentile Hybrid III female dummy. It consists of a urethane "uterus"-abdomen, ellipsoidal "amniotic-fluid" gel, and simulated 28-32 week fetus. Fetal head/chest acceleration and load on the uterus are measured. Thirty-nine Hyge sled tests simulated restraint conditions at 4.5-11.2 m/s. In series I, fetal and maternal responses for the recommended belt placement were compared to improper use of the lap-shoulder belts. In series II, airbag restraint conditions were simulated. Wearing the lap belt over the "uterus" or shoulder belt behind the back caused more than a three-fold increase in force on the uterus in comparison to proper belt use. Airbags further lowered forces on the "uterus", but "out-of-position" deployments caused high fetal acceleration. Proper use of the lap-shoulder belt and airbag appears to reduce the likelihood of crash injury to the unborn baby and mother. (Author/publisher).
Abstract