A Methodology for Child Safety Seat Design

Abstract

Government legislation, with greater emphasis on product safety especially in children's products, has brought about a need for a better understanding of the product development cycle. The distinctions among the disciplines in product design no longer have relevance when a product such as a children's safety seat for automobiles must meet both federal safety requirements and consumer acceptance. In using a systems approach not only was the anatomy and well being of the child considered, but the driving and seating habits of the parents were also studied. This information coupled with an anthropometric survey of children provided significant design information. The results of this design process was a single child's safety seat which can accommodate children from six months to forty-two months as opposed to current models which can accommodate only a portion of this age span.