World’s first child seat with airbag
A UK company has created the world’s first commercial baby seat, with built-in airbags.
European childcare company Maxi-Cosi has developed the world’s first baby seat with inbuilt airbags. Called the Maxi-Cosi AxissFix Air, the seat has two protective bags integrated into the straps. The design of the seat means that in the event of an accident, the child’s neck and head are enveloped in a cushion.
Source: Maxi-Cosi
55% safer than traditional forward-facing seats
Compared with traditional car seats, the AxissFix Air is up to 55% safer. The system will go a long way to protecting children, as 5,000 youngsters are seriously hurt in car accidents globally every day. It isn’t currently on sale in Australia, but Maxi-Cosi does have an outlet here.
For ages four-months to four-years
The airbag-equipped seat is intended for children old enough to travel facing forwards, as well as for rear-facing youngsters aged four months to four years. The seat has a height stipulation of 61cm to 105cm. Built into the seat base is a 360° swivel allowing for different configurations and easier securing of your child.
How does it work?
Within 0.015 seconds of detecting a crash, the system activates through sensors in the ISOFIX attachment points. 50 milliseconds after the impact, a CO2 cartridge inflates the airbags with cool air, cushioning the head and neck before deflating after a second, when the initial impact subsides. Engineers worked with a French mobile airbag specialist to develop and test the AxissFix Air car seat range.
For extra protection, Maxi-Cosi incorporates a 7-position headrest with high absorption foam and five-point harness.
Inspired by motorcyclists and aircraft
Charles de Kervénoaël, President of Maxi-Cosi’s parent company, Dorel Juvenile, said airbags for motorcyclists and small aircraft passengers inspired the innovation.
"As a market leader, we consistently innovate to ensure that children travel in cars as safely as possible. We have been exploring how we could better protect a child's head and neck in forward-facing car seats. Successful applications in airbag technology inspired us, such as the airbag jackets for motorcyclists and airbag seatbelts in ultralight aircraft that inflate during a collision. The introduction of our Maxi-Cosi Air Safety technology® underlines our mission to Care For Precious Life."
Buying a safe car
Recent research suggests that rusting vehicles are less safe. In a car accident, your body is subjected to extreme forces and pressure. If you own an older vehicle, find out how well it performs in crash testing with the Used Car Safety Rating scheme.
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