The list of security systems in any car starts with seat belts. They allow minimizing harm to the he alth of the driver and passenger at the time of the collision. However, from the point of view of the child's safety, such a system is not only useless, but can also aggravate the situation, causing even more damage. At least when it comes to young passengers who have not reached adolescence. To date, the most effective means of safety in such cases is the Isofix child seat, which is installed using a special mechanism. It would be wrong to say that this is the only system designed to keep children safe in the car. But in terms of reliability, there are simply no worthy alternatives to it at the moment. The devices closest to it in terms of their qualities are only variations of the Isofix system.
Fixation system device
The mechanism includes two U-shaped metal loops and a pair of locks corresponding to them in size. As a result of fastening these elements, a reliable fixation of the child seat is formed. At the same time, the Isofix child seat attachment system provides for the installation of loops onpower frame of the machine. In turn, the locks are located on car seats.
Most modern cars are equipped with such devices as standard. In many countries, the presence of mounts has become a prerequisite for the release of the model on the market. Another thing is that car owners must independently purchase Isofix child seats to use fasteners. By the way, not so long ago, models of the domestic AvtoVAZ began to be equipped with clamps of this design.
Mechanism benefits
It's worth starting with the main advantage of the system - reliability. Steel is used in the manufacture of the structure, which practically eliminates the risk of deformation of the mechanism under high physical stress in the cabin. In addition, the very approach to fixation leaves no room for sudden movement of the body and head of the child at the time of the accident. Another important advantage that the Isofix car seat has is ease of use. Despite the rigid fixation of the seat, to dismantle it, it is enough to perform a simple movement - push the structure along the guides. Further characteristic clicks will confirm the correctness of the installation.
By the way, the method of installation is another advantage of such systems. They minimize the risk of installation errors. Unlike carrycots, which can be used in the same system with conventional seat belts, Isofix child seats cannot be installed incorrectly - a well-thought-out mechanism provides only one positiondevice elements in a docked state.
Isofix system with Top Tether strap
To increase the safety function, some manufacturers include the so-called anchor strap (Top Tether) in the design of the chair. With its help, the chair is kept from a sharp nod forward during frontal impacts. Usually in such situations there is a whiplash effect. In turn, Isofix child seats with Top Tether prevent the risk of injury from such impacts. However, it is important to note that not all vehicles can be equipped with an anchor belt. If it can be combined with almost any seat, then special devices are provided for cars, also associated with the body. As a rule, these are European models, as American cars use Latch mechanisms.
At what age are Isofix child seats suitable?
This type of fastening system can be used to ensure the safety of children under 18 years of age. But, as a rule, they are still used for young passengers under 12 years old. That is, the lower bar is completely absent. The classification of seat models is determined by the weight of the child. So, there are versions designed for weights up to 10, 13, 18 and 36 kg. Child seats are selected in the Isofix car and taking into account additional features. For example, for the younger categories, models with sleep / wake modes, tables and various accessories are provided. There are also more serious structural additions. In particular, it is possible to provide a special platformto install the seat using the Isofix system. Such designs increase the reliability and stability of the seat. If you plan to integrate the locking mechanism into the machine design as an option, then this choice will be optimal.
Isofix car seat quality criteria
Specialists evaluate the car seats of this system according to several criteria, among which are: safety, care requirements, comfort and ease of installation. With regard to safety, this criterion takes into account the ability of the device to prevent side and frontal impacts. The function of the head restraint and the stability of the model are also evaluated here. Care requirements generally depend on the materials of the Isofix child seat and how easy it is to clean. The level of comfort is determined by the padding material, the shape of the seat itself, the presence of a rib cushion and the view allowed for the child. The ease of use of the seat implies not only ease of installation, but also the possibility of transforming the design of the model and the technique of fastening the passenger.
Conclusion
Despite all the advantages of this mounting system, not all motorists decide to use it. This is explained, rather, not by negligence, but by the high cost of such devices. Even in the middle segment, a child seat with an Isofix mount costs at least 5 thousand rubles. If we turn to cheap models, then the result will be appropriate, andExperts do not recommend saving on safety in a car. In addition to the safety function, such seats also allow you to save time on the device of the child in the cabin and better organize the procedures for his care on the road. That is, the benefits of Isofix chairs go far beyond safety tasks.
