BACKGROUND: This study examines the dimensions of children's fingers and the risk of jam injuries in a 4-mm gap between glass and gasket of power-operated motor vehicle windows. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The diameter of the proximal, middle, and distal phalanx and of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joint of each finger of the right hand of 160 children was measured in a cross-sectional investigation. Six different drawings in cross section of gaskets and glass window panes of current motor vehicle side door windows at a vertical gap of 4 mm were drawn in correct proportion. The larger actual width of the oblique gap between window glass and gasket was measured and related to the diameters of children's fingers. RESULTS: Almost all fingers and joints fit in the largest actual gap of 18 mm between glass and gasket of one seal design. CONCLUSION: The European guideline 74/60/EWG specifications currently pertaining to closing force restriction do not eliminate the risk of potentially serious injury to children's fingers in motor vehicle power windows.
BACKGROUND: This study examines the dimensions of children's fingers and the risk of jam injuries in a 4-mm gap between glass and gasket of power-operated motor vehicle windows. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The diameter of the proximal, middle, and distal phalanx and of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joint of each finger of the right hand of 160 children was measured in a cross-sectional investigation. Six different drawings in cross section of gaskets and glass window panes of current motor vehicle side door windows at a vertical gap of 4 mm were drawn in correct proportion. The larger actual width of the oblique gap between window glass and gasket was measured and related to the diameters of children's fingers. RESULTS: Almost all fingers and joints fit in the largest actual gap of 18 mm between glass and gasket of one seal design. CONCLUSION: The European guideline 74/60/EWG specifications currently pertaining to closing force restriction do not eliminate the risk of potentially serious injury to children's fingers in motor vehicle power windows.
Authors: B Hohendorff; C Weidermann; K J Burkhart; P M Rommens; K J Prommersberger; M A Konerding Journal: Ann Anat Date: 2010-04-03 Impact factor: 2.698