Anthropomorphic test device

Abstract

The present utility model relates to anthropomorphic test devices, in which electronic components are arranged to include: a pelvic member formed of a resilient material and defining an internal cavity; and a structural member formed of a rigid material, wherein the structural member is at least partially exposed to the internal cavity. The ATD further includes a spine assembly at least partially received in the internal cavity and mountable to the structural member, a first set of electronic components coupled to the pelvic assembly, and a second set of electronic components coupled to the spine assembly. The ATD includes a configuration in which the spine assembly is removable from the pelvic cavity to allow access to the second set of electronic components, wherein the second set of electronic components remain coupled to the spine assembly, and the first set of electronic components remain coupled to the pelvic assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to an anthropomorphic test device (ATD), and more specifically, to the arrangement of electronic components of an ATD pelvic assembly, wherein the electronics are accessible. Background Technology

[0002] Automobile, aircraft, and other transportation manufacturers conduct various crash tests to measure the impact of collisions on vehicles and their occupants, and to validate vehicle safety systems. Crash tests typically use anthropomorphic testing devices (ATDs), commonly known as "crash test dummies," to estimate human injury risk and simulate the biomechanical response of the human body in a collision event. ATDs must possess the basic mechanical characteristics, dimensions, mass, joints, and joint stiffness of the target human body. Therefore, ATDs are designed to replicate the size, shape, weight distribution, and joint articulation of the human body, enabling researchers and engineers to assess injury risk and improve occupant protection strategies. Furthermore, they must possess sufficient mechanical impact response similarity and sensitivity to allow ATDs to interact with the interior of the vehicle in a human-like manner.

[0003] ATD's typical pelvic components can be time-consuming to disassemble when electronic components need to be inspected, replaced, or repaired. Some pelvic components require complete disassembly to inspect, replace, or remove parts, or to remove or rotate load sensors. Utility Model Content

[0004] A pelvic assembly of an anthropomorphic testing device includes a pelvic member defining an inner cavity and a structural member formed of a rigid material and at least partially exposed within the cavity. The anthropomorphic testing device also includes a spinal assembly at least partially received within the pelvic cavity and mountable to the structural member. The anthropomorphic testing device further includes a first set of electronic components coupled to the pelvic assembly and a second set of electronic components coupled to the spinal assembly. The spinal assembly is removable from the pelvic cavity to allow access to the second set of electronic components, wherein the second set of electronic components remains coupled to the spinal assembly and the first set of electronic components remains coupled to the pelvic assembly.

[0005] This disclosure also discloses a method for accessing the first group of electronic components and the second group of electronic components from the aforementioned ATD.

[0006] This disclosure also discloses a method for accessing a second set of electronic components on the aforementioned spinal assembly, the method comprising: removing the spinal assembly from a pelvic assembly; and removing the spinal assembly from the pelvic cavity to allow access to the second set of electronic components held connected to the spinal assembly.

[0007] This disclosure also discloses a method for accessing the first set of electronic components in the aforementioned pelvic assembly, the method comprising: disengaging the one or more cover plate fasteners from the cover plate and the structural member to remove the cover plate from the structural member; and removing the cover plate from the rear opening to allow access to the first set of electronic components.

[0008] This disclosure also provides a system for designing a pelvic assembly for an ATD (Automatic Transmission Device). The system includes a computer having at least one processor, the processor including a memory. The system also includes a first software application stored on the memory and configured to create a virtual pelvic assembly. The virtual pelvic assembly includes a virtual pelvic member virtually formed of a virtual elastic material and defining a virtual pelvic cavity and a virtual inner cavity. The virtual pelvic assembly also includes a virtual structural member virtually formed of a virtual rigid material, the virtual structural member being virtually received within the virtual inner cavity and at least partially virtually exposed to the virtual pelvic cavity. The system also includes a virtual spine assembly at least partially virtually received in the virtual pelvic cavity and virtually mountable to the virtual structural member. The system also includes a first set of virtual electronic components virtually coupled to the virtual pelvic assembly and a second set of virtual electronic components virtually coupled to the virtual spine assembly. The virtual spine assembly is virtually removable from the virtual pelvic cavity to allow virtual access to the second set of virtual electronic components, wherein the second set of virtual electronic components maintains virtual coupling to the virtual spine assembly, and the first set of virtual electronic components maintains virtual coupling to the virtual pelvic assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer and better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the head component, showing its operational relationship with the ATD.

[0011] Figure 2 For including head assembly, neck assembly and spine assembly Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the image.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Front view of the spine and pelvic components.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The left-side view.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Top view.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a partially exploded perspective view of the left side of the pelvic components.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a rear view of the spinal and pelvic components.

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Another rear perspective view.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a left perspective view after the spinal assembly has been removed from the pelvic assembly.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a bottom perspective view of the spinal and pelvic components.

[0020] Figure 11 This is another bottom perspective view of the spinal and pelvic components, with the spinal component removed from the pelvic component.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a frontal perspective view of the spinal and pelvic components, with the spinal component removed from the pelvic component.

[0022] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 A partial bottom perspective view of the pelvic assembly and another bottom perspective view of the spinal assembly.

[0023] Figure 14 It is a front perspective view of the spinal assembly and structural members, with the spinal assembly removed from the structural members.

[0024] Figure 15 This is a front right perspective view of the spinal assembly and structural members, with the spinal assembly removed from the structural members.

[0025] Figure 16 Left perspective view of part of the spine assembly and Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the pelvic assembly, in which the spinal assembly is removed from the pelvic assembly.

[0026] Figure 17 Another left-side perspective view of a part of the spinal assembly and a partial cross-sectional view of the pelvic assembly, wherein the spinal assembly is fixed to the pelvic assembly.

[0027] Figure 17A yes Figure 17 The rear view section shows the spinal components removed from the pelvic cavity.

[0028] Figure 17B yes Figure 17 Another rear-view section view, in which the cut position is compared to Figure 17A The middle is further forward.

[0029] Figure 17C yes Figure 17 Another rear-view section view, in which the cut position is compared to Figure 17A and Figure 17B The middle is further forward.

[0030] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the left side of a part of the pelvic assembly, and it also shows the first set of electronic components.

[0031] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of a system for creating and evaluating a virtual ATD that includes the pelvic components.

[0032] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the virtual pelvic component.

[0033] Figure 21 This is a front perspective view of the virtual spine component that is connected to the virtual pelvic component.

[0034] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 The left-side view.

[0035] Figure 23 yes Figure 21 Rear view.

[0036] Figure 24 yes Figure 21 Top view.

[0037] Figure 25 yes Figure 21 A partial rear view.

[0038] Figure 26 yes Figure 21 A portion of the front view, in which the external elastomer component and foam insert have been removed.

[0039] Figure 27 This is a rear perspective view of the virtual spine assembly, which is disconnected from the virtual pelvic assembly.

[0040] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 A rotated view.

[0041] Figure 29 This is a side perspective view of the virtual spine component that is connected to the virtual pelvic component.

[0042] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 A rotated view.

[0043] Figure 31 This is a side cross-sectional view of the virtual spine assembly that is connected to the virtual pelvic assembly.

[0044] Figure 32 yes Figure 31 A close-up view of a portion of it. Detailed Implementation

[0045] This application relates to a pelvic assembly of an anthropomorphic testing device (ATD) whose size and shape are designed to approximate the compressive characteristics of a human sitting on the structure during crash test simulations. Simultaneously, this application relates to a pelvic assembly of an ATD including easily accessible electronic components for inspection, repair, or replacement.

[0046] Refer to the accompanying drawings and specifically to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of an anthropomorphic testing device (ATD) – also known as a crash test dummy – is generally designated 12. The ATD 12 shown is of female type and is depicted in a seated position. As will be apparent from the detailed description below, the ATD 12 shown is intended for testing or otherwise evaluating the performance of vehicle interior and restraint systems for pre-adult and post-adult occupants, and more specifically for rear-end impact testing. It will be understood that this invention can be used with any suitable type of ATD for any type of crash test. It should also be noted that the range of motion, center of gravity, and segmental mass are simulated for those human subjects defined by anthropomorphic data.

[0047] Typically, the ATD 12 includes a head assembly 13 and a neck assembly 14, the neck assembly 14 having an upper end that is mounted to the head assembly. The ATD 12 includes a spine assembly 15, which has an upper end that is mounted to the neck assembly 14. The spine assembly 15 has a lower end 28 extending into the pelvic region of the ATD 12, which is secured to a structural member 100 housed within the pelvic assembly 22, as further explained below.

[0048] The ATD 12 also includes a torso interface pin 16 that connects to the spinal assembly 15. The ATD 12 also has a pair of arm assemblies, including a right arm assembly 18 and a left arm assembly 20, which are attached to the ATD 12. The ATD 12 includes a pelvic assembly 22. The ATD 12 also includes a right leg assembly 24 and a left leg assembly 26, which are attached to the pelvic assembly 22. It should be noted that the various components of the ATD 12 are covered with polyurethane, vinyl, or silicone skin (or combinations thereof), such as muscle and skin assemblies (not shown), to improve connection with the skeletal structure of the ATD 12.

[0049] As described above, the focus of this disclosure is on accessing a first set of electronic components 210 that are attached to the pelvic assembly 22 and remain with the pelvic assembly 22 when the spinal assembly 15 is removed, and on accessing a second set of electronic components 230 that are attached to the spinal assembly 15 and removed with the spinal assembly 15.

[0050] refer to Figures 3-18The pelvic assembly 22 includes a pelvic member 40, which is hollow and defines an inner cavity 65 that allows for the inclusion of a structural member 100, shown herein as a pelvic structural member 100, designed to mimic the lower portion of the human pelvic bones to support the abdomen from below. The structural member 100 is formed of a rigid material such as metal. The structural member 100 is positioned within the pelvic assembly 22, exposing it to a pelvic cavity 66, which is also defined by the pelvic member 40. As further described below, when the lower end 28 of the spinal assembly 15 is attached to the structural member 100, the pelvic cavity 66 (also referred to as the exposed pelvic cavity 66 or more generally as the exposed cavity 66) also partially accommodates the lower end 28 of the spinal assembly 15. In some cases, the structural member 100 may be coupled to one or more further support structures 120 (i.e., additional support structures 120). Figure 3 The image shows a pair of thigh support structures 120 (i.e., simulated femurs) within the cavity 65. The pelvic assembly 22 also includes electronic components 210 and 230, which are positioned within the pelvic assembly 22 when the anthropomorphic testing device 12 is fully assembled and the spine assembly 15 is mounted to the structural member 100, as explained further below.

[0051] The pelvic component 40 is formed of a first material (such as an elastic material) and includes an abdominal region 50 and a pair of thigh regions 52, 54 (i.e., right thigh region 52 and left thigh region 54) extending from the abdominal region 50. The pelvic component 40 also includes a hip region 56 that connects the abdominal region 50 to the pair of thigh regions, wherein the hip region 56 is positioned below the abdominal region 50 and behind each of the thigh regions 52, 54. When the anthropomorphic test device 12 is positioned on a surface, the hip region 56 of the pelvic component 40 is positioned adjacent to and preferably in contact with said surface. In crash test simulations, the pelvic component 40 may be positioned on any other type of surface used in evaluating the anthropomorphic test device 12, such as a vehicle seat, a chair, or any other type of structure having a surface capable of receiving the anthropomorphic test device 12 placed thereon. As used herein, a surface may refer to any of the types of surfaces described above, and in particular the surface on which the anthropomorphic test device 12 is placed (e.g., in a seated position) for subsequent testing (e.g., crash testing).

[0052] The hip region 56 can be compressed / collapsed (i.e. simulated hip compression) to approximate the weight force exerted by a human sitting on the surface prior to a crash test. This allows the anthropomorphic testing device 12 to more closely simulate the performance of the human pelvic components under impact conditions associated with a collision, such as a collision while sitting on a vehicle seat in a vehicle like a car.

[0053] The pelvic member 40 includes an external elastomer member 60 that is typically, but optionally, covered with skin 62. In use, skin 62 may wrap around the external elastomer member 60, and thus skin 62 defines a cavity portion 64 that receives the external elastomer member 60. Skin 62 can be subdivided into an inner skin portion 62A and an outer skin portion 62B, the inner skin portion 62A further defining both an inner cavity 65 and a pelvic cavity 66 of the pelvic member 40, the outer skin portion 62B contacting a surface (such as a vehicle seat) when the ATD 12 is positioned for evaluation during crash test simulations. For ease of description below, the external elastomer member 60 may be simply referred to without mentioning skin 62, even if skin 62 is present. In embodiments without skin 62, the external elastomer member 60 defines both an inner cavity 65 receiving the structural member 100 and a pelvic cavity 66 that partially receives the lower end 28 of the spinal member 15 (when the spinal member 15 is mounted to the structural member 100). One or more openings 72 may be provided, extending through both the skin 62 and the external elastomer member 60, wherein the openings 72 are formed during the manufacture of the external elastomer member 60 by a molding process (such as molding), or may be formed after molding by a process such as drilling.

[0054] The external elastomer component 60 is formed of a first material (preferably an elastic material, such as a thermoplastic or thermosetting elastic material). An exemplary elastic material used in the external elastomer component 60 is polyurethane. The skin 62 covering the external elastomer component 60 (in use) can be vinyl skin, polyurethane skin, or some other elastic material (such as silicone skin).

[0055] The pelvic component 40 also includes an elastomer insert 80 (see...) Figure 16 and Figure 17 and Figures 17A-17C It is at least partially housed in the cavity 65 of the external elastomer member 60 and is coupled to and preferably adhered to the structural member 100 and optionally also coupled to the additional support structure 120.

[0056] The elastomeric insert 80 may be formed of the same or different material as the outer elastomeric member 60. However, preferably, the elastomeric insert 80 is in the form of a closed-cell or open-cell foam and is manufactured using a foam molding process. The elastomeric insert 80 may also define one or more openings 82 through which it passes, the openings 82 being formed during the manufacture of the elastomeric insert by a molding process (such as molding), or may be formed after molding by a process such as drilling.

[0057] More specifically, the external elastomeric member 60 with skin 62 and the elastomeric insert 80 are respectively shaped and sized such that the center of gravity of the pelvic assembly 22 (in combination with structural member 100, additional support structure 120 and any electronic components 210, 230) approximates the center of gravity exhibited by a human in the pelvic region corresponding to the pelvic assembly 22, and also approximates the compression characteristics of a human sitting in a car seat before and during crash test simulations. Compared to a pelvic assembly that does not include these features, the compression of the pelvic assembly 40 more closely simulates the corresponding hip compression of a human sitting on the same surface.

[0058] When the anthropomorphic testing device 12 is positioned on the surface, the force exerted on the surface by the weight of the anthropomorphic testing device 12 through the hip region 56 of the pelvic member 40 causes the external elastomer member 60 and the elastomer insert 80 to compress.

[0059] When the anthropomorphic testing device 12 is not seated on the surface, or when the pelvic component 40 is removed from the surface or otherwise not loaded onto the object on which it is seated by its own weight or other forms of loading force, the resilience of the external elastomer component 60 and the elastomer insert 80 allows the pelvic component 40 to substantially return to its normal shape (i.e., expand) when not seated on the surface.

[0060] As described above, when the anthropomorphic testing device 12 is in a fully assembled state, the anthropomorphic testing device 12 also includes a large number of electronic components located in the pelvic assembly 22.

[0061] These electronic components can be divided into two categories. First, there are one or more electronic components 210 (see...) Figure 17 and Figure 18 (Also interchangeably referred to as the first set of electronic components 210), which are coupled or otherwise secured to one or both of the structural member 100 or other support member 120, or otherwise positioned within the pelvic assembly 22 or secured to one or both of the structural member 100 or other support member 120.

[0062] Secondly, there are one or more electronic components 230, also interchangeably referred to as a second set of electronic components 230, which are coupled or otherwise secured to the spinal assembly 15, for example, coupled or secured to the lower end 28 of the spinal assembly (e.g., see...). Figure 14 ).

[0063] It is worth noting that, as described in further detail below, when the spinal assembly 15 is disconnected / detached from the pelvic assembly 22 and removed from the pelvic cavity 66 of the pelvic member 40 of the pelvic assembly 22, the second set of electronic components 230 remains with the spinal assembly 15. Therefore, the second set of electronic components 230 is easily accessible to the user for maintenance and replacement. In contrast, as also described in further detail below, when the spinal assembly 15 is disconnected / detached from the pelvic assembly 22 and the lower end 28 of the spinal assembly 15 is removed from the pelvic cavity 66 of the pelvic assembly 22, the first set of electronic components 210 remains connected to the pelvic assembly 22.

[0064] like Figure 17 , Figure 17B , Figure 17C and Figure 18 As shown, when the spinal assembly 15 is disconnected / detached from the pelvic assembly 22 and the lower end 28 of the spinal assembly 15 is removed from the pelvic assembly 22, the first set of electronic components 210 retained in the pelvic assembly 22 includes, but is not limited to: a six-channel digital acquisition system (DAS) 212, an angular rate sensor 214, a temperature sensor 216, an accelerometer 218, a position sensor 220, and an interface box 222.

[0065] Preferably, the first set of electronic components 210 is positioned between the outer surface 110 of the structural member 100 and the outer elastomer member 40, and is thus housed within a portion of the cavity 65. Specifically, the first set of electronic components 210 is partially housed within the cavity 65 and is accessible through one or more openings 68 (or alternatively, one or more rearward openings 68) housed in the hip region 56 of the outer elastomer member 60. In the illustrated embodiment, for example... Figure 6 and Figures 17A-17C As shown, a single rearward opening 68 is illustrated, which extends sequentially through an opening in the inner skin 62A adjacent to the first set of electronic components 210, the outer elastomer member 60, and the outer skin 62B.

[0066] In these embodiments, the cover plate 150 is positioned within the rear opening 68 and is mounted to the outer surface 110 of the structural member 100 using one or more cover plate fasteners 152 (shown as bolts 152 in the figure), such that the first set of components 210 is positioned between the outer surface 110 of the structural member 100 and the cover plate 150.

[0067] To access the first set of electronic components 210, the cover plate fastener 152 is disengaged from the outer surface 110 of the structural member 100 to remove the cover plate 150 from the structural member 110. The fastener 152 and the cover plate 150 are then removed from the rear opening 68, thereby allowing access to the first set of electronic components 210 through the rear opening 68. It is noteworthy that it is not necessary to remove the spine assembly 15 from the structural member 110 to access the first set of electronic components 210.

[0068] Back Figure 14 The second set of electronic components 230, which are connected to or preferably fixed to the lower end 28 of the spinal assembly 15, includes, but is not limited to, a battery 232 and a distributor 234. The battery 232 is reversibly connected to a mounting plate 118, which is fixed to or integrally formed with the lower end 28 of the spinal assembly 15. The distributor 234 has a plurality of mounting holes aligned with fastener openings in the spinal assembly 15 for receiving fasteners that secure the distributor 234 to the lower end 28 of the spinal assembly 15.

[0069] To access the second set of electronic components 230 on the spinal assembly 15, the spinal assembly 15 must first be removed from the structural member 100 and removed from the pelvic cavity 66 of the pelvic member 40 to expose the second set of electronic components 230 attached to the lower end 28 of the spinal assembly 15.

[0070] The spinal assembly 15 is mounted to the structural member 100 using one or more fasteners 90 (shown as bolts 90), wherein each fastener 90 is sequentially inserted through one or more openings 70, 72 in the pelvic member 40, through a corresponding opening 111 in the structural member 100 extending between the inner surface 105 and the outer surface 110 (while engaging with the structural member 100), through a corresponding opening 112 located on the inner surface 105 of the structural member 100 or in a mounting interface 114 defined by the inner surface 105 (while engaging with the mounting interface 114), and into and engages a corresponding opening 116 in a mounting plate 118, which is itself attached to or integrally formed with the lower end 28 of the spinal assembly 15.

[0071] One or more openings 70 in the hip region 56 of the pelvic component 40 preferably include one or more openings 72 of the external elastomer component 60 (and in particular openings 72 extending sequentially through the outer skin 62B, the external elastomer component 60 and the inner skin 62A), and one or more openings 82 of the elastomer insert 80 received in the cavity 65, wherein one opening 72 of the external elastomer component 70 is aligned with a corresponding opening 82 of the elastomer insert 80 adhered to the outer surface 110.

[0072] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the fastener 90 may be inserted through the opening 72 in the external elastomeric member 60 and directly through the opening 111 in the structural member 100 (and the opening 112 in the mounting interface 114), while engaging with the structural member 100 (and the mounting interface 114) without extending through the elastomeric insert 80 in the hip region 56.

[0073] Furthermore, in some other alternative embodiments, in addition to the openings 72, 82 in the hip region 56, the fastener 90 may also be inserted through an opening (not shown) in the abdominal region 50 and / or through an opening in the thigh regions 52, 54 and aligned with openings 111, 112, 116 to mount the spinal assembly 15 to the structural member 100, in a process similar to that described above. Even further still, the fastener 90 may be inserted through an opening (not shown) in the abdominal region 50 and / or through an opening in the thigh regions 52, 54, without passing through openings 72, 82 in the hip region 56, wherein the openings in the abdominal region 50 and / or through openings in the thigh regions 52, 54 are directly aligned with openings 111, 112, 116 to mount the spinal assembly 15 to the structural member 100, in a process similar to that described above.

[0074] To form an ATD 12 having a first set of electronics 210 and a second set of electronics 230 respectively connected to the spinal assembly 15 and / or structural member 100, and the spinal assembly 15 mounted to the structural member 100, the following procedure may be used.

[0075] Initially, the lower end 28 of the spinal assembly 15 has a second set of electronics 230, which is coupled to, secured to, or otherwise fixed to a mounting plate 118, which is itself coupled to or integrally formed with the lower end 28 of the spinal assembly 15. Alternatively, as an initial step in the process, the second set of electronics 230 and the mounting plate 118 can be coupled, secured to, or otherwise fixed to the lower end 28 of the spinal assembly 15 by conventional methods.

[0076] In addition, a structural member 100 is provided, preferably having an additional structural member 120 connected thereto.

[0077] Next, the pelvic component 40 is formed.

[0078] As part of forming the pelvic component 40, an elastomeric insert 80 is first formed or otherwise provided. To form the elastomeric insert 80 as a foam insert 80 according to a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, a standard molding process can be employed. In this process, a mold (not shown) is provided having an inner mold surface whose dimensions and shape correspond to the dimensions and shape of the foam insert 80. Next, a polymeric material, such as a two-component (2K) polymeric material, is injected into the mold and foamed with a foaming agent to fill the cavity portion, thereby forming the foam insert 80. The mold is opened, and the foam insert 80 is removed from the mold. Depending on the composition of the polymeric material used, any additives included, and the foaming agent, the resulting foam insert 80 can be formed as a closed-cell foam or an open-cell foam and can have different physical and mechanical properties, including but not limited to: different densities, compressive strengths, specific gravities, stiffness, resilience, etc. The formed foam insert 80 includes one or more openings 82 through which fasteners 90 extend, or one or more openings 82 can be formed after the foaming step by drilling holes at desired locations in the elastomeric insert 80.

[0079] In one exemplary embodiment, the elastomeric insert 80 is a polyurethane foam, and more specifically a flexible polyurethane foam formed using the NCFI 30-052 flexible foam system, which is described as a two-component, water-blown, polyether, all-polymer diphenylmethane diisocyanate (PMDI) based flexible foam system commercially available from Barnhardt Manufacturing Co., Aire Hill, North Carolina.

[0080] Next, the elastomeric insert 80 is adhered to the structural member 100 and optionally to the additional support structure 120. This can be accomplished by applying an adhesive (e.g., glue) to a portion of the outer surface 110 of the structural member 100 and optionally to the additional support structure 120 to which the elastomeric insert 80 is to be attached. In an alternative embodiment, fasteners (not shown) (used alone or in combination with an adhesive) may also be used to adhere the elastomeric insert 80 to the structural member 100. In the adhered state, the opening 82 in the elastomeric insert 80 is aligned with the corresponding opening 111 in the structural member 100.

[0081] Next, an external elastomer member 60 is formed and connected to the structural member 100 such that the structural member 100 is partially housed within the cavity 65 and exposed to the pelvic cavity 66, and the elastomer insert 80 is positioned within the cavity 65.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a "slush molding" process (i.e., casting process) can be used to form the external elastomer component 60 and the skin 62. In this process, a mold (not shown) is provided having an inner mold surface whose dimensions and shape are designed to accept the pre-assembled structural component 110 and the elastomer insert 80, and includes additional space corresponding to the dimensions and shape of the external elastomer component 60. The mold is filled with a polymeric material for forming the skin 62, typically a vinyl polymer or polyurethane (or a component for forming polyurethane). The vinyl or polyurethane is allowed to remain for a sufficient period of time to cure along the outer mold surface to form the skin 62 (i.e., forming a vinyl skin 62 or a polyurethane skin 62). Next, the polymeric material is injected into the mold and foamed to fill the cavity portion 64, thereby forming the external elastomer component 60. The polymeric material (i.e., the first material) may have the same composition as the polymeric material used for the elastomer insert 80 (i.e., the second material), but typically has a different composition than the polymeric material used to form the elastomer insert 80, and is typically a two-component (2K) polymeric material introduced into the cavity portion 64. Unlike the method for forming the foam insert 80, no foaming agent is used in the process of forming the external elastomer member 60, and therefore the formed external elastomer member 60 is solid, not foam. The mold is opened, and the external elastomer member 60 with skin 62 is removed from the mold.

[0083] For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the M-3130 REV 1 A / B polyurethane elastomer system, which is commercially available from BJB Enterprises in Tustin, California, is used, and the outer elastomer member 60 is formed as a solid polyurethane elastomer (i.e., unfoamed) with a Shore A hardness of 15-30.

[0084] While the external elastomer component 60 formed using the M-3130 REV 1 A / B polyurethane elastomer system has a set of desired physical and mechanical properties, other external elastomer components 60 with different physical and mechanical properties (including different densities, compressive strengths, specific gravities, stiffnesses, resiliences, etc.) can also be used. Furthermore, certain additives can be introduced into the two-component (2K) polymer material before injection molding to adjust any physical or mechanical properties as needed.

[0085] During this step, the external elastomer member 60 and the skin 62 are formed to include a rearward opening 68, and one or more of the openings 72 therein are aligned with one or more openings 82 in the elastomer insert 80.

[0086] Similar to the method of forming insert 80, opening 72 in external elastomer member 60 and skin 62 can be formed during the casting process, or openings 72 and 80 in both external elastomer member 60 and insert 80 can be formed in an additional post-forming step by means of drilling or the like.

[0087] In addition, the rear opening 68 can also be formed in a post-casting step by removing, cutting or otherwise removing material from the external elastomeric member 60 and the skin 62.

[0088] Next, and if not pre-assembled in the previous steps or not integrally formed with structural member 100, the mounting interface 114 is connected, fastened or otherwise secured to the inner surface 105 of structural member 100.

[0089] Furthermore, the first set of components 210 can be introduced through the rearward opening 68 of the external elastomeric member 60, and then secured, fastened, or otherwise coupled to the outer surface 110 of the structural member 100 corresponding to the rearward opening 68. As part of this step, the second set of electronic components can then be connected to any power cable, etc.

[0090] Next, the cover plate 150 is positioned within the rear opening 68 and is mounted to the outer surface 110 of the structural member 100 using one or more cover plate fasteners 152, such that the first set of components 210 is positioned between the outer surface 110 of the structural member 100 and the cover plate 150.

[0091] Next, the spinal assembly 15 is lowered into the pelvic cavity 66, where the second set of electronics 230 is positioned near the mounting plate 118.

[0092] Then, the spine assembly 15 is installed onto the structural member 100 by sequentially introducing one or more fasteners 90 (shown as bolts 90) through the opening 72 in the outer elastomer member 60, the opening 82 in the insert 80, the opening 111 in the structural member 100 (which engages with the structural member 100), the opening 112 in the mounting interface 114 located on the inner surface 105 of the structural member 100 (which engages with the mounting interface 114), and then into and engaging the corresponding opening 116 in the mounting plate 118.

[0093] This disclosure also describes a system 1000 that uses a software application included on a computer 1030 to create a virtual anthropomorphic test device 12' and evaluate the created virtual anthropomorphic test device 12' in a virtual crash test. Anthropomorphic test device (such as...) Figures 20-32 (As shown) is a virtual representation of the aforementioned anthropomorphic test equipment 12', including all the aforementioned features and components. Figures 20-32The diagram shows representative virtual features of the anthropomorphic test device 12', whose labels correspond to... Figures 1-18 The illustration features are marked with apostrophes.

[0094] Now for reference Figure 19 The computer 1030 used to create the anthropomorphic test device 12' may include at least one processor 1032, memory 1034, mass storage device 1036, input / output (I / O) interface 1038, and human-machine interface (HMI) 1040. The computer 1030 may also be operatively connected to one or more external resources 1042 via a network 1013 and / or I / O interface 1038. External resources may include, but are not limited to, servers, databases, mass storage devices, peripheral devices, cloud-based network services, or any other suitable computing resources that the computer 1030 may use.

[0095] Processor 1032 may include one or more devices selected from: microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, microcomputers, central processing units, field-programmable gate arrays, programmable logic devices, state machines, logic circuits, analog circuits, digital circuits, or any other device that manipulates signals (analog or digital) based on operating instructions stored in memory 1034. Memory 1034 may include a single storage device or multiple storage devices, including but not limited to: read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), flash memory, cache memory, or any other device capable of storing information. Mass storage device 1036 may include data storage devices such as hard disk drives, optical disk drives, magnetic tape drives, non-volatile solid-state devices, or any other device capable of storing information. Database 1044 may reside on mass storage device 1036 and may be used to collect and organize data used by the various systems and modules described herein.

[0096] Processor 1032 may run under the control of operating system 1046 residing in memory 1034. Operating system 1046 may manage computing resources, enabling computer program code embodied as one or more computer software applications (such as application 1048 residing in memory 1034) to have instructions executable by processor 1032. In an alternative embodiment, processor 1032 may directly execute application 1048, in which case operating system 1046 may be omitted. One or more data structures 1050 may also reside in memory 1034 and may be used by processor 1032, operating system 1046, and / or application 1048 to store or manipulate data. Software application 1048, as provided herein, includes software applications for creating virtual anthropomorphic test equipment 10' and software applications for evaluating the created virtual anthropomorphic test equipment 10' in a virtual crash test setting.

[0097] I / O interface 1038 can provide a machine interface that operatively connects processor 1032 to other devices and systems, such as network 1013 and / or external resources 1042. Therefore, by communicating via I / O interface 1038, application 1048 can cooperate with network 1013 and / or external resources 1042 to provide various features, functions, applications, processes, and / or modules including embodiments of the present invention. Application 1048 may also have program code executed by one or more external resources 1042, or otherwise rely on functionality and / or signals provided by other systems or network components outside of computer 1030. In fact, given the virtually unlimited hardware and software configurations that can exist, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention can include applications located outside of computer 1030, distributed across multiple computers or other external resources 1042, or provided by computing resources (hardware and software) as a service (such as cloud computing services) provided via network 1013.

[0098] HMI 1040 can be operatively coupled to processor 1032 of computer 1030 in a known manner to allow a user of computer 1030 to interact directly with computer 1030. HMI 1040 may include a video and / or alphanumeric display, a touchscreen, speakers, and any other suitable audio and visual indicators capable of providing information to the user. HMI 1040 may also include input devices and controls capable of accepting commands or input from the user and transmitting the input to processor 1032, such as an alphanumeric keypad, a pointing device, a keypad, buttons, control knobs, a microphone, etc.

[0099] This disclosure is described in an illustrative manner. It should be understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than restrictive.

[0100] In view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations of this disclosure are possible. Therefore, this disclosure may be implemented in ways different from those specifically described.

Claims

1. A human-like testing device, characterized in that, The anthropomorphic testing equipment includes: Pelvic components, including: The pelvic components, formed of an elastic material, define the pelvic cavity and its internal space, and A structural member made of a rigid material, the structural member being housed within the cavity and at least partially exposed to the pelvic cavity; A spinal assembly, which is at least partially received in the pelvic cavity and can be mounted to the structural member; A first set of electronic components is connected to the pelvic assembly; and A second set of electronic components is connected to the spinal assembly; The spinal assembly is removable from the pelvic cavity to allow access to the second set of electronic components, wherein the second set of electronic components remains connected to the spinal assembly and the first set of electronic components remains connected to the pelvic assembly.

2. The anthropomorphic testing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pelvic component defines one or more openings and also includes one or more fasteners, one of which extends through one of the openings for mounting the spinal component to the structural member.

3. The anthropomorphic testing device as described in any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The hip region of the pelvic component defines one or more openings for receiving a corresponding fastener from the one or more fasteners for mounting the spinal assembly to the pelvic assembly.

4. The anthropomorphic testing device as described in any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The anthropomorphic testing device further includes a mounting interface on the structural member, wherein the mounting interface is exposed in the pelvic cavity to support the spinal assembly when the spinal assembly is mounted to the structural member.

5. The anthropomorphic testing device as described in any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The anthropomorphic testing device further includes a mounting plate that is coupled to the spinal assembly for mounting the spinal assembly to the structural member.

6. The anthropomorphic testing device as described in any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The pelvic component further includes: An external elastomeric member further defines the inner cavity; and An elastomeric insert is positioned within the cavity between the external elastomeric member and the structural member, wherein the elastomeric insert is coupled to the structural member.

7. The anthropomorphic testing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pelvic components include: Abdominal region A pair of thigh areas, and The hip region connects the abdominal region to each of the pair of thigh regions.

8. The anthropomorphic testing device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The hip region of the pelvic component defines one or more posterior openings that allow access to the first set of electronic components when the spinal assembly is installed onto the pelvic assembly or when the spinal assembly is removed from the pelvic assembly.

9. The anthropomorphic testing device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The anthropomorphic testing device further includes a cover plate disposed in the rear opening, and One or more cover plate fasteners engage the cover plate and the structural member to mount the cover plate to the structural member, wherein the second set of electronic components is positioned between the structural member and the cover plate. The cover plate can be removed from the structural member to allow access to the second set of electronic components within the rearward opening.

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