Adjustable Lumbar Spine Assembly for Crash Test Dummies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crash test dummies face challenges in replicating the human spine, particularly with a fixed and non-adjustable lower lumbar spine, and lack integrated on-board data acquisition systems, which hinders the achievement of high biofidelity and accurate impact testing results.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable lumbar spine assembly for crash test dummies, comprising an upper and lower member connected to the thoracic spine, an upper abdomen interface, and an adjustment mechanism allowing for varying fixed joint angles, enabling simulation of human spine postures and accommodating data acquisition systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed lower lumbar spine is used in the crash test dummy, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the biofidelity is reduced due to inability to replicate human spine variability
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar spine assembly transitions from a fixed structure to an adjustable one, allowing the joint angle between upper and lower members to be modified. This enables the dummy to replicate different human spine postures (erect, neutral, slouched, super slouched) thereby improving biofidelity while maintaining manageable complexity through discrete adjustment positions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the spinal parameter (joint angle) to match varying human spine configurations. By providing four distinct angular positions, the system can change its physical parameters to reflect different seating postures, enhancing the reliability of crash test data across various conditions
2Reliability
If an adjustable lumbar spine assembly is implemented, then the biofidelity is improved through posture simulation, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar spine is divided into separate upper and lower members that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows for controlled complexity by enabling adjustment of specific segments while keeping others fixed, thereby improving biofidelity without requiring complete redesign of the entire spine structure
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable lumbar spine assembly serves multiple functions: it replicates different human spine postures, accommodates varying test conditions, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive posture simulation capabilities within a single integrated assembly
3Measurement precision
If space is allocated for on-board data acquisition systems in the lumbar spine assembly, then the measurement capability is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data acquisition system is integrated into the lumbar spine assembly structure itself, combining the mechanical support function with the electronic measurement function. This merging allows sensors and data collection components to be housed within the existing structural framework, enhancing measurement precision while avoiding the need for separate dedicated spaces that would increase manufacturing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable lumbar spine assembly for a crash test dummy includes an upper member adapted to be connected to an upper thoracic portion of a spine of the crash test dummy, a lower member adapted to be connected to a lower thoracic portion of the spine of the crash test dummy, an upper abdomen interface connected to the lower member and adapted to be connected to an upper abdomen portion of the crash test dummy, and an adjustment mechanism cooperating with the upper member and the lower member to allow adjustment of varying fixed joint angles between the upper member and the lower member.