Adjustable Spine Joint Assembly for Crash Test Dummies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) face difficulties in adjusting torso angles due to cumbersome designs, lack of support during adjustment, and frequent damage, which hinders accurate simulation of human range of motion in crash testing environments.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable spine joint assembly with a self-locating mechanism, featuring a center pivot bolt and ball plungers with detents, allows for precise rotational movement and secure positioning of the torso, addressing the need for user-friendly and durable adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a teeth design concept is used to adjust torso angles, then the design offers simplicity, but the angle adjustment is cumbersome and requires complete disengagement of the two halves
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable spine joint assembly is divided into an upper member and a lower member that can be independently adjusted. The upper member includes an upper portion connected to the upper thoracic spine and a lower portion connected to the lower thoracic spine, allowing segmented adjustment of torso angles without complete disengagement of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint assembly incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism with a movable upper member that can be repositioned relative to the lower member. This allows the torso angle to be dynamically adjusted during operation rather than requiring static reconfiguration or complete disassembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the two halves of the teeth design are completely disengaged for adjustment, then angle adjustment is possible, but no support is provided to the ATD torso and it tends to fall all the way down
Solution Approach 1:
The upper member includes a support structure that is preliminarily positioned to prevent the torso from falling completely downward before adjustment is completed. This preliminary support maintains stability during the adjustment process, allowing technicians to reposition the torso without it collapsing.
Solution Approach 2:
A support element acts as an intermediary between the upper and lower members, providing temporary stabilization during adjustment operations. This intermediary component prevents the torso from falling while still allowing the necessary angular adjustments to be made.
3Device complexity
If the existing ATD torso is used without position locating features, then the design is simple, but alignment during adjustment is difficult and the teeth are frequently damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The joint assembly incorporates self-aligning features such as positioning ribs or guide elements on the upper and lower members that automatically align the components during assembly and adjustment. This self-service alignment mechanism prevents misalignment damage to the teeth without requiring complex external alignment tools or procedures.
4Device complexity
If a teeth design is used for angle adjustment, then the mechanism is simple, but frequent damage occurs to the teeth during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism transitions from a static teeth engagement system to a dynamic system where the upper member can be smoothly repositioned relative to the lower member. This dynamic design reduces impact loads and prevents the frequent tooth damage associated with rigid teeth-based adjustment mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adjustable spine joint assembly enhances the biofidelity of ATDs by enabling precise torso angle adjustments, providing support against gravity and reducing damage, thus improving the accuracy and reliability of crash test data.
Implementation Method 1
a center pivot bolt pivotally connected to the lower member and the upper member to allow rotational movement therebetween
Implementation Method 2
The adjustable spine joint assembly also includes a self-locating adjustment mechanism cooperating with the upper member and the lower member to allow adjustment between a plurality of fixed joint angles between the upper member and the lower member
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable spine joint assembly for a crash test dummy includes an upper member adapted to be operatively connected to an upper thoracic portion of a spine of the crash test dummy, a lower member adapted to be operatively connected to a lower thoracic portion of the spine of the crash test dummy, a center pivot bolt pivotally connected to the lower member and the upper member to allow rotational movement therebetween, and a self-locating adjustment mechanism cooperating with the upper member and the lower member to allow adjustment of a plurality of fixed joint angles between the upper member and the lower member.