Test dummy for a seat and device for testing a seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test dummies for vehicle and aircraft seats lack the ability to simulate adjustable seat positions and realistic load distributions, making it difficult to assess the resilience and load effects on seats during various adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part test dummy with articulated elements, including a back, buttock/thigh, and calf section, featuring a shell structure with a semi-open design to accommodate support structures and adjustable weight units, allowing for simulation of different body dimensions and load profiles, and the ability to test seat resilience across multiple positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional solid test dummy is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to simulate adjustable seat positions and realistic load distributions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The test dummy is divided into multiple articulated segments (head, torso, pelvis, thighs, calves, feet) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the dummy to simulate various human postures and seat positions while maintaining a manageable overall structure through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The test dummy incorporates dynamic elements including articulated joints with adjustable ranges of motion, movable support structures, and reconfigurable positioning mechanisms. These dynamic features enable the dummy to adapt to different seat positions (TTL, comfort, bed positions) and simulate realistic load distributions throughout the adjustment cycles
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-weight test dummy is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ability to simulate different body dimensions and load profiles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The test dummy employs adjustable parameters including variable weight configurations through removable weight units, modifiable segment lengths, and configurable joint ranges of motion. These parameter changes allow simulation of different body types and load profiles without requiring multiple complete dummy designs, balancing manufacturing simplicity with simulation versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The test dummy incorporates removable and reconfigurable components such as detachable weight units, interchangeable support structures, and repositionable articulation elements. These components can be discarded from one configuration and recovered for use in another, enabling efficient testing of multiple body dimensions and load profiles with a single dummy system
3Measurement precision
If load measurement devices are integrated into the test dummy, then load distributions can be measured, but the device complexity and measurement accuracy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement devices are merged with the structural elements of the test dummy, with load cells and sensors integrated into the articulated joints and support structures. This integration allows load distribution measurements to be taken directly at critical points without adding separate external measurement equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a test dummy (1) for a seat (10), in particular an adjustable one, comprising at least three test elements (2 to 4) articulated to one another, wherein a first test element (2) is configured as a back element (R), a second test element (3) as a buttock element (G), and a third test element (4) as a calf element (W), and wherein each test element (2 to 4) has a shell structure (2.2 to 4.2), each shell structure (2.2 to 4.2) being configured to detachably receive a support structure (2.1 to 4.1). The invention further relates to a device (11) for testing a seat (10).