Ejection Seat Pull Handle Linkage for Early Head-Neck Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing passive head and neck protection (PHNP) devices on ejection seats are delayed by hot gasses from the rocket catapult, increasing the risk of pilot injury during ejection due to windblast.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical mechanism is introduced to deploy the PHNP device earlier by coupling it to the ejection seat handle pull, ensuring immediate deployment upon initiating the ejection sequence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the PHNP device is coupled to the rocket catapult system, then the PHNP device can be deployed during ejection, but the deployment is delayed by hot gasses from the rocket catapult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoiddeployment delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the PHNP device deployment mechanism from the rocket catapult ignition system. A distinct pull handle initiation system with separate cables and connectors is implemented to trigger the PHNP device independently of the rocket motor deployment sequence, eliminating the delay caused by hot gasses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The PHNP device is deployed in advance of the rocket catapult ignition. The pull handle initiation system activates the PHNP device before the rocket motor fires, ensuring protection is in place before the pilot is subjected to windblast and hot gasses during ejection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a pull handle initiation system is implemented, then the PHNP device can be deployed earlier, but the system complexity increases with additional connectors and cables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment timingVSAvoidinitiation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pull handle initiation system serves multiple functions: it triggers both the PHNP device deployment and the ejection sequence initiation. The bell crank and connector system is designed to activate both protection and ejection functions through a single pilot input action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The initiation system uses a nested arrangement where the ejection pull connector is housed within the bell crank assembly, and cables are routed through structured pathways. The modular connector design allows components to be nested compactly, reducing overall system complexity despite multiple functional elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12522364B2Passive head and neck protection pull handle initiation

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC

AI summary

An ejection system is disclosed herein. The ejection system includes a seat having a seat bucket and a seat back, a passive head and neck protection device coupled to the seat back, and an ejection initiation system. The ejection initiation system includes a pull handle coupled to the seat bucket, a first connector having a first end coupled to the pull handle, an ejection sequence initiation device configured to initiate an ejection sequence, a passive head and neck protection mechanism configured to activate the passive head and neck protection device, and an ejection pull connector having a first end and a second end, the second end coupled to the ejection sequence initiation device and to the passive head and neck protection mechanism.