Mobile Crew Restraint System with Dynamic Tether and Inertia Reel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle restraint systems for mobile crew members in air, ground, and waterborne vehicles fail to provide adequate protection against impact injuries while allowing sufficient mobility to perform mission duties, as they either restrict movement or offer inadequate protection against internal compartment impacts.
Innovation Solution
A mobile crew restraint system comprising an upper and lower trolley and track system, a lockable inertia reel, and energy attenuating devices, allowing for flexible movement while ensuring the crew member is securely attached to the vehicle compartment to prevent ejection and internal impacts through a combination of tethers and a harness, with optional power retraction and energy-absorbing features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If simple tethers are used to prevent crew ejection, then crew member security is improved, but mobility is limited and impact protection against vehicle structure is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system uses a dynamic tether length mechanism with reel devices that allow the tether to extend and retract based on crew member movement needs, providing both security and mobility. The system transitions from a fixed-length tether to a dynamically adjustable length system.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint system is divided into multiple independent components including upper and lower tethers, reel devices, and energy attenuating devices. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall system performance.
2Reliability
If tether length is shortened to prevent ejection, then crew member security is improved, but access to vehicle areas necessary for mission duties is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The reel-based tether system dynamically adjusts tether length based on operational requirements, allowing crew members to access different vehicle areas while maintaining security. The system adapts to various mission scenarios rather than being constrained by a fixed length.
3Ease of operation
If crew members are left without restraint systems to maintain mobility, then ease of operation is improved, but impact protection is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
Energy attenuating devices are integrated into the restraint system to absorb impact energy before it reaches the crew member. These devices provide protective cushioning in advance of potential impact events, reducing injury risk while maintaining mobility during normal operations.
4Reliability
If seating systems are installed to provide impact protection, then crew member safety is improved, but mobility and range of motion are severely restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces fixed seating with a dynamic tether-based restraint system that adapts to crew member movement. The tether length and reel mechanisms allow crew members to move freely within safe boundaries, providing impact protection without the mobility restrictions of traditional seating.
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 system enables crew members to perform tasks freely while ensuring protection against both ejection and internal impacts, reducing the risk of severe injuries by locking into place during emergency conditions and utilizing energy-absorbing mechanisms to mitigate crash forces.
Implementation Method 1
The retractor reel is an inertia device that allows the strap to freely pay out under normal conditions, but locks when the strap accelerates rapidly to prevent crew from being ejected
Implementation Method 2
energy attenuating devices, allowing for flexible movement while ensuring the crew member is securely attached to the vehicle compartment to prevent ejection and internal impacts
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for a safety restraint system for use inside a vehicle compartment by a mobile occupant or crew member. In one preferred embodiment the safety restraint system comprises an upper trolley and track system connected to the ceiling of the vehicle compartment, a lower trolley and track system connected to the floor of the compartment, and a lockable inertia reel with an extensible strap pivotally attached to the upper trolley. The restraint system further comprises an upper tether connected at an upper end to the end of the inertia reel extensible strap, and at the other end to a harness worn by the occupant. The system may further include a lower tether connected at one end to the lower trolley, and connectable at the other end to the occupant's harness.