Resilient Flange Coupling for Anthropomorphic Test Device Abdomen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anthropomorphic test devices, or crash test dummies, experience separation issues between the abdomen component and the base member during collision testing, leading to unhuman-like responses and improper flesh/mass coupling.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring a resilient flange coupled to the base member, which engages the abdomen component to resiliently retain it, minimizing or preventing separation issues and providing a more human-like response during collision testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flesh is split at the joint to facilitate assembly/disassembly and handling, then ease of operation is improved, but separation problems occur between the abdomen component and base member flesh during collision testing
Solution Approach 1:
The abdomen component is nested within the base member flesh, with the abdomen component having a tapered geometry that allows it to be inserted into and retained by the base member. The narrower first portion fits within the base member cavity while the wider second portion extends outward, creating a nested configuration that prevents separation during collision testing while maintaining assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The abdomen component employs a tapered geometry with varying cross-sectional dimensions along its length. The first portion has a smaller cross-section that fits within the base member, while the second portion has a larger cross-section that provides engagement surface. This parameter variation enables both easy assembly and reliable retention under collision loads.
2Ease of manufacture
If a large offset or separation is created in the flesh between the abdomen component and base member, then assembly is simplified, but improper flesh/mass coupling occurs resulting in unhuman-like response
Solution Approach 1:
The abdomen component is designed to be nested within the base member flesh cavity, with the first portion fitting inside and the second portion extending outward. This nested arrangement ensures proper flesh/mass coupling is maintained throughout the collision event while still allowing for simplified assembly through the tapered insertion geometry.
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 coupling design effectively minimizes separation issues between the abdomen component and the base member, resulting in a more human-like response during collision testing, enhancing the accuracy of crash test simulations.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient flange coupled to and extending from the base member with the resilient flange having a flange inner surface, an opposing flange outer surface and a flange peripheral edge
Data Source
AI summary
An anthropomorphic test device includes an abdomen component, a base member, and a resilient flange coupled to and extending from the base member. The base member has opposing inner and outer surfaces and peripheral edge, with the inner surface defining a first cavity. The resilient flange includes opposing flange inner and outer surfaces and a connecting flange peripheral edge surface, with the flange inner surface defining a second cavity and with the second cavity extending from and open with the first cavity. The abdomen component is partially contained within the first and second cavity and coupled to the pelvis and resilient flange such that a first portion of an outer surface of the abdomen component is engaged with the inner surface of the base member and such that a second portion of the outer surface of the abdomen component received is resiliently retained by the resilient flange.