Anthropomorphic Test Device Flesh Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anthropomorphic test devices face separation issues between simulated flesh and support structures, preventing the integration of sensors for accurate injury prediction during collision testing, as current designs either have non-removable simulated flesh or lack effective coupling.
Innovation Solution
A mounting mechanism that securely couples a hollow member with a simulated flesh and support structure using inserts with flange portions and fastening members, allowing for a positive mechanical coupling that maintains positioning during tests and enables easy separation for sensor installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the simulated flesh is completely embedded in the support structure, then the coupling strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the simulated flesh becomes non-removable and prevents sensor integration
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple bone portions (e.g., pelvic bone divided into ilium, ischium, pubis sections), allowing the simulated flesh to be coupled to different segments independently. This segmentation enables selective access to certain areas for sensor integration while maintaining overall coupling strength through the distributed attachment points across multiple bone segments.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary coupling mechanism (such as a mounting structure or attachment system) is introduced between the simulated flesh and the support structure. This intermediary allows for controlled connection and disconnection, enabling the simulated flesh to be securely attached during testing yet removable for sensor integration, thus resolving the contradiction between coupling strength and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the simulated flesh is made removable from the support structure, then the ease of operation is improved for sensor integration, but the coupling strength deteriorates causing separation issues during collision testing
Solution Approach 1:
The simulated flesh is pre-positioned and pre-coupled to the support structure at optimal locations before collision testing begins. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and secure attachment at critical points, maintaining coupling strength while still allowing removable access at designated areas for sensor integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the simulated flesh have different coupling characteristics - areas requiring strong permanent attachment (local quality of high strength) are firmly coupled to the support structure, while areas needing sensor access (local quality of removability) are designed with removable coupling mechanisms. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying different coupling strategies to different parts of the same system.
3Reliability
If multiple bone portions are coupled to the hollow member, then the reliability is improved for simulating human anatomy, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with universal coupling features and standardized attachment mechanisms that can accommodate multiple bone portions using the same coupling interface. This multi-functionality allows different bone portions to be coupled to the hollow member using a consistent method, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from having to design and manage multiple different coupling systems for different anatomical regions.
Data Source
AI summary
An anthropomorphic test device utilizes a mounting mechanism for coupling a hollow member including a simulated flesh to a support structure, with the simulated flesh including a foam core portion covered with a skin portion. The mounting mechanism includes inserts, such as plastic or metal inserts having a flange portion and an elongated tubular member, which are introduced in multiple places within the simulated flesh with the flange portion within the foam core portion and the elongated tubular member extending through the skin portion. A fastening member is inserted through an elongated opening in the insert and within a receiving cavity portion of the support structure to secure the hollow member to the support structure. The hollow member may be a hollow pelvic member, and the support structure may be a pelvic support structure, with the hollow pelvic member secured to the pelvic support structure via the mounting mechanism.