Torso Modeling for Obese Occupant Simulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current anthropomorphic testing devices and simulations fail to accurately model the effects of vehicle impacts on obese individuals due to the weak correlation between obesity and stature, making it computationally inefficient to use full-body scans in computer simulations.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to create a computationally efficient model of an obese vehicle occupant by using equations to describe cross-sectional shapes of the torso, fitting curves defined by parameters to each cross-section, and generating a torso model based on desired volume percentiles, which can be applied to a full-body anthropomorphic testing device or simulation, including the use of ellipse and modified Bean equations for different regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If full-body scans of obese individuals are used in computer simulations, then the accuracy of modeling obese occupants is improved, but the computational complexity and data processing requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the torso into multiple cross-sections at different heights, with each cross-section represented by simplified geometric shapes (ellipses, rectangles, triangles) rather than using complete detailed full-body scans. This segmentation allows accurate representation of torso geometry while reducing overall computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified geometric copies (elliptical and rectangular cross-sections) that represent the essential characteristics of obese torso geometry without requiring the full detail of actual body scans. These simplified copies maintain modeling accuracy for impact simulation while dramatically reducing data requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard anthropomorphic testing device sizes are used, then the compatibility with existing testing protocols is improved, but the accuracy for obese individuals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of torso cross-sectional dimensions (width, height, area) based on desired percentile specifications. This allows the testing device model to be adapted to represent different body types including obese individuals, while maintaining compatibility with standard testing protocols through the use of conventional ATD platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key geometric parameters (cross-sectional area, width, height) of the torso model to represent obese body types. By adjusting these parameters while keeping the overall ATD structure compatible with standard protocols, the system achieves both protocol compatibility and accurate obese occupant modeling.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving data including 3-dimensional scans of a plurality of torsos, dividing each scan into a plurality of cross-sections, calculating an area for each cross-section, and calculating a torso volume based on the calculated areas. The method may include fitting a curve defined by parameters to each cross-section. The area for each cross-section may be an area enclosed by the curve. The method may include receiving a desired torso volume percentile, and determining values for the parameters of the curves corresponding to the desired percentile.