WO2016137932A1 - Dispositif de retenue de jambe pour occupants de véhicule assis faisant face vers le côté - Google Patents

Dispositif de retenue de jambe pour occupants de véhicule assis faisant face vers le côté Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2016137932A1
WO2016137932A1 PCT/US2016/019041 US2016019041W WO2016137932A1 WO 2016137932 A1 WO2016137932 A1 WO 2016137932A1 US 2016019041 W US2016019041 W US 2016019041W WO 2016137932 A1 WO2016137932 A1 WO 2016137932A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
restraint
seat
panel
restraint panel
lower leg
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2016/019041
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michael L. OLESON
Hau Ho
Dave L. GUYTON
Norman Shimizu
Mark E. DEEVEY
Pete C. MEISTER
Michael J. FARVET
Original Assignee
B/E Aerospace, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US14/628,431 external-priority patent/US9315271B2/en
Application filed by B/E Aerospace, Inc. filed Critical B/E Aerospace, Inc.
Publication of WO2016137932A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016137932A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/062—Belts or other passenger restraint means for passenger seats
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D25/00—Emergency apparatus or devices, not otherwise provided for
    • B64D25/02—Supports or holding means for living bodies
    • B64D25/04—Seat modifications

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a leg restraint device for side-seated vehicle occupants.
  • the invention relates to a leg restraint device for a side-seated occupant of, for example, corporate aircraft of the type offering side-facing seats for passengers.
  • the disclosed invention has application in any form of vehicle transportation where passenger or occupant seats may be mounted in a side-facing orientation in relation to the direction of forward travel of the vehicle, such as an aircraft.
  • the FAA has released Policy PS-ANM-25-03-R1 requiring leg flail prevention for occupants seated in side-facing seats when the occupant's upper leg is restricted by contact with the seat itself and/or with an interior component.
  • the lower legs In order to provide adequate occupant protection, the lower legs must also be restricted in a similar manner to avoid upper leg femur bone torsion.
  • a device that will provide this lower leg support during a dynamic event such as a crash.
  • Violent or abrupt deceleration can cause high g-force lateral loading on a side-facing passenger, causing lateral leg movement and leg rotation about the knee and femur. This can cause dislocations, muscle and tendon injuries and fractures due to the restraint exerted on the passengers' torso by seat belts and/or arm rests while the legs are unrestrained.
  • belts or similar restraints on the legs are not advisable due to the additional time needed to remove the restraints, as well as the possibility that injuries to the passenger may make it difficult for either the passenger or emergency personnel to remove such restraints.
  • a leg restraint for side-seated vehicle occupants and including a leg-restraining member adapted for being mounted in proximity to a side-facing vehicle seat and selectively moveable between a deployed, outwardly-extending leg-protecting position and a retracted, non-leg interfering position, and an actuator positioned operatively proximate the leg- restraining member and responsive to a signal output by a sensor for deploying the leg- restraining member upon the occurrence of an abrupt deceleration of the vehicle sensed by the sensor.
  • the leg-restraining member may be in the form of a mechanical panel assembly, which may or may not be cushioned.
  • a lower leg restraint for a side-facing passenger seat including a restraint panel configured to deploy from a first position proximate a seat to a second position forward of the seat in response to an abrupt deceleration event, an actuator arranged to push the panel from the first position to the second position, and a sensor and trigger assembly configured to signal the actuator to fire in response to the abrupt deceleration event.
  • the actuator may be a pusher including a piston configured to rapidly extend by activation of a micro gas generator generating a volume of gas instantaneously by a rapid ignition of chemicals.
  • the restraint panel may be attached to a sliding carriage having one end thereof arranged facing the piston such that piston extension pushes the carriage away from the pusher in a direction of the second position.
  • the pusher may be attached to one face of a fixed mounting plate further supporting at least one horizontally-oriented bearing spaced from the pusher for guiding linear movement of the sliding carriage, the restraint panel translating relative to the fixed mounting plate as the restraint panel moves between the first and second positions.
  • the restraint may include a return spring arranged to return the restraint panel to the first position after the abrapt deceleration event, one end of the return spring attached to a fixed member and an opposite end of the return spring attached to one of the sliding carriage and the restraint panel,
  • the restraint panel may deploy from within a housing adapted to be positioned under the seat.
  • the restraint panel may deploy horizontally.
  • the restraint may include a cushion attached to an inboard face of the restraint panel.
  • the restraint panel may have a corrugated profile and a vertical dimension spanning between a floor supporting the seat and a seat pan of the seat.
  • the restraint may include a decorative end plate attached to a forward end of the restraint panel.
  • a side-facing aircraft passenger seat having a deployable lower leg restraint includes a seat pan, a seat back, a restraint panel configured to deploy from a first position under the seat pan to a second position forward of the seat pan in response to an abrupt deceleration event, an actuator arranged to push the panel from the first position to the second position, and a sensor and trigger assembly configured to signal the actuator to fire in response to the abrupt deceleration event.
  • the actuator may be a pusher including a piston configured to rapidly extend by activation of a micro gas generator generating a volume of gas instantaneously by a rapid ignition of chemicals.
  • the restraint panel may be attached to a sliding carriage having one end thereof arranged facing the piston such that piston extension pushes the carriage away from the pusher in a direction of the second position.
  • the pusher may be attached to one face of a fixed mounting plate further supporting at least one horizontally-oriented bearing spaced from the pusher for guiding linear movement of the sliding carriage, the restraint panel translating relative to the fixed mounting plate as the restraint panel moves between the first and second positions.
  • the restraint panel may deploy horizontally from within a housing positioned below the seat pan.
  • Embodiments of the invention can include one or more or any combination of the above features and configurations.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a side-seated aircraft seat, showing a leg restraint device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in its retracted position;
  • Figure 2 is a side elevation of a side-seated aircraft seat, showing a leg restraint device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in its retracted position;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a side-seated aircraft seat, showing a leg restraint device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in its deployed position;
  • Figure 4 is a side elevation of a side-seated seat, showing a leg restraint device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in its deployed position;
  • Figure 5 is a partially-ex loded view of one embodiment of the invention showing the air bag in its stowed, retracted position;
  • Figure 6 is a partially-exploded view of one embodiment of the invention showing the air bag in its fully deployed position
  • Figure 7 is a vertical cross-section taken along line 7-7 of Figure 5;
  • Figure 8 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the invention from a side opposite Figures 5 and 6;
  • Figure 9 is a vertical cross-section taken along line 9-9 of Figure 8.
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view if another embodiment of a leg restraint device including a gas piston actuator
  • Figure 11 is a perspective view of the leg restraint device of Figure 10 from a side opposite thereof and with the housing in transparency for clarity;
  • Figure 12 is an isolated view of the mounting plate, linear slide and gas piton actuator of the device of Figure 10;
  • Figure 13 is an exploded view of the device of Figure 10 showing a cushion removed from the panel; and Figure 14 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 10 showing the housing.
  • the environment of the disclosure is an aircraft of the type having side-facing seats, such as seat 10, having a seat bottom 12, seat back 14 and an armrest/end bay 16.
  • a seat occupant sits with his or her back to the aircraft fuselage "A", facing outward in a generally perpendicular direction in relation to the longitudinal dimension of the aircraft and its direction of forward travel.
  • the occupant is subject to substantial lateral g-force loading along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft in the event of an abrupt deceleration such as might result during hard braking or a forward-directed crash event.
  • a leg restraint device 20 is provided. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the leg restraint device 20 is mounted under the seat 10 on the forward side of the occupant in relation to the aircraft's direction of forward travel.
  • the leg restraint device 20 generally includes a housing 22 mounted under the seat bottom 12 housing a deployable restraint panel 24 capped on a forward end with a cap plate 28, such as a decorative cap plate.
  • a cap plate 28 such as a decorative cap plate.
  • the leg restraint device 20 as shown in the Figures is a "left-hand” oriented device shown mounted under a seat 10 position along the left-hand side of the aircraft fuselage "A", from the position of the seat occupant.
  • a right-handed device constructed in accordance with the invention would be utilized on seats facing inward from the right-hand side of the aircraft fuselage "A.”
  • the left and right-hand versions may be mirror constructions of each other.
  • a seat 10 may include both left-hand and right-hand restraints to accommodate deceleration events in either direction.
  • the restraint panel 24 deploys to a position forward of the seat 10 immediately adjacent the forward lower leg of the passenger in relation to the traveling direction of the aircraft. In the deployed position, the panel 24 prevents lower leg flails, i.e., movement of the lower leg along the traveling direction of the vehicle. In the event of abrupt deceleration sufficient to trigger restraint panel deployment, the forward leg, and consequently the other leg through contact with the forward leg, is restrained by the panel 24 against injury causing forward movement. As described in further detail below, an actuator associated with the panel 24 functions to automatically deploy the panel 24 during an event sufficient to trigger deployment.
  • Suitable actuators may include, but are not limited to, an air bag, pusher, piston, gas cylinder and rod, and like linear actuator for triggering instantaneous panel deployment. Upon the occurrence of an event requiring side restraint protection of the seat occupant, the actuator is triggered to force the restraint panel 24 rapidly from beneath the seat 10 and into a protective position.
  • an air bag 26 serves as the actuator.
  • the air bag 26 may inflate in two-stages or phases, in which a first phase inflates the air bag to deploy the restraint panel 24 from beneath the seat 10 to the forward position, and in a second phase the air bag 26 continues inflating and projects outwardly along the side of the deployed restraint panel 24 nearest the seat occupant's foot and lower leg, i.e., in a direction away from a face of the restraint panel 24.
  • the air bag 26 provides an air cushion for the seat occupant's foot and lower leg that prevents direct contact with the inner face of the rigid restraint panel 24.
  • the air bag 26 may extend beyond the fully deployed position of the cap plate 28 of the restraint panel 24 in order to fully protect the seat occupant's foot and lower leg.
  • the restraint panel 24 may be configured to automatically retract after the
  • deceleration event is over.
  • deflation of the air bag 26 may cause the restraint panel 24 to retract back into its respective housing 22. Retraction may occur rapidly to remove tripping hazards and clear the area around the seat 10 for rapid, unrestricted egress by both the seat occupant and other aircraft occupants who may have to move past the seat 10 in order to egress from the aircraft.
  • the housing 22 of the restraint device 20 is formed from two stationary housing covers 30, 32.
  • the restraint panel 24 and the cap plate 28 slide in and out of the retracted and deployed positions on a wheeled guide shuttle 34 mounted on the inner surface of housing cover 32.
  • the restraint panel 24 has a "corrugated" cross-section to provide the necessary spacing for the movable components.
  • the guide shuttle 34 is captured in and rides along a central, longitudinally-extending recess 36 in the restraint panel 24.
  • the restraint panel 24 is attached to a retractor that includes a spring housing 38 mounted on the cover 30.
  • a vertical pin 40 mounts a coiled steel spring 42 that is mounted on the restraint panel 24 and biased towards its retracted position. See Figure 5.
  • Activation of the air bag 26 overcomes the bias of the spring 42 during inflation, allowing the restraint panel 24 to deploy, as shown in Figure 6.
  • the spring 42 causes the restraint panel 24 to immediately retract so that, as described above, the restraint panel 24 does not project into the aircraft aisle impeding egress from the aircraft.
  • the air bag 26 is mounted on and extends along the length of the restraint panel 24. As is shown in Figure 5, the air bag 26, before deployment, resides in a deflated
  • the air bag 26 includes a tubular neck 44 that is attached to an inflator 46 mounted on the cover 32, In the deflated configuration, the neck 44 is folded in an accordion manner between the inflator 46 and the air bag 26.
  • the term "air bag” is generally used to describe this device even though gases other than "air” cause the bag to inflate.
  • the inflator 46 may be a cold gas inflator, a hybrid inflator, or a pyrotechnic inflator depending on the design factors of the device. Speed, deployment time, gas temperature, etc. can all dictate the type of inflator 46 utilized to achieve the desired operation and may be the subject of varying legal and technical requirements.
  • the inflator 46 may be triggered by a trigger/sensor 48 that is also used to activate the seat belt air bag 18, see Figure 6, or by a trigger/sensor that functions only to inflate the air bag 26, As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the trigger/sensor 48 communicates with the inflator 46 through a shielded conduit 50.
  • inflation of the air bag 26 causes the neck 44 to first inflate as gas passes from the inflator 46 to the air bag 26. This inflation causes the neck 44 to unfold and straighten, driving the air bag 28 and the restraint panel 24 on which it is mounted rapidly forward out of the housing 22 and into the aisle of the aircraft, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.
  • the air bag 26 is fully inflated within approximately 60-80 milliseconds, and vents in the air bag 26 allow the gas to escape, very rapidly deflating the air bag 26.
  • the spring 42 rapidly returns the restraint panel 24 and air bag 26 to the position shown in Figure 5, as described above.
  • a lower leg restraint device according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown generally at reference numeral 52.
  • device 52 generally includes a housing 22 positioned below the seat bottom, a restraint panel 24 deployable from a first position proximate a seat (e.g., under the seat pan) to a second position forward of the seat, and a decorative cap plate 28 covering a forward end of the restraint panel 24.
  • a pusher 54 to push the panel into the path of the occupant's leg movement.
  • the term "pusher” includes, but is not limited to, a hood-popper, gas piston, linear actuator, etc. configured to rapidly extend the restraint panel 24.
  • the pusher 54 includes a piston 66 configured to rapidly extend by activation of a micro gas generator for generating a volume of gas nearly instantaneously by the rapid ignition of chemicals.
  • the pusher 54 is secured to a face of a vertically- oriented mounting plate 56 outboard of the restraint panel 24,
  • the mounting plate 56 may be one piece of the two-piece housing 22.
  • the opposite face of the mounting plate 56 is secured against an elongate frame member 58, which may be a horizontal frame member of the seat or divan.
  • the mounting plate 56 is fixed such that the restraint panel 24 translates relative thereto during deployment and retraction.
  • Horizontally-oriented bearings 60 are mounted on the same side of the mounting plate as the pusher 54, and are spaced therefrom in order to support, guide and facilitate linear motion of an elongate carriage 68 carrying the restraint panel 24.
  • the restraint panel 24 attaches to the carriage 68 along the top edge thereof such that the restraint panel 24 hangs down from the carriage 68.
  • the pusher 54 is oriented horizontally such that the piston 66 aligns with one end of the carriage 68.
  • horizontal movement of the firing piston 66 pushes against the carriage 68 to deploy the restraint panel 24 forward of the seat.
  • Forward movement of the restraint panel 24 may be stopped by way a mechanical stop, such as the protruding mechanical stop 70 on the top of the carriage 68 positioned to contact the housing, seat frame member or other interfering structure positioned to contact the mechanical stop to limit the forward travel of the restraint panel 24.
  • a return spring 62 or like biasing device, anchored at one end proximate the pusher 54 returns the carriage 68 and restraint panel 24 to the stowed position after the deceleration event to free the egress pathway.
  • the other end of the return spring 62 may be attached to one of the carriage or restraint panel 24.
  • the return spring 62 biases the carriage in the direction of the stowed position under the seat, and the pusher 54 has sufficient power when actuated to overcome the force of the return spring 62 to permit deployment.
  • Foam, padding or other cushioning material shown generally at reference numeral 64, is attached to the inboard face of the restraint panel 24 to cushion impact and prevent direct contact of the lower leg, foot or ankle with the rigid restraint panel 24.
  • the restraint panel 24 may have a corrugated profile for strength and to incorporate the linear slide and return spring 62 in a compact package.
  • a "fire" signal from a crash sensor and trigger assembly causes the pusher 54 to fire in response to a deceleration event of a sufficient magnitude to trigger restraint panel deployment.
  • the pusher 54 may be a hood-popper of the type known in the automobile industry for raising a hood during a pedestrian collision to absorb collision forces and reduce injury.
  • a hood-popper is available from Takata Protection Systems of Pompano Beach, FL.
  • leg restraint devices for side-seated vehicle occupants have been described with reference to specific embodiments and examples. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation, the invention being defined by the claims.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une retenue de jambe inférieure pour un siège passager faisant face vers le côté, comprenant un panneau de retenue configuré pour se déployer d'une première position près d'un siège à une seconde position vers l'avant du siège en réponse à un événement de décélération brusque, un actionneur conçu pour pousser le panneau de la première position à la seconde position, et un ensemble capteur et déclencheur configuré pour signaler à l'actionneur de démarrer en réponse à l'événement de décélération brusque. Un siège passager d'aéronef faisant face vers le côté ayant une retenue de jambe inférieure déployable.
PCT/US2016/019041 2015-02-23 2016-02-23 Dispositif de retenue de jambe pour occupants de véhicule assis faisant face vers le côté WO2016137932A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/628,431 2015-02-23
US14/628,431 US9315271B2 (en) 2013-05-31 2015-02-23 Leg restraint device for side-facing seated vehicle occupants

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016137932A1 true WO2016137932A1 (fr) 2016-09-01

Family

ID=56789875

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2016/019041 WO2016137932A1 (fr) 2015-02-23 2016-02-23 Dispositif de retenue de jambe pour occupants de véhicule assis faisant face vers le côté

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2016137932A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107985251A (zh) * 2017-12-15 2018-05-04 李伟 一种多功能气囊安全带系统
US10569890B2 (en) 2014-08-25 2020-02-25 Amsafe, Inc. Airbag assembly for leg flail protection and associated systems and methods
US10604259B2 (en) 2016-01-20 2020-03-31 Amsafe, Inc. Occupant restraint systems having extending restraints, and associated systems and methods

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2859803A (en) * 1956-05-28 1958-11-11 Martin Co Safety seating arrangement for a high speed conveyance
US20050127654A1 (en) * 2002-08-21 2005-06-16 Volvo Lastvagnar Ab Vehicle comprising a seat fitted in the transverse direction of the vehicle
WO2013012890A1 (fr) * 2011-07-18 2013-01-24 Key Safety Systems, Inc. Harnais de protection pour occupants d'avion assis faisant face au côté de l'avion
US20140353951A1 (en) * 2013-05-31 2014-12-04 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Leg restraint device for side-facing seated vehicle occupants
US20140354020A1 (en) * 2013-05-31 2014-12-04 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Leg restraint device for side-seated vehicle occupants

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2859803A (en) * 1956-05-28 1958-11-11 Martin Co Safety seating arrangement for a high speed conveyance
US20050127654A1 (en) * 2002-08-21 2005-06-16 Volvo Lastvagnar Ab Vehicle comprising a seat fitted in the transverse direction of the vehicle
WO2013012890A1 (fr) * 2011-07-18 2013-01-24 Key Safety Systems, Inc. Harnais de protection pour occupants d'avion assis faisant face au côté de l'avion
US20140353951A1 (en) * 2013-05-31 2014-12-04 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Leg restraint device for side-facing seated vehicle occupants
US20140354020A1 (en) * 2013-05-31 2014-12-04 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Leg restraint device for side-seated vehicle occupants
US20150035328A1 (en) * 2013-05-31 2015-02-05 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Leg restraint device for side-facing seated vehicle occupants

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10569890B2 (en) 2014-08-25 2020-02-25 Amsafe, Inc. Airbag assembly for leg flail protection and associated systems and methods
US10604259B2 (en) 2016-01-20 2020-03-31 Amsafe, Inc. Occupant restraint systems having extending restraints, and associated systems and methods
CN107985251A (zh) * 2017-12-15 2018-05-04 李伟 一种多功能气囊安全带系统
WO2019114383A1 (fr) * 2017-12-15 2019-06-20 李伟 Système de ceinture de sécurité de coussin de sécurité gonflable multifonctionnel

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9315271B2 (en) Leg restraint device for side-facing seated vehicle occupants
US9296317B2 (en) Leg restraint device for side-facing seated vehicle occupants
CA2922266C (fr) Dispositif de retenue de jambes pour occupants de vehicule a sieges lateraux
US5375908A (en) Integral inflatable occupant restraint system
US8939465B2 (en) Safety restraint protection for aircraft occupants seated facing the side of the aircraft
US11084447B2 (en) Universal seat-mounted airbag
US5184844A (en) Integral inflatable occupant restraint system
US5390952A (en) Integral inflatable occupant restraint system
EP2546111A1 (fr) Airbag de tête
US6682141B2 (en) Seat assembly having a seat repositioning device and an associated method
JPH04224438A (ja) 自動車の衝突事故の際の乗客防護装置
KR20190085065A (ko) 에어백 장치 및 에어백 장치가 제공된 차량 좌석
US11292420B2 (en) Inflatable airbag assemblies for a utility component-equipped vehicle seating position
CA2229873A1 (fr) Airbag lateral incorpore a un accoudoir exterieur de vehicule
JP2016524565A (ja) 横に座る車両乗員用の脚部拘束装置
US20190106215A1 (en) Dynamically Tilted Seat Pan
US20070102971A1 (en) Vehicle seat with articulating cushion component
WO2016137932A1 (fr) Dispositif de retenue de jambe pour occupants de véhicule assis faisant face vers le côté
US11292425B2 (en) Safety device
GB2130150A (en) Vehicle safety system
KR20070048742A (ko) 특히 측면-충돌 충격에 인체를 보호하도록 사용되는좌석-장착식 공기주입식 튜브형 또는 기타 쿠션
KR100806592B1 (ko) 탑승자 보호용 에어백 장치
Grierson et al. Simula's Line of Inflatable Restraint Technologies

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 16706960

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 16706960

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1