The Boeing Company

Seattle Safety LLC

Thomas E Wittmann

Ronald C Lilley

George D Sherotsky

Steven N Nervig

Brian Dick Coughren

Phillip Carl Christiansen

A crash sled system for simulating the deceleration and pitching motion associated with vehicle crashes. A main sled is accelerated in accordance with vehicle deceleration that occurred during a crash event. A pitching platform is located above and moves with the main sled. Forward and rear guide assemblies are provided which are located along the sides of the pitching platform when the main sled and pitching platform are in the pre-launch position. When the main sled is launched, the front and rear ends of the pitching platform travel along paths established by the guide assemblies. Prior to launch, the guide assemblies are set to angles of inclination that provide linear approximations to paths for the forward and aft ends of the pitching platform that will result in pitching motion experienced by vehicles during the crash events being simulated. Variously configured guide assemblies are disclosed that provide design trade-off between simulation accuracy and system complexity.

Crash test method and apparatus including pitch simulation

A galley cart storage system is provided for use with rectangular galley carts ( ), ( &prime;) each being supported by a number of wheels. The storage system includes a rectangular upright enclosure ( ) and a lift assembly ( ) located within the enclosure ( ) to move one or more galley carts vertically, in a stacked configuration. The enclosure ( ) includes upright corner posts ( ) that aid vertical movement of a galley cart. The lift assembly ( ) includes a motor ( ), a drive screw ( ), and a lifting bracket ( ). The drive screw ( ) is located along one side of the enclosure and is oriented vertically. The drive screw ( ) connects to the motor ( ) such that rotary motion of the motor ( ) causes like rotation of the drive screw ( ). The lifting bracket ( ) is also located adjacent to the drive screw ( ) and is threaded thereon. The lifting bracket ( ) includes a cart interface member adapted to engage the lower end of a galley cart. Activation of the motor ( ) causes rotation of the drive screw ( ) and corresponding movement of the lifting bracket ( ) along the drive screw ( ), thereby causing the galley cart to move vertically within the enclosure ( ), guided along the corner posts ( ).

Automated galley cart storage system

A seat assembly for commercial aircraft or other vehicles has features that reduce head excursion in high impact events such as crashes or collisions. These include the use of low-elongation seatbelt material and high seatbelt anchor location. Another feature which reduces head excursion is an articulating seatpan. The bottom seat cushion is guided by rollers in tracks to follow a prescribed motion under forward inertial load. As the inertial load is applied, the seatpan travels forward and tilts upward. This reduces forward pelvic rotation which, in turn, reduces head excursion. Other features which limit pelvic rotation are the use of dynamically stiff foam for the seat cushion, and a relatively steep initial cushion angle/cushion contour.

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Seattle, WA, United States of America

Thomas E Wittmann