Abstract: A restraint system is disclosed for use in vehicle seats that provides enhanced occupant restraint while minimizing belt loading injuries, is intuitive to don and remove, and includes an emergency release feature to allow rapid seat egress by eliminating continuous belt loops. The restraint uses improved belt routing to minimize upper torso rotation, which is critical for vehicles where occupant flail injuries from contact with the vehicle interior are likely. The installed restraint includes a crisscross belt pattern across both the occupant's upper torso and pelvis region, with an alternate configuration which incorporates a single lap belt. The restraint has demonstrated significantly reduced upper torso rotation compared to the current state-of-the-art, 5-point restraint system when exposed to a typical aerospace combined vertical and longitudinal crash pulse yet is as intuitive to don as the typical automotive-style 3-point restraint system.

Abstract: This is a method of absorbing energy that provides a seat system (100) for a vehicle (6) with a first portion (24) and a second portion (26) having a seat (12) for supporting an occupant. A plurality of energy absorbers (28) extends between the first (24) and second (26) portions for absorbing energy on the second portion (26) of the seat system. Any combination of the plurality of energy absorbers (28) provides a discrete energy profile (20). Physical parameters (42) acting on the seat system (100) are detected. The detected physical parameters (42) are used to calculate absorption energy (31). The lowest discrete energy profile (20) is selected that is greater than the calculated absorption energy (31).

Abstract: A simple, low cost energy absorbing shear strip bender that provides constant load, tailored load, or adjustable load/displacement profiles for use in any application where a single use energy absorber is required. Examples include, but are not limited to: a spinal load attenuator for use in crash-resistant aircraft seats; crash-resistant aircraft landing gear; aircraft or automotive restraint harness attachments; cargo or high-mass item tie-downs; automotive bumper attachments; and collapsible steering columns. The present invention comprises a shear plate or other base material, a shear strip integral to the shear plate, and a shear strip tab, all of which are formed from a single sheet of ductile material. The energy absorber attaches to two objects and begins to displace when opposing forces applied to the shear plate and shear strip tab reach the design limit value such that shear strip shears and plastically deforms, i.e., bends.