An impact test joint for a crash test dummy and coupling mechanism therefor

摘要

A coupling mechanism 210 for coupling a connecting element 220 to a joint components 110,120 of an impact test joint 100 for a crash test dummy comprises a regulator element 230 including an aperture 240 within which a part of the connecting element 220 is received; and a restrictive element 250 arranged to be received within the aperture 240 of the regulator element 230, and form an interference fit therewith. The restrictive element 250 is further arranged to couple with the part of the connecting element 220 received within the aperture of the regulator element 230 such that movement of the connecting element 220 relative to the regulator element 230 is resisted. When subject to an impact the test joint 100 is force to bend (as shown in figure 3) with joint parts 110 and 120 pivoting about element 260, this pivoting, if the forces are large enough, overcomes the friction of the interference fit of the restrictive element 250 within the aperture of the regulator element 230 allowing the restrictive element 250 to move through the aperture 240. Thus the stiffness and resistance of, for example, a human knee can be reproduced.