LUMBAR SPINE STRETCH LIMITER ASSEMBLY FOR AN ANTHROPOMORPHIC TEST DEVICE

摘要

A lumbar spine stretch limiter assembly for an anthropomorphic test device functions to limit the ultimate stretching of an elastic lumbar spine member during crash test simulations such as far side impact crash simulations. The lumbar spine stretch limiter assembly includes a belt assembly including one or more belts coupled to the thoracic spine and sacrum and disposed between the elastic lumbar spine member and a lumbar mounting wedge. During far side impact crash simulations, a portion of the belt assembly is brought into contact with the stretching elastic lumbar spine member to prevent further elongation of the lumbar spine member beyond a maximum allowable limit corresponding to a natural response of the lumbar spine region of a human to improve reproducibility of head excursion data and to prevent or minimize damage to the elastic lumbar spine member during far side impact crash simulations.