WO1998047122A1

WO1998047122A1 - Dummy

Info

Publication number: WO1998047122A1
Application number: PCT/SE1998/000692
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sverker Dahl
Original assignee: Sverker Dahl
Priority date: 1997-04-15
Filing date: 1998-04-16
Publication date: 1998-10-22
Also published as: AU7094498A; SE9701402L; SE511367C2; SE9701402D0

Abstract

In connection with follow-up of personal injuries which have occurred in a vehicle during a traffic accident, a life-size dummy is used. The body measurements of the dummy are adjustable for adapting to the body measurements of an occupant of the vehicle at the time of the accident. In addition, the body position of the dummy is adjustable for simulating the body position of the occupan t.

Description

DUMMY

The present invention relates to a life-size dummy for follow-up of personal injuries which have occurred in a vehicle in connection with a traffic accident.

For the purpose of improving crash safety, motor vehicles are usually subjected to various types of crash tests in more or less laboratory-like conditions. However, it is difficult to recreate the different variations which occur in real traffic accidents by means of such laboratory tests. For example, vehicles can collide in a number of different ways with different kinds of vehicles and other obstacles and the occupants of the vehicle have different heights and weights and are sitting in different ways in the vehicle. All these factors have an influence on the course of ^"events and on the injuries which occur at the time of the accident.

Sometimes an accident inquiry takes place subsequent to a traffic accident to find out the real cause of the accident and to obtain a better picture of how injuries were incurred by occupants of vehicles involved in acci- dents. Such investigations are usually carried out after the vehicle has been removed from the site of the accident and in the absence of the occupants of the vehicle. In this context, it is difficult to obtain a true picture of the relations between the interior of the vehicle and the injuries suffered by the occupants of the vehicle, even if information is available from a medical examination or an autopsy.

Consequently, it is difficult to draw any definite conclusions from such accident inquiries. However, it would be of great benefit to the development of safer vehicles if, by means improved and simplified accident investigations, more knowledge could be gained about how dangerous different vehicles and parts of vehicles are in connection with real traffic accidents. The object of the present invention is to improve the possibilities for evaluation of the crash safety of different vehicles.

It is a particular object to provide an aid for follow-up of personal injuries which have occurred in a vehicle in connection with a traffic accident.

In that connection, it is a specific object to provide a dummy suitable for such follow-up.

These and other objects, which will appear from the description below, have now been achieved by means of a life-size dummy, having the features recited in claims 1 and 15 as well as a use according to claim 14. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

In this way, a dummy has been provided, which can be adjusted to correspond to the body size of various occupants of a vehicle involved in an accident. By virtue of the fact that the dummy is also adjustable to various body positions, the body position of each person at the time of the accident can be recreated. Thus, it is pos- sible easily and reliably to deduce where different parts of the body have struck against different parts of the interior of the vehicle in connection with the traffic accident. By the invention, it is now possible to evaluate the crash safety of cars on the basis of real acci- dents.

According to one aspect of the invention, it comprises a dummy which has the outline of a human skeleton, is formed of a number of hingedly connected, elongated segments with a small cross-sectional area in comparison with human body measurements, and is variable with respect to body size and body position. Preferably, all the joints exhibit the same degrees of freedom as the corresponding joints in a human being.

In a preferred embodiment of the dummy, its extre- mities comprise an inner and an outer elongated portion, which are articulated to one another. Each of the portions comprises an inner part and an outer part, which are displaceable in relation to each other in the longitudinal direction and fixable in various relative positions. In this way, easy adjustability is achieved of the length of the extremities, and they can also be moved to positions corresponding to those of human arms and legs. Preferably, the longitudinal adjustment of the inner portion and the outer portion respectively can be carried out in increments smaller than 10 cm and more preferably in increments smaller than 5 cm, to simulate the body measurements of different individuals. It is particularly preferred that the inner part and the outer part are continuously adjustable in relation to each other.

It is particularly advantageous for the extremities to have a small cross-sectional area in comparison with human body measurements, which results in low weight and makes the dummy easy to handle.

Preferably, the dummy has a spine comprising several segments hingedly and fixably connected to one another. This enables a realistic simulation of human body posi- tions. It is particularly advantageous to design these segments so that the length of the spine can be changed by adding, removing, or replacing such segments.

In a preferred embodiment, the dummy has a shoulder portion and a hip portion, to which the extremities are connected. The connection points of the extremities are displaceable laterally relative to the spine of the dummy for adjusting the width measurement, which in a simple way allows good adjustability for simulating various body measurements. Preferably, the adjustment of the width measurement can be carried out in increments smaller than 10 cm and more preferably in increments smaller than 5 cm. Continuous adjustment is particularly preferred.

Preferably, the dummy can be disassembled and reassembled to enable follow-up of traffic accidents in severely deformed vehicles. This is also advantageous in connection with the transportation of the dummy. Preferably, the dummy is at least dividable into two essential parts, which are joined with the aid of an assembly means, e.g. an assembly means with coacting threads.

This can be accomplished by dividing the dummy, e.g. at the spine, for forming two easy-to-handle parts. It is particularly preferred that the extremities of the dummy or parts of these as well as the head of the dummy are detachable from the torso portion of the dummy.

The dummy according to the invention permits simulation of the body measurements and changing body positions of different individuals and is thus also usable in other contexts where these characteristics are desirable, i.e. in connection with the design and testing of work environments and furniture.

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows a dummy according to a preferred embodiment in a perspective view obliquely from the front.

Fig. 2 shows the dummy in a perspective view obliquely from behind. Fig. 3 is a detailed view of the hip portion of the dummy.

Fig. 4 is a detailed view of lower extremities of the dummy and the longitudinal adjustment thereof.

The dummy shown in Figs 1 and 2 comprises a torso portion 10 with upper and lower extremities connected thereto, i.e. arms 40 and legs 50. The torso portion 10 comprises a spine 11 which in turn consists of a plurality of spine segments 12 placed one after another. These look the same and have a female end and a male end, which are articulated to each other by means of bolts 33 and wing nuts 34 for forming hinged joints. The combination of a bolt 33 and a wing nut 34 forms an assembly and fixing means, which permits the disassembly of the connected parts as well as the fixation of the same in some rela- tive position. The spine segments are preferably available in different lengths. In this way, the length of the spine 11 can be easily adjusted by removing, adding, or replacing one or more spine segments 12. In their lower end, in this case the female end, at the front edge, the spine segments 12, which can be seen more clearly in Fig. 3, have an arc with its centre in the bolt and, at the rear edge, they have a corner for forming a downward, rear stop face. Consequently, the spine 11 can be bent forward but only to a limited extent backwards, as can a human spine. In the standard position, the spine describes both the curve of the back and the kyphos . Furthermore, the torso portion 10 comprises a shoulder portion 13, which is located adjacent to the upper portion of the spine 12. The shoulder portion 13 is elongated and comprises an inner shoulder portion 14, which is rigidly connected to and extends laterally in both directions from the upper portion of the spine 12. More specifically, the shoulder portion extends from a coupling segment 3, which constitutes the second segment from the top of spine 11. On each side of the inner shoulder portion 14, a respective outer shoulder portion 15 is attached. The inner shoulder portion 14 and the two outer shoulder portions 15 are connected to one another by means of a longitudinal displacement mechanism 30, comprising an elongated hole 31 arranged in the inner shoulder portion 14 and the outer shoulder portion 15 respectively, which hole extends in the lateral direction along the shoulder portion 13 and is formed as an elongated through hole, and two assembly and fixing means in the form of screw means 32. Each of the screw means comprises a carriage bolt 33 and a wing nut 34. By loosening the respective wing nuts 34, the longitudinal displacement mechanism 30 is disengaged and the respective outer shoulder portions 15 can be displaced in relation to the inner shoulder portion 14 in order to change the shoulder width of the dummy. Moreover, the parts of the dummy, in this case the arms, can be detached by disassembling the screw means. In addition, a respective ball joint 35 is located on the outer shoulder portions. The two arms 40 are connected to the shoulder portion 13 by the intermediary of these ball joints. By virtue of the fact that the arms 40 are connected to the shoulder portion 13 by the intermediary of ball joints 35, most human arm posi- tions can be simulated.

In the lower end, the shoulder portion 11 is connected to a hip portion 15, comprising a transverse adjustment means 17 extending in the transverse direction and two leg attachment means 18. The hip portion and its adjustment options can been seen more clearly in Fig. 3. The transverse adjustment means 17 is elongated and extends parallel to the shoulder portion 13 in the lateral direction on each side of the spine 11. The upper side of the transverse adjustment means facing the spine 11 is adapted to enable weights to be placed thereupon to increase the weight of the dummy and thereby achieve the associated depression of the seat in a vehicle, corresponding to a person which is to be simulated. In the transverse adjustment means 17, there is a longitudinal groove 31 on each side of the spine. The two leg attachment means 18 extend downwards from the transverse adjustment means 17 in the direction away from spine 11 on each side thereof. Each of the leg attachment means 18 is connected to the groove 31 of the transverse adjust- ment means 17 by the intermediary of two assembly and fixing means in the form of screw means 32 in a manner similar to that used at shoulder portion 13. In the end of the respective leg attachment means 18 facing away from spine 11, the legs 50 are attached to a respective ball joint 35. As with the arms, the attachment of the legs 50 by the intermediary of ball joints 35 permits adjustment to human-like leg positions. In addition, in connection with transportation of the dummy, by virtue of the ball joints, the legs 50 can be directed upwards along the torso portion 10, parallel to the arms, and, consequently, the dummy becomes easy to handle and carry and requires little space in the transport position. A rib cage means 19 extends from the front of the shoulder portion 13. This comprises a holder means 20 extending forward from the segment 3 of the spine 11. A central portion 21 in the form of an elongated segment directed downwards is articulated to the holder means 20. Four rib means 22 extend outwards at right angles in the lateral direction from each side of the central portion 21. Each rib means 22 is made of a flexible wire means, comprising a continuous wire and a number of segments 23 placed one after another around the same. The wire means can be bent to the desired shape and has sufficient rigidity to maintain the shape thus acquired. This permits the recreation of the diagonal course of the belt across the chest, as well as the easy and clear illustration of rib fractures.

On top of the shoulder portion and in continuation of the spine 11, a head is hingedly arranged by the intermediary of a neck segment 24 and four wire means 5 of the above kind. Each of the wire means 5 is attach- ed to a respective bottom segment of the head 25 (not shown) . The four bottom segments are plate-like and articulated to the head 25 along the bottom edge β of the same. By virtue of the wire means 5 and their attachment, the head can be bent in various directions as well as be set in translational motion. The height of the top segment can be varied by means of replacement, and the length of the wire means can be varied. In an alternative embodiment, the neck of the dummy can be achieved with the aid of a single central wire means of suitable size. Each arm 40 comprises an upper arm 41 and a forearm 44, which are articulated to each other by the intermediary of a hinged joint 36, comprising a male and a female end, which are pivotally connected by the intermediary of a screw means 32, in the same way as in con- nection with the spine segments 12 described above. The upper arm 41 comprises an inner part 42, which is connected to the shoulder portion 13 by the intermediary of the ball joint 35, and an outer part 43, which is connected to the forearm 44 by the intermediary of the hinged joint 36. The inner and outer parts 42 and 43 of the upper arm are connected to each other by the inter- mediary of a longitudinal displacement mechanism 30 in the same way as described above in connection with the shoulder portion 13. The forearm 44 also comprises an inner part 45, which is connected to the upper arm 41, and an outer part 46, which is connected to a hand 47. The inner part and the outer part 45, 46 of the forearm are also displaceable in relation to each other by means of a longitudinal displacement mechanism 30.

The hand 47 is connected to the forearm by the intermediary of a ball joint 35. Each hand comprises a rigid palm 48, from which flexible fingers 49 extend. The flexible fingers 49 are formed like the wire means described above, e.g. the rib means 22. The hand 47 can be placed in human-like hand positions and be caused to simulate different fractures. The design of the two legs 50 corresponds to that of the arms 40 and each leg consists of a thigh 51 and a lower leg 54, which are articulated to each other by the intermediary of a hinged joint 36, in the same manner as in connection with the arms. The thigh 51 consists of an inner part 52 and an outer part 53 which are connected to each other by the intermediary of longitudinal displacement mechanism 30 in the manner described above. The lower leg 54 also comprises an inner part 55 and an outer part 56, which are connected in the same way as the parts of the thigh 51.

A foot 57 is connected to the lower leg by the intermediary of a ball joint 35. The foot 57 comprises a heel means 58 and flexible means 59 extending forward from the same as well as two rigid means 60 extending in the transverse direction, through which the flexible means 59 extend. The flexible means 59 consist of wire means in the same way as the fingers and rib means de- scribed above and their arrangement corresponds to that of toes and the bones of the foot. As with the hands 47, various positions and fractures can be simulated.

The lower legs 54 and the feet 57 are also shown in Fig. 4, which illustrates the longitudinal displaceabi- lity of the extremities. Fig. 4 also clearly shows that the hinged joints 36 have been given flexibility which accords with human mobility by the fact that facing surfaces of the knee joints are curved in order to allow bending in one direction only, as described above in connection with the spine segments 12.

Measuring tapes 7 are arranged on the spine 11 and the thighs 12 to facilitate the adjustment of the correct measurements. Advantageously, measuring tapes can be arranged in connection with each longitudinal displacement mechanism. Other types of measuring means _ or measuring aids arranged on the longitudinally adjustable members can also be used.

The dummy described herein permits adjustment to match the body measurements of adult individuals whose height is within the range of 150 cm - 205 cm. The length of the extremities can be adjusted within the following ranges, lower leg (sole of the foot - thigh bone) : 45 cm - 70 cm; upper leg (knee - rear back surface) : 50 cm - 73 cm; forearm (hand bent backwards - elbow) 28 cm - 40 cm; upper arm (shoulder - elbow) : 30 cm - 45 cm, and the width of the dummy can be adjusted within the following ranges, shoulder portion (outside of arm - outside of arm) : 40 cm - 68 cm; hip portion (outside - out- side) : 27 cm - 43 cm. The spine and the neck can basically be lengthened infinitely by means of modules but are primarily adapted for good adjustability within the following ranges, sitting height 1 (scalp - sitting surface) : 86 cm - 122 cm; sitting height 2 (shoulder - sit- ting surface) : 61 cm - 85 cm; sitting height 3 (scalp - shoulder) : 25 cm - 37 cm. Essentially these ranges of measurements are preferred in order to recreate the mea- surements of the major part of the individuals within the above height range.

It is a major advantage of the dummy according to the embodiment shown that the different parts can be quickly and easily disassembled at various points of the dummy so that the dummy can be placed in severely deformed vehicles as well. In this connection, various fractures, such as arm and leg fractures, can also be recreated. The dummy according to the embodiment is made of wood, but other rigid materials with low weight and good durability, such as plastic or metal, are also possible. A major advantage of the dummy is that it is made of hingedly connected segments, each of which is elongated and has a small cross-sectional area compared with human measurements. In this way, the dummy becomes easy to handle and has a low weight, at the same time as various anthropometrically correct human body measurements can be recreated. An important advantage of the dummy described herein is that it is made of a number of uniform and recurrent components, such as segments which are displaceable, hinged joints, ball joints, and wire means.

Another advantage of the dummy described herein is the square cross-section of the component parts. This results in flat surfaces upon which marks and notes can be made. A particular advantage in this connection is that the texture of the flat surface makes it possible to write directly thereupon. The invention is by no means restricted to the embodiment described above, and several developments and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the assembly means (in this case screw means) enabling disassembly and reassem- bly of the dummy can be designed in a number of alternative ways, such as with bayonet catches, snap-in fasteners, or the like. In the embodiment shown, the function of the screw means is to permit adjustment and fixing in various longitudinal positions, as well as disassembly.

The adjustment/fixing function can also be separate from the disassembly/reassembly function and can be provided by separate means.

Claims

1. A life-size dummy for follow-up of personal injuries which have occurred in a vehicle during a traffic accident, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the dummy has adjustable body measurements for adapting to the body measurements of an occupant of the vehicle at the time of the traffic accident and that the body position of the dummy is adjustable for simulating the body position of the occupant.

2. A dummy according to claim 1, comprising a torso portion (10) and upper and lower extremities (40, 50) articulated thereto.

3. A dummy according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the extremities (40, 50) comprises an inner and an outer elongated portion (41, 44; 51, 54), each of the portions (41, 44; 51, 54) comprising an inner part (42, 45; 52, 55) and an outer part (43, 46; 53, 56), which are displaceable in relation to each other in the longitudinal direction and fixable in various relative positions, and the inner and the outer portions (41, 44; 51, 54) being articulated to each other.

4. A dummy according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the torso portion (10) has a spine (11) comprising several segments (12) hingedly and fixably connected to one another.

5. A dummy according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein the torso portion (10) has a shoulder portion (13) and a hip portion (16), the upper and the lower extremities (40, 50) being connected to the shoulder portion (13) and the hip portion (16) respectively and the connection points of the extremities (40, 50) being displaceable laterally relative to the torso portion (10) and fixable in various positions.

6. A dummy according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein the torso portion (10) comprises a front rib cage means (19) with a central portion (21) extending in the longitudinal direction of the torso portion (10) and rib means (22) extending at right angles to the sides from the central portion, said rib means being elongated and bendable.

7. A dummy according to any one of claims 2-6, wherein a head (25) is articulated to the torso portion

(10) .

8. A dummy according to any one of claims 2-7, wherein a hand or a foot portion (47, 57) is articulated to any one of the extremities (40, 50) .

9. A dummy according to claim 8, wherein the respective hand or foot portion (47, 57) comprises bendable finger or toe means (49, 59) .

10. A dummy according to any one of claims 2-9, wherein the lower extremities (50) are pivotally connected to the torso portion (10) , so that the lower extremities (50) can be pivoted towards and be placed along the torso portion (10) .

11. A dummy according to any one of claims 2-10, wherein the extremities have a small cross-sectional area in comparison with human body measurements.

12. A dummy according to any one of the preceding claims, which can be disassembled and reassembled.

13. A dummy according to claim 12, wherein the dummy can be disassembled and reassembled by being dividable into at least two, preferably several, essential parts, which are joined together with the aid of an assembly means .

14. Use of a dummy according to any one of the preceding claims for follow-up of personal injuries which have occurred in a vehicle during a traffic accident.

15. A life-size dummy, comprising a torso portion (10) and upper and lower extremities (40, 50) articulated thereto, each comprising an inner and an outer elongated portion (41, 44; 51, 54), c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the inner and outer portions (41, 44; 51, 54) of the extremities are articulated to each other, each of the portions (41, 44; 51, 54) comprises an inner part (42, 45; 52, 55) and an outer part (43, 46; 53, 56) , which are displaceable in relation to each other in the longitudinal direction and fixable in various relative positions, the torso portion (10) has a shoulder portion (13), to which the upper extremities (40) are connected, and a hip portion (16), to which the lower extremities (50) are connected, and the connection points of the extremities (40, 50) are displaceable laterally relative to the torso portion (10) and fixable in various positions, the dummy having adjustable body measurements for adapting to the body measurements of a person and the body position of the dummy being adjustable for simulating the body position of a person.