FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10; rule 13)


TITLE OF THE INVENTION A comprehensive torso flexion calibration test rig for the crash test dummies
APPLICANTS
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company
having its registered office at Bombay House,
24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk,
Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India
INVENTORS
Clifford Samuel and Rajesh Chaugule both Indian national
of TATA MOTORS LIMITED an Indian company
having its registered office at Bombay House,
24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk,
Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India
PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner
in which it is to be performed.


FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to crash test dummy and more particularly it relates to the torso flexion calibration test rig for a crash test dummy.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Crash test dummies are used for assessment of the potential risk of injuries to the occupants in the event of crash. These dummies simulate human occupants and are provided with predetermined properties in line with various human body parts. These properties require periodic verification or calibration in order to ascertain their biofidelity. Such requirements are specified by the regulations. Dummy torso i.e. chest is one such part which needs to meet specified performance criteria. The performance criterion is known as "torso flexion calibration". In simple terms it is the measurement of the torso stiffness in flexion and its ability to recover to the original position on removal of the applied load.
During the calibration test, the dummy torso is applied with a specified torsional force at top end of its spine till it is tilted forward by 45 degrees. Specifications have been defined for the force required for this movement and the final position to be achieved by the dummy on removal of this force.
The conventional test rigs for torso flexion calibration have following disadvantages -
- These rigs are designed only for one type of dummy because of which different rigs will be required for variety of crash test dummies.
- These rigs use automated actuators which make them expensive.
- these rigs are not portable

OBJECTS OF INVENTION
The main object of the present invention is to provide a test rig for torso flexion calibration of a crash test dummy.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a test rig for torso flexion calibration of a crash test dummy which can be used for variety of crash test dummies.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a test rig for torso flexion calibration of a crash test dummy which is portable.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a test rig for torso flexion calibration of a crash test dummy which is simple in operation and cost effective.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A comprehensive torso flexion calibration test rig for the crash test dummies comprises; a support platform for positioning of the dummy. The said support platform comprises; a vertical support member, a horizontal extension member for connecting the dummy pelvis, a spine extension member is connected to the dummy spine, load sensor with pair of cable members, rotary actuator for loading the said dummy through said spine extension member, sliding arrangement for facilitating the loading angle and varieties of dummies, wherein said load sensor is attached to the said spine extension member by first cable member and second cable member connects the said load sensor to said rotary actuator. The said rotary actuator is operated manually by a handle. The said rotary actuator is attached to said sliding arrangement so that variety of dummies can be positioned at suitable loading angle.

The said support platform, is also provided with caster wheels to facilitate its
movement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
In accordance to the present invention
Figure-01 shows the front & side views of the torso flexion test rig in accordance with
the invention with dummy installed on the same,
Figure-02 shows the top view of the torso flexion test rig in accordance with the
invention,
Figure-03 shows front & side views of the vertical bracket (3).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting the same.
A comprehensive torso flexion calibration test rig for the crash test dummies comprises; a support platform (1) for positioning of the dummy (2), the said support platform comprises; a vertical support member (3), a horizontal extension member (4) for connecting the dummy pelvis, a spine extension member (5) is connected to the dummy spine, load sensor (7) with pair of cable members (6.1,6.2), rotary actuator (8) for loading the said dummy through said spine extension member, sliding arrangement (10) for facilitating the adjustment of the loading angle for varieties of dummies, wherein said load sensor is attached to the said spine extension member by first cable member and second cable member connects the said load sensor to said rotary actuator. The said rotary actuator is operated manually by a handle. The said rotary actuator is attached to said sliding arrangement so that variety of dummies can

be positioned at suitable loading angle. The said support platform is also provided with caster wheels to facilitate its movement.
The said spine extension member (5) is connected to the spine of the crash test dummy. First cable member (6.1) is connected to the said spine extension member (5) at one end and a load sensor (7) is connected to the other end. The other end of the said load sensor (7) is connected to the second cable member (6.2). The other end of the said second cable member (6.2) is connected to the said rotary actuator (8). The said rotary actuator has a self locking mechanism to retain its position during the calibration process. The said rotary actuator (8) is actuated manually with the help of a handle (9). The said rotary actuator (8) mechanism is mounted on said sliding arrangement (10). The said sliding arrangement is locked at intermediate positions as per the application requirements. The said support platform (1) comprises a slot (11) to accommodate the movement of the said second cable member (6.2) during loading. The said vertical support member (3) also comprises a vertical column (12). A web restraint (13) can be wound around the dummy & the said vertical column to position the dummy during soaking & also to prevent eventual falling of the crash test dummy when not under calibration. The said support platform (1) is provided with plurality of lockable castor wheels (14) for ease of its movement from place to place.
In a typical calibration exercise, the crash test dummy is positioned on the top of the said support platform (1). The said dummy is positioned in upright position & soaked at specified temperature and humidity for specified time. The said dummy is fitted with the spine extension member (5). The cable members (6.1,6.2) and the said load sensors (7) are attached to the said spine extension member (5). The other end of the cable members is connected to the said rotary actuator (8). As said rotary actuator is rotated, said second cable member is wound on the same and the dummy is pulled downwards through predetermined angle. The said rotary actuator (8) is actuated by the handle (9) manually. The required load is sensed by said load sensor. The required

loading angle can be adjusted by appropriate positioning of the said rotary actuator (8) through the said sliding arrangement (10). Once the required angle is achieved, the direction of said rotary actuator (8) is reversed to unload the said dummy. The residual inclination of the said dummy torso is checked at no load. The same set up can also be used to suit crash test dummies of different anthropometries by changing the said horizontal extension member (4). In order to accommodate the different vertical positioning of the said horizontal extension member (4), required for different dummies, the said vertical support member (3) is provided with slot (15) at the mounting of the said horizontal extension member. Also the specified loading angle can be achieved by positioning the said rotary actuator mechanism through appropriate positioning of the said sliding arrangement. Due to different dummy anthropometries and change in the loading angles during loading, the said support platform (1) is provided with a slot (11) to pass the cable members through suitably.
The foregoing description is a specific embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is described for purpose of illustration only, and that numerous alterations and modifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the invention as claimed or the equivalents thereof.
Dated this 26th day of March 2009

Karuna Goleria of DePENNING & DePENNING
TATA MOTORS LIMITED By their Agent & Attorney