This invention was conceived as a new seat for passengers of the mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle. The blast-resistant vehicle seat improves the current seat in two key ways. First, the seat is coupled to the passenger, so in the event of an explosion, the passenger only encounters one rapid acceleration and not both the concussion of the blast as well as the secondary impact from the seat bed beneath. Second, temperatures inside the vehicle can vary from intensely hot, 130°F, in the summer, to very cool in the winter. Both warm air and chilled gas can be passed through the seat so the passenger can work in relative comfort. Third, the seat's rigid seat belt helps protect passengers' bodies, shoulders, and necks in a blast. Finally, the seats can be reconfigured at any time to adjust for a new passenger's size or to allow an existing passenger to change positions.
Features
Couples occupant to the vehicle, conforms easily to a wide variety of occupants, forms a comfortable solid seat bed, allows the occupant to heat or cool seat bed, protects body, shoulders, neck and back in blast, and can be reconfigured any time the occupant wants to shift or change position.
Benefits
The military has an immediate need for these seats in MRAP and Humvee military vehicles. Markets where extreme physical restraint is required, such as NASCAR and performance aircraft circuits, could also greatly benefit from this invention.
More info: http://www1.y12.doe.gov/business/techtransfer/abstract.php?disclno=1300002140
