Semi-Active Damped Seating Technology for the EFV Navy SBIR FY2006.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2006.2 Topic No.: N06-103 Topic Title: Semi-Active Damped Seating Technology for the EFV Proposal No.: N062-103-0314 Firm: Techno-Sciences, Inc. 11750 Beltsville Drive 3rd Floor Beltsville, Maryland 20705-4044 Contact: Greg Hiemenz Phone: (240) 790-0598 Web Site: www.technosci.com Abstract: The proposed Semi-Active Magnetorheological Vehicle Seat (SAMVS) system will utilize the benefits of magnetorheological (MR) dampers to create an adaptive seat system for the EFV. Leveraging past & current experiences with MR damper design & characterization, semi-active control, and seat shock & vibration mitigation, a semi-active, real-time control algorithm will be designed to automatically adapt to varying occupant weight & input levels, while optimizing stroke. This system will be designed to protect the occupant during extreme input levels such as a "rogue" wave or UNDEX shock, repetitive shock due to traversing over rough seas at high speed, as well as lower amplitude vibrations during normal operation. MR dampers have the unique capability of offering high force and dynamic range coupled with low power requirements and passive failsafe protection should vehicle systems fail. Phase I efforts will include modeling and simulation to determine system effectiveness and MR damper design parameters, MR damper design optimization, and development of MR seat suspension design options. Benefits: This technology will be applicable to a wide range of end-users in the defense, commercial, and industry sectors. This low-cost, retrofit-capable system is particularly attractive for other military or commercial boats, heavy equipment, trucking or any vehicle with either an extremely stiff or no suspension system. Key benefits of the proposed system are: (1) Mitigation of injurious or debilitating effects caused by chronic exposure to severe and repeated mechanical shock such as those due to high speed water-borne operations during high sea states or land operations over rough terrain, (2) Adequate stroking capability and significantly reduced injury risk during extreme events such as a "rogue" wave or ballistic/UNDEX shock event, (3) Isolation of lower amplitude vibrations during normal operation, (4) Automatic adaptability to varying input levels, from extreme motion events to low amplitude vibration, (5) Automatic adaptability to varying occupant body weight - providing equal protection for the entire USMC population, from the smallest female to the largest male, & (6) Low cost, low weight, and highly reliable mechanical system. Return