Energy absorbing system for blast mitigation of support elements such as suspended seats or stretchers in military vehicles

摘要

An energy absorbing system for blast mitigation is provided for a suspended support element, such as a gunner seat or medical stretcher, in a vehicle. An energy absorbing element is located in series within at least one suspension element of the seat or stretcher. The energy absorbing element includes an extensible section having a contracted, folded configuration and an extended configuration. A retention element, such as stitching or entangled interlocking fibers, retains the energy absorbing element in the contracted configuration. The retention element remains intact when the energy absorbing element supports a load from the person on the seat or stretcher and fails over a period of time when an explosive force is applied to the vehicle from underneath, causing the vehicle to move upwardly, the extensible section thereby extending in length and absorbing energy. Injury to the person can thereby be reduced.