Restraint Systems and Restraint System Methods
Passenger restraint systems are provided. The restraint systems can include: a passenger seat supported by a frame; a restraint bar pivotably attached to the frame; and at least one piston operably engaged between the restraint bar and the frame. Restraint system pistons are provided. The pistons can include: a central chamber housing a piston head and rod; a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the central chamber; and at least one electromechanical valve operable between an open and a closed position. Methods for restraining a passenger within a seat are also provided.
1 . A restraint system piston comprising:
a central chamber housing a piston head and rod;
a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the central chamber; and
at least one electromechanical valve operable between an open and a closed position.
2 . The restraint system piston of claim 1 further comprising a pair of check valves aligned in series.
3 . The restraint system piston of claim 2 further comprising a cylinder head within the central chamber, the cylinder head confining at least one of the pair of check valves.
4 . The restraint system piston of claim 3 further comprising a rod extending from the cylinder head, wherein at least one of the check valves is aligned with the rod.
5 . The restraint system piston of claim 4 wherein at least one of the pair of check valves at least partially resides within a perimeter defined by the rod.
6 . The restraint system piston of claim 3 wherein the cylinder head defines an opening in fluid communication with at least one of the check valves.
7 . The restraint system piston of claim 3 further comprising a second cylinder head within the fluid reservoir, wherein each of the cylinder heads defines one or more recesses about a perimeter of the heads and configured to receive at least a pair of gaskets within each recess.
8 . The restraint system piston of claim 7 further comprising a pair of gaskets within at least one of the recesses.
9 . The restraint system piston of claim 8 wherein the pair of gaskets are stacked within the recess.
10 . The restraint system piston of claim 1 further comprising a manifold operably engaged between the central chamber and the fluid reservoir.
11 . The restraint system piston of claim 10 wherein the electromechanical valve is affixed to the manifold.
12 . The restraint system piston of claim 10 further comprising an optical sensor within the manifold, the optical sensor configured to detect the presence or absence of a structure associated with the position of the electromechanical valve.