Multi-Axis Vibration Mitigation and Habitability Improvement for Seated Occupants Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Topic No.: N101-026 Topic Title: Multi-Axis Vibration Mitigation and Habitability Improvement for Seated Occupants Proposal No.: N101-026-0953 Firm: ATA Engineering, Inc 11995 El Camino Real Suite 200 San Diego, California 92130-2566 Contact: Tom Deiters Phone: (858) 480-2080 Web Site: www.ata-e.com Abstract: A continuous wave cushion with dynamic stiffness properties tuned to mitigate harmful/uncomfortable E-2C aircraft vibration is proposed as an innovative solution for improving pilot/operator ability to conduct long missions without numbness and pain in the back and legs. Review of literature pertinent to back pain associated with the E-2C and interviews with Navy physiologists familiar with the E-2C suggest that the main contributor to the back, neck, and leg pain is the duration of time for which aviators are seated. The proposed solution has been shown to dramatically improve circulation in body/seat contact areas where seated pressure can occlude normal capillary blood flow and induce pain. In addition to the vibration attenuation and circulatory enhancement that it will provide, it will also incorporate features for reducing body contact pressure points in the seat bottom and back cushions, relief of off-axis gravity forces that apply continuous lateral load to the aviator's body when flying nose-up, and improved support for aircrew arms and feet. The optimum embodiment of this novel cushion taking into account vibration, ergonomics, posture, weight, mission equipment, reliability, ease of implementation, and effectiveness will be defined by a design specification that will be developed early in Phase I. Benefits: The seating technology that will be developed under this SBIR will provide the dual benefits of: (a) significant reduction in the vibratory inputs transmitted to seated occupants on board the E-2C, and (b) elimination of prolonged contact pressure hot spots on the back and legs that results in pain, discomfort, and numbness during long operational flights. Reduction, or elimination, of acute pain and discomfort will allow aircrew to maintain focus and vigilance during operations and can also help reduce long term potential of compromised function and associated medical costs. The embodiment of the technology initially will specifically address the unique needs of the E-2C, however it will be developed such that it is extensible or easily modified to address other non-military applications. The seat technology developed here can easily be modified to support the needs of pilots and aircrew exposed to long duration operational flights on other military aircraft. This includes airlift cargo aircraft such as the C-5, C-17, C-130, KC-135, and others. Potential commercial customers for such an improved seat would include metropolitan transit authorities that operate buses, subways, trolleys and trains. The commercial airline industry is another obvious consumer of this innovative seating improvement to not only help reduce fatigue and increase focus for their pilots leading to improved safety of operation, but also to provide a competitive advantage to their customers by offering seats which promote healthy circulation and are more comfortable than the conventional seats offered by their competition. This device could also make significant improvements to the care of the invalid or immobilized patients in hospitals by promoting good circulation of oxygenated blood even when the patient is not able to move or shift their body position to relieve body contact pressure points. In addition, to these commercial applications there are also many other aircraft and ground vehicles operated by the Armed Forces which could benefit from this kind of seating improvement. Return