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Good Enough for the X-38, but Made for Commercial Aircraft
| Issue: |
2001 |
Category: |
Industrial Productivity/Manufacturing Technology |
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| Page: |
68 |
Center: |
Johnson Space Center |
| State: |
TX |
Manufacturer: |
Aircraft Belts, Inc. |
| Tech Terms: |
Safety Restraints, Aviation Restraint Systems, Hydraulic Test System |
| Abstract: |
| Aircraft Belts, Inc. (ABI), of Kemah, Texas, was looking for a way to ensure the safety of its customers by developing a thorough test system for aviation restraint systems. Previous safety restraint test methods did not properly measure the load distribution placed on the restraints, leaving an unknown factor in meeting safety standards. ABI needed to improve its testing methods and update its test equipment. Through a partnership with NASA's Johnson Space Center Technical Outreach Program, the need was met. With the assistance of NASA engineers, ABI developed a hydraulic test system that provides the consumer with in-depth data about the load placed on the restraint system throughout the duration of the test. The old systems were only able to detect if the belts could sustain the applied force and could not target the problem of providing load data. In comparison, the new system modeled after the one used by NASA, can collect data that tells exactly what went wrong with belts that break and why. Depending on the test requirements of various restraint components, the system can exert a subjected force ranging from merely a few pounds to thousands. The test force can be applied to an entire safety restraint system or to its individual parts, including, stitching, webbing, and harware. |
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