Hands Free Automatic Coupling Restraint System

Pratt & Miller Engineering (PME) proposes the Hands-free Automatic Coupling Restraint System (HACRS) for use in military vehicles. HACRS is a combination of systems that automatically restrains the seated soldier and engages additional restraints during an event (i.e. underbody blasts; frontal, side, or rear crashes; rollovers; and severe driving conditions) to secure the soldier into the seat. Currently there are no fielded hands-free restraint systems in the military or civilian markets. The ultimate goal of HACRS is to save lives by providing an innovative, effective, and cost-efficient restraint system for use in existing military vehicles that is easy to use, easy to install, and encourages occupant use. PME will develop and demonstrate HACRS using modeling and simulation, physical testing, and extensive safety device know-how through its vast racing experience. PMEs motorsports derived techniques, innovative trade study processes and analysis, diverse and accomplished engineering team, and state-of-the-art facility and tools will all be leveraged to meet this goal.