Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, ASA(ALT), Phase I
M997A3 Chassis Suspension Improvements
Objective
The purpose of this topic is to develop and implement chassis suspension improvement, especially in the front, to soften and smooth out the ride for patients, as well as attendant, driver, commander. It is equally important to improve initial response to shock loads and set stage for further improvements.
Description
The objective of this topic includes analyzing loads into ambulance and select/test suspension components, most notably shocks, to lessen loads and impacts of them upon the chassis as a whole. Another objective is to find or generate materials that can be used as padding in open areas to also reduce shock and vibe loads. Finally, proposer should obtain samples suitable for demo/testing in DT and OT settings as well as local command demos, assess any possible lessons from commercial/industrial ambulance experience and hardware setups and develop better understanding of any unique challenges along the way. Currently, the M997A3 uses the same suspension as the main system, but has a different mission actually requiring more sensitivity to terrain effects on “cargo”. The M997A3 currently rarely uses upper bunks and avoids certain required terrain. Other options are either more sensitive to terrain or are much more expensive systems. Intent of this topic is to look past regular HMMWV suspension approaches to see if different items totally, or simply augmented shocks/logic can be put to use, at least on rebound. It will become even more important with the advent of leader/follower for the ambulance or autonomous operation as the attendant will have no warning about obstacles and their shock effects on attendant and patients.
Phase I
Perform modeling/analysis on proposal. Obtain hardware, integrate into project.
Phase II
Improve design, batch with any other needed changes, test in lab, socialize to users, start vehicle testing.
Phase III
Complete vehicle testing, decision point, document, release for production/kits.
For more information, and to submit your full proposal package, visit the DSIP Portal.
Objective
The purpose of this topic is to develop and implement chassis suspension improvement, especially in the front, to soften and smooth out the ride for patients, as well as attendant, driver, commander. It is equally important to improve initial response to shock loads and set stage for further improvements.
Description
The objective of this topic includes analyzing loads into ambulance and select/test suspension components, most notably shocks, to lessen loads and impacts of them upon the chassis as a whole. Another objective is to find or generate materials that can be used as padding in open areas to also reduce shock and vibe loads. Finally, proposer should obtain samples suitable for demo/testing in DT and OT settings as well as local command demos, assess any possible lessons from commercial/industrial ambulance experience and hardware setups and develop better understanding of any unique challenges along the way. Currently, the M997A3 uses the same suspension as the main system, but has a different mission actually requiring more sensitivity to terrain effects on “cargo”. The M997A3 currently rarely uses upper bunks and avoids certain required terrain. Other options are either more sensitive to terrain or are much more expensive systems. Intent of this topic is to look past regular HMMWV suspension approaches to see if different items totally, or simply augmented shocks/logic can be put to use, at least on rebound. It will become even more important with the advent of leader/follower for the ambulance or autonomous operation as the attendant will have no warning about obstacles and their shock effects on attendant and patients.
Phase I
Perform modeling/analysis on proposal. Obtain hardware, integrate into project.
Phase II
Improve design, batch with any other needed changes, test in lab, socialize to users, start vehicle testing.
Phase III
Complete vehicle testing, decision point, document, release for production/kits.
For more information, and to submit your full proposal package, visit the DSIP Portal.