Adjustable Pressure Suit Torso with Rigid Space Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing space suit torsos face limitations in fitting a broad population due to standard size approaches, leading to improper fit, increased cost, and health issues such as shoulder injuries, as they are either heavy and rigid or lack structural integrity when made from flexible materials.
Innovation Solution
An Adjustable Pressure Suit Torso comprising a rigid space frame with a multi-layered flexible shell, where the space frame is defined by adjustable brackets and rings that can be customized to fit individual body shapes, supporting a flexible bladder and restraint assembly to ensure a leak-free and safe pressurization system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid composite shell is used for the torso, then structural properties and shape matching are improved, but weight and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid torso is divided into multiple modular segments (upper torso, lower torso, limbs) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each segment uses rigid composite shells for structural integrity while allowing the overall system to be lighter through optimized local structures rather than a single heavy piece
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials (rigid composite shells combined with flexible materials) to achieve both structural strength and weight reduction. The composite construction allows the torso to maintain structural properties while being lighter than traditional rigid shells
2Ease of manufacture
If standard size rigid torsos are manufactured, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but fit quality and population adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The torso is segmented into modular components that can be independently sized and configured. This allows standardization of manufacturing processes for each module while enabling customization of the final assembly to fit different body types and anthropometric measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid torso incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow dynamic adaptation to different users. The modular design enables the same base structure to be customized through different component combinations, achieving both manufacturing efficiency and population adaptability
3Weight of moving object
If flexible materials are used for the torso, then weight and cost are reduced, but structural integrity and safety redundancy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines rigid composite shells with flexible materials in a hybrid construction. The rigid portions provide structural integrity and load-bearing capacity, while the flexible materials reduce weight and allow motion. This composite approach maintains safety redundancy without the full weight penalty of a completely rigid structure
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the torso into rigid and flexible zones, the design places rigid composite shells only where structural integrity is critical, while using lighter flexible materials in areas requiring motion and weight reduction, achieving optimal balance between strength and weight
4Ease of manufacture
If a cylindrical shape is used when pressurized, then manufacturing is simplified, but fit quality deteriorates due to mismatch with human body
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid rigid-flexible construction allows the torso to maintain a complex human-body-matching shape while remaining manufacturable. The rigid composite shells provide the outer shape that conforms to human anatomy, while the flexible inner layers accommodate pressurization without requiring a simple cylindrical form
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and safe space suit that fits a wide range of users, reduces logistical burdens, and minimizes health risks by allowing precise adjustment and dynamic repositioning to match human motion, thereby enhancing crew productivity and reducing lifecycle costs.
Implementation Method 1
A rigid space frame with a multi-layered flexible shell, where the space frame is defined by adjustable brackets and rings that can be customized to fit individual body shapes
Implementation Method 2
The space frame is defined by the openings required in the torso for the head, limbs and entryway. These interfaces are typically rigid metal or composite rings that act as connection points for other suit components or rotational bearings to provide mobility of the astronaut
Implementation Method 3
The rings are joined into a space frame by brackets which can be made any size, and therefore allow infinite adjustments to the made to the Adjustable Pressure Suit Torso to obtain a perfect fit of the suit to the body
Data Source
AI summary
An Adjustable Pressure Suit Torso, which is a combination of a flexible pressure suit attached to rigid rings, in an assembly of rigid rings and brackets. The rigid rings form openings configured to receive the head, limbs and entry way of a wearer. These rigid rings are attached to one another by brackets, thereby forming an assembly of rigid rings and brackets. The flexible pressure suit is attached to the rigid rings, and otherwise constrained upon pressurization by the rigid ring and bracket assembly. The brackets can be offered in different sizes or made adjustable so as to vary the overall size of the rigid ring and bracket assembly. The flexible pressure suit can be provided in the largest possible wearer size (99th percentile male) and any excess in the flexible suit when donned by a smaller wearer can be folded up while still constrained by the ring and bracket assembly.