Adjustable Shoulder Device for EVA Suit Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of extra-vehicular activity (EVA) pressure suits faces challenges in achieving optimal fit due to varying chest breadths among subjects, particularly when trying to accommodate a wide range of sizes with a limited inventory of suit sizes, and the traditional rear entry system with fixed shoulder holes complicates the donning process.
Innovation Solution
A hard upper torso with repositionable scye bearings and an adjustable shoulder device that allows the scye bearing to move between different shoulder width positions, utilizing a redundant cord restraint system and length fixing devices to accommodate various shoulder widths and facilitate easy donning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed shoulder holes are used in traditional rear entry suits, then the suit structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the donning process becomes difficult and fit is impossible to optimize for varying chest breadths
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder aperture system is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable system. The scye bearing can be repositioned along adjustment tracks, and the shoulder aperture can be expanded or contracted using expansion members, allowing the suit to adapt to different shoulder widths and chest breadths during the donning process and for optimal fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoulder aperture system is divided into separate functional components: the scye bearing, the adjustment track, the expansion member, and the restraint member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to provide adjustable shoulder width and facilitate donning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a limited inventory of suit sizes is maintained, then manufacturing and storage costs are reduced, but the ability to accommodate varying chest breadths and shoulder widths is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable shoulder device enables a single suit size to serve multiple functions by accommodating different shoulder widths and chest breadths. The scye bearing can be repositioned and the aperture expanded or contracted to fit various subject types, eliminating the need for maintaining multiple suit sizes in inventory while still achieving optimal fit for all users.
3Ease of operation
If significant clearance between suit and body is provided, then the donning process is simplified, but joint alignment with the suit joints becomes difficult to achieve for effective mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustment capability allows the scye bearing to be positioned at different locations along the adjustment track, enabling precise alignment with the subject's shoulder joints even with clearance between the suit and body. The restraint member can then secure the scye bearing at the optimal position for joint alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameter of the scye bearing can be changed along the adjustment track to achieve optimal alignment with the subject's shoulder joint. This parameter adjustment allows the system to accommodate both clearance for easy donning and precision for joint alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A suit includes a hard upper torso providing shoulder apertures. A repositionable scye bearing is arranged at a shoulder aperture. An adjustable shoulder device interconnects the scye bearing and the hard upper torso. The adjustable shoulder device is configured to move the scye bearing between first and second shoulder width positions relative to the hard upper torso. A method of donning a suit includes the steps of adjusting a scye bearing relative to a hard upper torso to a desired shoulder width position. The scye bearing can be subsequently repositioned for desired crewmember fit and use while the desired shoulder width position is maintained.