Layered Air-Baffle Impact Absorber for Peak Force Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional impact absorbing devices, such as foam-based mats, fail to consistently absorb and distribute the force of a falling object effectively, often resulting in inadequate protection and injury risk in activities like gymnastics and rock climbing.

Innovation Solution

The proposed impact absorbing device consists of multiple layers with baffles that compress upon impact, restricting air displacement and increasing pressure to decelerate the falling object, featuring a damper layer with crumpled sheeting and a linear layer with compressible filling material, which distribute and manage the force over time to reduce the impact force exerted on the object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If foam-based mats are used for impact absorption, then the device structure is simple, but the force distribution and deceleration effectiveness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidforce distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The impact absorbing device is divided into multiple layers (first layer with initial impact absorption, second layer with enhanced baffles, third layer with final deceleration) and multiple baffles within each layer. This segmentation allows progressive force distribution and deceleration, transforming a single-structure foam mat into a multi-layered system that effectively manages impact forces through staged absorption and distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional foam mats are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the impact force is not adequately reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidimpact force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device utilizes baffles with apertures (porous structure) that allow controlled air displacement during compression. The porous design enables the baffles to compress and expand while managing air flow, creating effective deceleration forces. This porous material approach maintains manufacturability while significantly improving impact force reduction compared to solid foam structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Device complexity

If single-layer foam structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the force absorption duration is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayer structureVSAvoidforce absorption duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-layer baffle structure ensures continuous force absorption and deceleration throughout the impact event. As the falling object compresses baffles in the first layer, the force is transferred to the second layer, then to the third layer, maintaining continuous deceleration action. This continuous multi-stage absorption extends the duration of force management, preventing sudden force spikes and providing prolonged protective action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This configuration effectively decelerates falling objects by managing force distribution and duration, reducing the peak force exerted on the object and enhancing safety by distributing the energy over a longer period, thus providing improved protection compared to traditional impact absorbing devices.

Implementation Method 1

pressure is increased as a result of restriction of air displacement and/or contents in the one or more baffles upon the compression of the one or more baffles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir displacement restriction: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a second layer including one or more baffles layered on the one or more baffles of the first layer, wherein the one or more baffles of the second layer are configured to undergo compression in response to the compression of the one or more baffles of the first layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11946525B2Impact absorbing devices and processes of operation of the impact absorbing devices

Publication Date: 2024.04.02 HEXNEST INC

AI summary

An impact absorbing device is disclosed for reducing a force exerted against a falling object upon impact of a falling object, the device comprising: a first layer including one or more baffles configured to undergo compression in response to the impact of the falling object, wherein pressure is increased as a result of restriction of air displacement and/or contents in the one or more baffles upon the compression of the one or more baffles and wherein increased pressure in the one or more baffles increases compression resistance of the one or more baffles causing the one or more baffles to exert a force which decelerates the falling object; and a second layer including one or more baffles layered on the one or more baffles of the first layer, wherein the one or more baffles of the second layer are configured to undergo compression in response to the compression of the one or more baffles of the first layer, wherein pressure is increased in the one or more baffles as a result of restriction of air displacement and/or contents in the one or more baffles upon the compression of the one or more baffles and wherein increased pressure in the one or more baffles increases compression resistance of the one or more baffles causing the one or more baffles into contact the first layer and exert a force which decelerates said falling object.