Multistructural Anatomical Cushioning for Durable Impact Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorbing systems in sports and protective gear often degrade or rupture, reducing their effectiveness in absorbing and dissipating impact energy, and lack easy replacement options.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorbing system featuring a deformable envelope with a first working fluid and resilient supplemental elements, such as arcuate filaments or pillars, that can absorb and dissipate impact energy, with an optional inner element containing a second working fluid to enhance pressure differential and energy absorption, allowing for easy replacement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resilient mechanical elements and pneumatic bladders are used for shock absorption, then impact energy can be absorbed and dissipated, but the elements may degrade or rupture reducing their effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorbing system is divided into multiple independent structural layers including a deformable envelope containing working fluid, resilient supplemental absorber elements (such as arcuate filaments or pillars), and optionally an inner element with a second working fluid. Each layer performs shock absorption through different mechanisms, and if one layer degrades or ruptures, the other layers continue to provide protection, thereby maintaining overall system reliability and effectiveness throughout the service life.
2Reliability
If complex multistructural systems are implemented for enhanced shock absorption, then impact energy dissipation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where an inner element containing a second working fluid is placed within an outer envelope containing a first working fluid. The resilient supplemental absorber elements are dispersed within the chamber of the outer envelope. This nested arrangement allows multiple shock absorption mechanisms to be integrated in a compact configuration, enhancing impact energy dissipation capability while maintaining relatively simple overall device structure and avoiding excessive complexity.
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 system effectively attenuates impact forces, provides additional resilient restoring force, and allows for easy replacement of components, enhancing the durability and effectiveness of shock absorption in various activities.
Implementation Method 1
the envelope deformable in response to the impulse to absorb impulse energy
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of resilient supplemental absorber elements are deformable in response to the force or impact to assist in absorbing energy and provide additional resilient restoring force
Implementation Method 3
The first working fluid and second working fluid have a pressure differential
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorbing system for force attenuation, impact modification or reduction, employs an envelope having a chamber containing a first working fluid, the envelope deformable in response to the impulse to attenuate impact force. A plurality of resilient supplemental absorber elements dispersed within the chamber. The plurality of resilient supplemental absorber elements are deformable in response to the force to assist in attenuating impact force and provide additional resilient restoring force to return the envelope to a pre-impact shape. In alternative implementations, a unitary cell for energy dissipation employs an envelope having a chamber containing a first working fluid and an inner element contained within the chamber and having an inner chamber containing a second working fluid.