Arch Spring Impact Absorption and Detection System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies inadequately address the detection and absorption of impact forces in real-time, particularly in sports, military, and everyday applications, leading to undetected concussions and other impact-related injuries.

Innovation Solution

An impact absorption and detection system comprising deflectable arch springs and sensors configured in a chainmail arrangement, connected to a processor and data store, which absorbs and records impact forces, determining their location, amount, and direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional impact protection materials are used, then some impact protection is provided, but real-time detection and precise measurement of impact forces is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact force detection precisionVSAvoidimpact detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the impact detection function into multiple sensor elements distributed across the protective structure. Each sensor independently measures local impact forces, enabling precise spatial and temporal characterization of impact events while improving overall detection reliability through redundancy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective system integrates multiple functions into a single structure: mechanical impact protection through deflection/absorption materials, real-time impact force sensing, and data processing capabilities. This multi-functionality enables simultaneous protection and precise measurement without requiring separate systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If impact protection devices are added to provide absorption, then protection capability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact force absorptionVSAvoidsystem structural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the protective absorption function with the detection function into an integrated structure. The same physical components that provide mechanical protection also serve as mounting structures for sensors and signal processing elements, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective device performs multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical impact absorption through deflection/absorption materials, real-time impact force measurement through integrated sensors, and data processing through embedded processors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protection and detection systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If real-time impact data collection is implemented, then injury detection capability improves, but loss of time for processing and responding increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact location and severity measurementVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary processing of impact data at the source through embedded processors that immediately analyze sensor signals as impacts occur. This preliminary action enables real-time determination of impact location, force, and severity without requiring time-consuming centralized processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements immediate feedback processing where impact data is continuously collected, analyzed, and processed in real-time. The feedback loop provides instantaneous information about impact events, enabling immediate response while maintaining precise measurement of impact characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables real-time detection and absorption of impact forces, facilitating immediate response and reducing the risk of undetected injuries by providing accurate data on impact severity and location.

Implementation Method 1

one or more deflectable arch springs, having at least one leg with proximal and distal ends

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

impact absorption and detection system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9341527B2Impact deflection, absorption and sensing device and system
Publication Date: 2016.05.17 CHURCH HILL PUBLISHING
  • US9341527B2 patent drawing
  • US9341527B2 patent drawing
  • US9341527B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is directed to an impact absorption and detection system, including: one or more deflectable arch springs, having at least one leg with proximal and distal ends; and one or more bases, each of the proximal and distal ends attached to a base. Some embodiments may include: a plurality of arch spring assemblies, including: a deflectable arch spring having at least one leg with proximal and distal ends; one or more bases, each of the proximal and distal ends attached to a base; at least one sensor attached to the arch spring assembly; wherein the plurality of arch spring assemblies is configured in a chainmail arrangement and a base of one arch spring assembly is connected with a base of another arch spring assembly; a processor electrically connected to the sensors attached to the plurality of arch spring assemblies; and a data store in communication with the processor.