Asymmetric Inflatable Protection Device for Body Contour Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable protection devices for users, such as those described in International patent application WO 2010-067288 A1, face challenges in adapting to the anatomical shapes of the human body due to their prefabricated structure, which can limit their effectiveness in providing adequate protection during impacts or falls.
Innovation Solution
The protection device features a bivalve configuration with two opposite walls and meshes, where one mesh or wall has a different surface extension and pliability than the other, allowing for asymmetrical inflation and better curvature adaptation to the body, achieved through varying yarn materials and knitting techniques to control expansion capacity and resistance to deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a prefabricated textile structure with opposed meshes is used, then the manufacturing process is simplified and standardized, but the ability to adapt to anatomical shapes and provide proper curvature is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the properties of opposite wall portions. Specifically, at least one portion of the first wall has different characteristics (such as different mesh density, yarn composition, or structural properties) compared to opposite portions of the second wall. This allows different regions of the inflatable element to expand and conform to specific anatomical areas of the body, providing localized adaptation while maintaining a generally symmetric overall structure for ease of manufacture.
2Device complexity
If symmetric opposite walls are used, then the structural simplicity and ease of manufacture are improved, but the ability to form curved configurations and follow body contours is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry within an otherwise symmetric structure by making at least one portion of the first wall different from the corresponding portion of the second wall. This controlled asymmetry enables the inflatable element to form curved configurations and follow body contours when inflated, while the overall symmetric design maintains structural simplicity and ease of manufacture.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform mesh structure is used throughout, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ability to control differential expansion and form specific body contours is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating differentiated mesh structures in specific regions. At least one portion of the first wall has different mesh properties (such as mesh size, yarn density, or structural characteristics) compared to opposite portions of the second wall. This allows precise control over differential expansion in specific areas, enabling the inflatable element to form accurate body contours while maintaining uniform manufacturing processes for the overall structure.
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 design enables the inflatable element to assume a curved configuration, providing enhanced protection by forming an intrados and extrados shape that better fits the user's body, improving the device's ability to absorb impacts and distribute force effectively.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable element (2, 102) apt to assume substantially a first rest condition or deflated condition, and a second active condition or inflated condition
Implementation Method 2
the first mesh (18) and/or the first wall (15) having said different pliability with respect to the second mesh (19) and/or second wall (16)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A protection device (1, 100) for the personal protection of a user is described. The protection device comprises an inflatable element (2, 102). The inflatable element (2, 102) defines an internal chamber (3, 104) apt to receive an inflation fluid and it is apt to assume an active inflated condition and a rest deflated condition in case of fall of a user, in case of danger or impact of a user against an obstacle. A first portion (18, 103a) of the inflatable element (2, 102) has the ability to assume, in inflated condition, a certain surface extension, or an ability to occupy, in inflated condition, a determined area, or a different expansion capacity compared to a corresponding capacity of an opposite portion (19, 103b) of the inflatable element (2, 102).