Ballistic Protective Cup with Gel Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective cups for male genital areas, commonly used in sports and by law enforcement and military personnel, lack sufficient protection against severe blows, small arms fire, and shrapnel due to their rigid and non-ballistic material composition.
Innovation Solution
A protective cup made from high-grade ballistic materials, such as carbon fiber, Kevlar, and silicone gel, layered with a medium durometer rubber, providing enhanced protection through a combination of materials and optional clamping mechanisms to secure the layers in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional plastic materials (polypropylene or polyethylene) are used for athletic cups, then the device is lightweight and comfortable, but it provides insufficient protection against severe blows, small arms fire, and shrapnel
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cup employs a multi-layer composite structure combining rigid ballistic materials (polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or PVC) with resilient materials (foam rubber, gel, or air cushions). This composite approach integrates the high strength and cut resistance of rigid materials with the shock-absorbing properties of resilient materials, achieving superior protection against projectiles, heavy blows, and shrapnel while maintaining wearability
2Strength
If rigid materials are used to protect against heavy blows, then protection against medium contact is improved, but protection against extremely severe blows (bullets, shrapnel) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates resilient materials such as foam rubber, gel, or air cushions within the internal portion of the protective cup before impact occurs. These pre-positioned cushioning elements are designed to deform and absorb impact energy from projectiles, heavy blows, and shrapnel, reducing the force transmitted to the wearer's body and preventing incapacitation
3Reliability
If the protective cup is made from ballistic materials, then protection against small arms fire and shrapnel is improved, but weight and comfort may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cup implements local quality by concentrating ballistic protection materials (polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or PVC) specifically in the crotch and genital areas where protection is most critical, while using lighter resilient materials in surrounding areas. This localized approach provides superior ballistic protection where needed without unnecessarily increasing overall weight and maintaining wearer comfort
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 solution offers superior protection against heavy blows, small arms fire, and shrapnel, significantly reducing the risk of injury and incapacitation in high-risk scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
high-grade ballistic materials, such as carbon fiber, Kevlar, and silicone gel, layered with a medium durometer rubber, providing enhanced protection
Data Source
AI summary
A protective cup designed to protect the male genitalia from damage or injury that could result from blows to the pelvic area of a male wherein the protective cup is manufactured using a very high strength ballistic material for the primary protective cup structure and wherein the interior of the protective cup includes a resilient gel that provides additional cushioning to the male genitalia if the protective cup is subjected to heavy strikes from external sources.