Pressure-Controlled Bladder Locking for Athletic Equipment Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional articles of athletic equipment, such as pads and protective gear, lack the ability to lock the size or shape to a wearer's body part, making it difficult to achieve an optimum fit.
Innovation Solution
A locking structure incorporating a bladder with elastic elements and locking elements that transition between an unlocked and locked state through adjustable fluid pressure, allowing the equipment to conform to the wearer's body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable straps are used to secure the article, then the article can accommodate various sizes, but the article cannot lock to the body part for an optimum fit
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving body is designed to be dynamically adjustable through fluid pressure control. The bladder can be inflated or deflated to change the internal volume and pressure, allowing the receiving body to transition between accommodating various sizes and locking to a specific body part shape for optimal fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the receiving body by adjusting fluid pressure within the bladder. By controlling pressure levels, the receiving body can adapt its shape and size to match different body parts, achieving both versatility and precise fit locking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the receiving body is made flexible to accommodate various sizes, then adaptability is improved, but the ability to lock securely to the body part is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between flexible and rigid states through fluid pressure control. When pressure is applied, the bladder becomes taut and the receiving body locks into a rigid configuration that securely conforms to the body part, while maintaining flexibility when pressure is released for adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a bladder filled with fluid to control the structural properties of the receiving body. By adjusting fluid pressure, the system achieves both flexibility for adaptation and rigidity for secure locking, resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
3Ease of operation
If conventional adjustable straps are used, then ease of operation is improved, but the fit customization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical strap adjustment systems with a pneumatic/hydraulic control system. Fluid pressure control provides more precise and continuous adjustment capability compared to discrete strap notches, enabling superior fit customization while maintaining ease of operation through simple pressure control mechanisms.
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
Provides a snug and customized fit by constriction, enhancing comfort and support by locking the equipment to the body part, while maintaining flexibility in the unlocked state.
Implementation Method 1
the interior void of the bladder operable between a first pressure to move the locking system to a locked state and a second pressure to move the locking system to an unlocked state
Implementation Method 2
at least one elastic element disposed within the interior void
Data Source
AI summary
A locking structure for an article includes a bladder including a first barrier element attached to a second barrier element to define a chamber having an interior void. A locking system includes locking elements that each attach to at least one elastic element. The locking elements each include at least one interface surface. The interior void of the bladder operable between a first pressure to move the locking system to a locked state and a second pressure to move the locking system to an unlocked state.