Bomb Disposal Suit Back Protector Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bomb disposal suits are heavy and hot, causing discomfort due to their protective construction, and the shoulder load is substantial, while the spinal area requires impact-resistant protection against blast forces.
Innovation Solution
A bomb disposal suit with a back protector featuring a multilayered construction, including a hook and loop connector system, a body of impact-resistant material with hourglass-shaped projections, and a fan assembly for ventilation, which relieves shoulder load and provides effective spinal impact protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the jacket is heavily configured for protection, then protection capability is improved, but shoulder load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The back protector is divided into multiple functional layers including a cover, impact resistant material, ventilating plenum, and connector system. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function efficiently while distributing the overall weight burden across multiple components rather than concentrating it on the shoulders alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The back protector extends vertically beyond the jacket hem to connect with both the jacket and trousers, creating a three-dimensional load distribution system. This vertical extension allows the protector to transmit forces in multiple directions and engage additional body regions for weight bearing.
2Strength
If the jacket is heavily configured for protection, then protection capability is improved, but wearer comfort deteriorates due to heat
Solution Approach 1:
The impact resistant material is configured with an array of projections that create void spaces and channels throughout the material structure. This porous configuration allows air to circulate through the material, providing passive ventilation and heat dissipation while maintaining the material's impact protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
A ventilating plenum is integrated within the back protector structure, creating a pressurized air channel that actively moves air through the impact resistant material. This pneumatic system enhances cooling by forcing air flow through the porous material and across the wearer's back, actively managing thermal comfort.
3Strength
If impact resistant material is added to protect the spinal area, then spinal protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The back protector is designed as a multi-functional integrated system where a single component structure provides impact protection, ventilation, load transmission, and structural support simultaneously. The connector system engages with both the jacket and trousers to create a unified protective ensemble that serves multiple protective functions through one integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The back protector combines multiple materials with different properties including a flexible cover, rigid impact resistant material with projections, and ventilating plenum structure. This composite construction achieves enhanced spinal protection by layering materials that complement each other's strengths while managing the overall structural complexity through integrated design.
4Force
If the back protector connects jacket and trousers, then load transmission is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system uses reversible engagement mechanisms that allow the back protector to be dynamically attached and detached from the jacket and trousers. This dynamic connection system provides secure load transmission during use while enabling easy donning and doffing when the protective ensemble needs to be removed or adjusted.
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 reduces shoulder load by transmitting the jacket's weight to the trousers, offers high impact resistance meeting NIJ standards, and provides targeted ventilation for cooling, enhancing comfort and protection during blasts.
Implementation Method 1
a fan assembly for ventilation
Implementation Method 2
hook and loop connector system
Implementation Method 3
body of impact-resistant material with hourglass-shaped projections
Data Source
AI summary
A bomb disposal suit includes a jacket, trousers, and a back protector connected between the jacket and the trousers. The back protector includes a body of impact resistant material having a plenum with an intake opening to receive forced air and with outlet openings to direct forced air out of the plenum. A fan forces air into the intake opening. The back protector can transmit load vertically from the jacket to the trousers, for example, via a back plate.