Bowed Torso Load Distribution Assembly for Impact Force Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impact reduction systems and load distribution assemblies for torso protection do not effectively distribute impact forces over a large area, leading to concentrated stress points and inadequate heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
A torso load distribution assembly comprising plate portions and a plate engaging member with a bowed orientation, utilizing hook-and-loop connections and strategically designed pockets to distribute impact forces and enhance airflow, allowing for flexible attachment to a carrier portion with straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If existing impact reduction systems use flat plate structures, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but impact forces are concentrated at specific points rather than distributed over a large area
Solution Approach 1:
The plate structure is transformed from a flat configuration to a bowed configuration with curved surfaces. This curvature allows the plate to distribute impact forces more effectively across its surface area while maintaining structural integrity. The bowed shape creates a more complex geometry that enhances load distribution capabilities compared to simple flat plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is divided into multiple body portions that are spaced apart from a central body portion, creating a segmented structure. This segmentation allows each portion to independently manage stress and distribute forces more effectively, preventing concentration at single points while maintaining overall structural coherence.
2Temperature
If existing load distribution assemblies provide minimal spacing between plate and carrier, then the assembly is compact, but heat dissipation is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The bowed plate configuration creates spacing in the third dimension (perpendicular to the plate surfaces), establishing air gaps that facilitate heat dissipation. This dimensional approach to creating space allows improved thermal management without significantly increasing the overall footprint or volume of the assembly in the primary planes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the plate engaging member is configured with smaller dimensions than the plate portions, then the plate portions can be contained and secured, but the plate portions cannot maintain their bowed orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The plate portions are made from flexible material that can be bowed into a curved configuration and then contained within the plate engaging member. The flexibility of the material allows it to be manipulated into the desired bowed shape and maintained within the constraints of the engaging member, achieving both orientation stability and ease of attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate portions are pre-formed to a bowed configuration before attachment to the plate engaging member. This pre-forming process changes the physical state and shape parameters of the plate, allowing it to be securely contained while maintaining its curved orientation for optimal impact distribution.
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 assembly effectively distributes impact forces over a large area, improving comfort and reducing stress concentrations while allowing for efficient heat dissipation through created air gaps, enhancing both protection and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The inner surface of the upper body portion defining the upper lip includes a patch of one of a hook material and a loop material that engages the other of the hook material and the loop material provided by the outer surface of the lower body portion defining the lower lip to provide a hook-and-loop connection of the upper lip and the lower lip
Data Source
AI summary
A torso load distribution assembly. The torso load distribution assembly includes one or more plate portions and a plate engaging member. The one or more plate portions includes a body having a front surface, a rear surface and a side surface. The side surface joins the front surface to the rear surface. The body includes a plurality of body portions that are spaced apart from a substantially central body portion. The plate engaging member includes a body having central body portion, a first body portion connected to the central body portion and a second body portion connected to the central body portion. Each of the first body portion and the second body portion that attach to the plurality of body portions of the one or more plate portions. The body of the plate engaging member is configured to be slightly smaller dimensionally than dimensions formed by the side surface of the body of the one or more plate portions for maintaining the body of the one or more plate portions of the plate engaging member in a bowed orientation when the plurality of body portions of the one or more plate portions are attached to the plate engaging member. An assembly configured for arrangement about a torso of a user is also disclosed. Methods for assembling the same are also disclosed. Another torso load distribution assembly is also disclosed, and, a method for forming the same is also disclosed.