Deflectable Impact Shield with Shock Absorbers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective cups, such as jock cups and chin cups, are ineffective in dissipating impact forces directed upward or at angles, leading to dislodgment and inadequate protection, potentially causing injury.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage impact protection device featuring a base member with a cushioning layer and a deflectable impact shield attached via shock absorbers, allowing for the dissipation, redirection, and distribution of impact forces through a combination of materials and configurations that absorb and redirect forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional cups are made from rigid plastic material to maintain shape and provide protection, then structural strength is improved, but the cup becomes dislodged when struck by severe blows directed upward or angularly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the impact shield movable and deflectable relative to the base member through shock absorbers. This allows the cup to dynamically respond to impact forces by permitting controlled movement and deflection, preventing dislodgment while maintaining protective function. The shock absorbers enable the structure to adapt to severe blows directed upward or angularly without compromising position stability.
2Ease of operation
If conventional cups are made from semi-rigid plastic material to allow some flexibility, then comfort is improved, but the cup fails to adequately protect against severe impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials principle by combining the rigid base member with the resilient impact shield and shock absorbers. This composite structure integrates materials with different properties - the rigid base provides structural support while the resilient shield and shock-absorbing components provide flexibility and comfort. The combination enables the cup to withstand severe impact forces while maintaining user comfort during normal use.
3Loss of energy
If the impact shield is made movable and deflectable relative to the base member, then impact force dissipation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation principle by dividing the cup into distinct functional components: the base member, the impact shield, and the shock absorbers. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the base member provides structural support, the impact shield deflects and dissipates impact forces, and the shock absorbers facilitate controlled movement between components. The modular segmented structure achieves effective impact force dissipation while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through clear functional separation.
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 device effectively dissipates impact forces over multiple stages, reducing the impact felt by the user and preventing dislodgment, providing enhanced protection against various magnitude and directional impacts.
Implementation Method 1
The shock absorber may also include a cushion disposed between the impact shield and the base member
Implementation Method 2
a resilient rubber covered edge portion surrounding the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the present invention provides an impact protection device including a base member, a cushioning layer secured to a peripheral edge of the base member and an impact shield operatively attached to an outer surface of the base member. The impact shield may be deflectable and/or moveable relative to the base member, and may be attached to the base member at a plurality of discrete locations.