Deflection Element for Protective Suit Impact Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective gear for law enforcement and other users requires multiple sizes to fit different individuals and lacks adjustable features, leading to inefficiencies in storage and deployment, and may not effectively distribute impact forces from various threats like bullets and blows.
Innovation Solution
A protective suit incorporating deflection elements with upper and lower arcs, each comprising a solid flexible layer and padding, encased in an abrasion-resistant material, where the upper arc deflects incoming forces sideways into the lower arc, reducing energy transfer and allowing for adjustable sizing and enhanced protection across various body parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid outer layer is used to absorb blows, then protection against impacts is improved, but the risk of injuring the person being attacked increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective gear is divided into two distinct layers: a rigid outer layer for impact absorption and a soft inner layer for cushioning and safety. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The soft inner layer acts as an intermediary between the rigid outer layer and the person being attacked. It cushions and softens the impact, preventing the rigid outer layer from directly injuring the attacked person while still providing protection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sized protective gear is stored to fit different users, then adaptability to different users is improved, but storage requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective gear incorporates adjustable features that allow it to dynamically adapt to different user sizes and body shapes. This eliminates the need for multiple fixed sizes, reducing storage complexity while maintaining versatility.
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 suit effectively disperses impact forces, reducing the need for multiple sizes and providing comprehensive protection against diverse threats by using deflection elements that can be adjusted to fit different users, while also protecting against collisions and abrasions.
Implementation Method 1
the upper arc serves as a spring deflecting the direction of the blow to disperse at least partially sideways into the lower arc
Data Source
AI summary
A deflection element and a protective suit incorporating such are provided. The deflection element including an upper arc; and a lower arc, wherein each of the upper arc and the lower arc include a solid flexible arc shaped layer, a soft padding layer on an inner side of the upper arc and on a matching side of the lower arc, a material forming an encasement around the solid arc shaped layer and the soft padding layer; and wherein the encasement of the upper arc at each end is connected to the encasement of the lower arc with the inner side of the upper arc facing the lower arc.