Deformable Low-Friction Connector for Impact Energy Redirection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Connecting two layers of a protective apparatus to allow for relative movement under impact while maintaining structural integrity and ease of manufacturing and assembly is challenging.

Innovation Solution

A connector comprising a first attachment part with a low friction layer and a deformable layer to facilitate relative movement between layers, optionally using a sheet of stretchable fabric and hook and loop material for attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connector allows relative movement between layers to redirect impact energy, then protection effectiveness is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connector transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the deformable layer can change its mechanical properties. During normal use, the connector maintains structural integrity, but during impact, the deformable layer allows controlled relative movement between layers to redirect impact energy and reduce rotational acceleration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector utilizes changes in the mechanical parameters of the deformable layer. The layer can change its deformation characteristics based on the magnitude of applied force, remaining relatively rigid during normal use but becoming more compliant during impact events to enable energy redirection while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a deformable layer is added to enable relative movement, then impact energy redirection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact energy redirectionVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The attachment parts, deformable layer, and low friction layer are combined into one component that simultaneously provides attachment, controlled deformation for movement, and friction reduction, thereby enabling impact energy redirection without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable layer is implemented as a thin flexible structure that can deform under impact loads. This thin film approach enables the necessary relative movement between layers for impact energy redirection while minimizing the added complexity and volume compared to more rigid mechanical linkage solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If a low friction layer is added to reduce friction between connector and first part, then relative movement is facilitated, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelative movement facilitationVSAvoidconnector assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The low friction layer is integrated as part of the connector structure rather than being a separate component. This merging of functions allows the connector to provide both structural attachment and low friction surfaces for facilitated relative movement, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables relative movement between layers to redirect impact energy, reducing rotational acceleration and improving protection, with potential reductions up to 90% in rotational head acceleration.

Implementation Method 1

a first low friction layer arranged on the first side of the connector and configured to reduce friction between the connector and the first part of the apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a deformable layer formed from a deformable material, provided at least between the first attachment part and the first low friction layer and configured to allow the first attachment part and first low friction layer to move relative to each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS20250275601A1connector

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 MIPS

AI summary

According to a first aspect of the disclosure there is provided a connector (20) for connecting first and second parts of an apparatus, the connector comprising: a first attachment part (21) arranged on a first side of the connector, configured to be attached to the first part of the apparatus such that the first side of the connector faces in a first direction towards the first part of the apparatus: a first low friction layer (22) arranged on the first side of the connector and configured to reduce friction between the connector and the first part of the apparatus: a deformable layer (23) formed from a deformable material, provided at least between the first attachment part and the first low friction layer extending in a direction substantially perpendicularly to the first direction and configured to allow the first attachment part and first low friction layer to move relative to each other in a direction substantially perpendicularly to the first direction.