Detachable Vest Adapter Infrastructure for Cable-Damage Reuse

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional protective vests for emergency responders lack a flexible and secure infrastructure for detachably connecting multiple modules, leading to potential damage and high replacement costs when cables break, and do not allow continued use of the vest.

Innovation Solution

A vest adapter with a detachable infrastructure featuring wired and wireless interfaces, including USB, WiFi, Bluetooth, and NFC connections, allowing modules to be securely and flexibly attached to different vests, enabling modular scalability and secure data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an integrated, permanently connected infrastructure is used in conventional protective vests, then the structure is simple and robust, but the vest cannot be reused when cables break and replacement costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereusability of vest after cable damageVSAvoidcomplexity of detachable infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The infrastructure is divided into separate detachable components including cable assemblies, connectors, and interface units that can be independently replaced. The cable connects a first connector in the vest to a second connector in the module, allowing replacement of only the damaged cable segment while preserving the vest and module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The infrastructure transitions from a fixed, permanent connection to a dynamic, reconfigurable connection system. Connectors and interfaces are designed to be detachably coupled, enabling the infrastructure to be reconfigured, repaired, or upgraded without replacing the entire vest assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If modules are permanently integrated into the protective vest, then the connection is secure and stable, but the system lacks flexibility for different configurations and module combinations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of module connectionVSAvoidstability of module connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The infrastructure employs standardized connectors and interfaces that can universally accommodate different module types and configurations. The same connector design works across various modules and vests, enabling flexible reconfiguration while maintaining reliable connections through consistent mechanical and electrical interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Modules are separated from the vest body through detachable connectors, allowing individual modules to be added, removed, or swapped independently. This segmentation enables versatile configuration changes while each connector maintains a stable, secure connection when engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If the entire vest infrastructure is replaced when cables break, then connection reliability is maintained, but replacement costs are high and operational continuity is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost-effectiveness of repairVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The damaged cable or connector component is extracted and replaced independently from the rest of the infrastructure. Only the specific failed component needs replacement rather than the entire vest assembly, reducing costs and maintaining connection reliability through proper connector engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

When a cable or connector fails, only that specific component is discarded and replaced, while the functional portions of the infrastructure (vest body, connectors, interfaces) are recovered and retained for continued use, improving cost-effectiveness while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP4042095B1Vest adapter for a protective vest for connecting a plurality of modules, system having a vest adapter and connected modules, assembly having a protective vest and vest adapter
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 RHEINMETALL ELEKTRONIK
  • EP4042095B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4042095B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4042095B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a vest adapter (10) for connecting modules (21-24, 100-400), wherein the vest adapter (10) can be detachably coupled to a protective vest and comprises at least one first sub-region (T1) for wearing in the region of the chest of an emergency personnel and a second sub-region (T2) for wearing in the region of the back, wherein the vest adapter (10) is formed by a first material layer (11), a second material layer (12) and an infrastructure (13) arranged between the first (11) and the second material layer (12) for coupling the modules (21-24, 100-400), wherein the infrastructure (13) comprises a plurality of units (31-38) of a wired interface type (USB) that are connected via cables (14) and a plurality N2 of units (41-42) of a first wireless interface type (WiFi) that are connected via cables (14).