Dual-Layer Casing with Air Gap for Shock Wave Dissipation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing impact protection systems fail to effectively dissipate shock waves generated by impacts, often leading to damage due to trapped waves, impractical size and weight issues, and inefficient energy transfer, as they either trap or compress shock waves, rather than redirecting them into the atmosphere.

Innovation Solution

A protection system comprising two layers of rigid material with an open air space in between, allowing shock waves to change from solid to gas and be reflected off the inner layer, thereby dissipating into the atmosphere, reducing the intensity of shock waves reaching the protected area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If more padding and shielding are added to absorb shock waves, then protection effectiveness is improved, but device size and weight increase making it impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the shock wave from the solid material and redirects it into the gas phase (air space). By taking the shock wave out of the solid structure and into the compressible air gap, the system eliminates the need for additional padding while still providing effective shock wave dissipation through the phase change and reflection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state parameter of the shock wave from solid-phase to gas-phase. By allowing the shock wave to transition from compressing solid material to compressing gas (air), the system achieves effective shock wave management with minimal material usage, thereby reducing weight while maintaining protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If more padding and shielding are added to absorb shock waves, then protection effectiveness is improved, but device volume increases making it too large to use effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the shock wave from the solid material and redirects it into the gas phase (air space). By taking the shock wave out of the solid structure and into the compressible air gap, the system eliminates the need for additional padding while still providing effective shock wave dissipation through the phase change and reflection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes phase transition of the shock wave from solid-phase to gas-phase. The shock wave transitions from compressing solid material to compressing gas in the air space, enabling effective shock wave dissipation with minimal volume. This phase change allows the shock wave to be reflected and dissipated without requiring large volumes of padding material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Reliability

If shock waves are trapped or compressed within the structure, then some protection is achieved, but the shock wave intensity remains high causing damage to the protected item

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoidshock wave intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful shock wave into a beneficial reflection mechanism. By positioning the inner rigid layer to reflect the shock wave back through the air space, the system transforms the high-intensity shock wave into a reflected wave that dissipates energy away from the protected item, thereby reducing harm while maintaining protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes phase transition of the shock wave from solid-phase to gas-phase. The shock wave transitions from compressing solid material to compressing gas in the air space, enabling effective shock wave dissipation with minimal volume. This phase change allows the shock wave to be reflected and dissipated without requiring large volumes of padding material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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

This configuration significantly reduces the intensity of shock waves reaching the protected area, results in a lighter and more practical system, and enhances protection by allowing free air flow and energy dissipation, addressing the limitations of previous designs.

Implementation Method 1

allowing shock waves to change from solid to gas and be reflected off the inner layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

be reflected off the inner layer, thereby dissipating into the atmosphere

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8966669B2Shock wave generation, reflection and dissipation device

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 HINES JAMES MICHAEL

AI summary

An outer hard-shell casing for a protection device that has airspace between the outer shell and inner shell or surface. This outer shell is designed to generate a shock wave during an impact to the casing. The generated shock wave then reflects off of the inner surface or shell. The reflected shock wave then dissipates along the air channel and out of the exit vents before it can be absorbed into the inner hard shell of the base or other protection device.