Dual Shell Protective Element for Impact and Piercing Resistance

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective equipment faces challenges in finding a balance between protection against sharp impacts and piercing objects while maintaining light weight and ease of movement, as it often requires either energy absorption or rigid structures that compromise on one or both aspects.

Innovation Solution

A protective element comprising two rigid shells, where the outer shell is less rigid than the inner shell, with elastic means connecting them to maintain a spaced relationship, allowing for effective energy dissipation and absorption of shocks while preventing piercing objects from penetrating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a thick rigid shell is used to protect against sharp or piercing objects, then protection against piercing objects is improved, but weight and bulk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against piercing objectsVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The protective element is divided into two separate shells: an inner shell for piercing protection and an outer shell for blunt impact absorption. This segmentation allows each shell to be optimized for its specific function, with the inner shell being thinner and lighter since it only needs to prevent penetration rather than absorb impact energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the protective element have different structural characteristics tailored to their specific protection needs. The inner shell provides localized rigid protection against piercing objects, while the outer shell provides localized cushioning against blunt impacts. This local differentiation allows the overall structure to be lighter while maintaining comprehensive protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a thick rigid shell is used to protect against blunt impacts, then protection against blunt blows is improved, but shock absorption for the wearer increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against blunt blowsVSAvoidshock absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The protective element is divided into two separate shells: an inner shell for piercing protection and an outer shell for blunt impact absorption. This segmentation allows each shell to be optimized for its specific function, with the inner shell being thinner and lighter since it only needs to prevent penetration rather than absorb impact energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The space between the inner and outer shells acts as an intermediary zone that absorbs impact energy. When a blunt impact occurs, the outer shell deforms and absorbs the shock, while the inner shell remains protected from direct contact with the impact force, thereby reducing shock transmission to the wearer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stress or pressure

If the outer shell is made less rigid to absorb impact energy, then shock absorption is improved, but protection against piercing objects deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock absorptionVSAvoidprotection against piercing objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective element is divided into two separate shells: an inner shell for piercing protection and an outer shell for blunt impact absorption. This segmentation allows each shell to be optimized for its specific function, with the inner shell being thinner and lighter since it only needs to prevent penetration rather than absorb impact energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the protective element have different structural characteristics tailored to their specific protection needs. The inner shell provides localized rigid protection against piercing objects, while the outer shell provides localized cushioning against blunt impacts. This local differentiation allows the overall structure to be lighter while maintaining comprehensive protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution provides enhanced resistance to both blunt and sharp impacts, reduces the stress on the inner shell, and minimizes weight and bulk, ensuring the wearer experiences attenuated shocks and protection against piercing objects.

Implementation Method 1

a significant portion of the energy generated by impacts and absorbed by the outer shell is dissipated as it moves towards the inner shell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a significant portion of the energy generated by impacts and absorbed by the outer shell is dissipated as it moves towards the inner shell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy dissipation: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2803280B1Element with a protective shell for a region of the human body and garment provided with same

Publication Date: 2022.10.19 PROTECOP

Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a protective element for a region of the human body, comprising a first shell (1), referred to as the inner shell, intended to be positioned against said region of the human body, which is rigid, curved, and shaped to cover said region. This element is remarkable in that it includes a second shell (1'), referred to as the outer shell, also rigid and curved, superimposed on the first, which extends in its immediate vicinity and at a distance from it, and is elastically movable relative to it.