Interconnected Elastic Framework for Lightweight Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impact-absorbing materials are limited by their reliance on thickness and density, leading to restricted flexibility, increased weight, and inadequate airflow, making them unsuitable for a wide range of impact forces and applications.
Innovation Solution
A framework of interconnected units with varying densities and shapes, connected by elastic members that tilt and deflect under load, allowing for efficient energy absorption and distribution without relying solely on compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thickness of impact-absorbing material is increased to provide sufficient energy absorption, then the energy absorption capability is improved, but the flexibility and range of motion are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The impact-absorbing material is divided into multiple layers with different densities and elasticities. The first layer (closer to the impact source) has higher density and elasticity for immediate impact absorption, while the second layer has lower density and elasticity for sustained energy dissipation. This segmentation allows the material to provide sufficient energy absorption without requiring excessive total thickness, thereby maintaining flexibility and range of motion.
2Reliability
If the density of impact-absorbing material is increased to reduce the thickness required, then the energy absorption efficiency is improved, but the device becomes heavier and less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the impact-absorbing material have different densities tailored to their specific functions. The first layer has higher density optimized for initial impact absorption, while the second layer has lower density optimized for weight reduction and flexibility. This local quality variation allows the device to achieve effective energy absorption without uniformly increasing density throughout, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining protective efficiency.
3Reliability
If the thickness of impact-absorbing material is increased to handle high-energy impacts, then the impact resistance is improved, but the airflow and heat dissipation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The impact-absorbing material incorporates a porous structure with interconnected voids and channels that allow airflow through the material layers. This porous architecture enables high-energy impact resistance through material compression and energy dissipation while simultaneously facilitating air circulation for heat dissipation and preventing heat retention. The porous structure achieves both mechanical protection and thermal management functions.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single-density material is used for impact absorption, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different impact forces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The impact-absorbing material is constructed as a composite structure with at least two layers having different densities and elasticities. The first layer uses a denser, more elastic material for immediate impact absorption, while the second layer uses a less dense, less elastic material for sustained energy dissipation. This composite construction provides adaptability to a wide range of impact forces while remaining manufacturable through conventional layering and bonding techniques.
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 a flexible, lightweight, and customizable material that effectively absorbs and distributes energy across a range of impact forces, maintaining airflow and flexibility while responding differently to varying levels of force.
Implementation Method 1
A sheet of plastic foam may act as a cushion, absorbing some energy from a load or impact by the compression of the material
Implementation Method 2
The present invention relates to an energy absorbing and transmitting material comprising a framework of interconnected units... wherein the framework is comprised of a single elastic material throughout
Data Source
AI summary
An energy absorbing and transmitting material comprising a framework of interconnected units comprising at least one unit having a base and a protrusion or cone extending from the base along an axis, and at least one connecting member or rod that connects the unit to at least one adjacent unit, the connecting members extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of the unit from the base, where the framework is comprised of a single elastic material throughout, or configured so that when the framework is perturbed by tilting the unit towards the adjacent unit, the adjacent unit is tilted towards the unit.