Flexible Inflating Device for Protective Garments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflating devices for protective garments are not sufficiently mobile, comfortable, and easy to remove or replace, often requiring integration with rigid components that hinder user freedom and comfort, and existing solutions complicate gas generator replacement.
Innovation Solution
An inflating device with a flexible inflatable element containing a gas generator, featuring a connection component and closure mechanism that allows safe, reversible attachment to a garment or accessory, enabling easy removal and replacement without handling the airbag directly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gas generator is fixed to rigid support structures or pockets in protective garments, then the protection device can provide impact protection, but the user's mobility and freedom of movement are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by replacing rigid support structures with a flexible bladder that can conform to the user's body contours. The bladder is made of flexible material that provides protection while allowing natural body movement, eliminating the restriction caused by rigid plates or fixed pockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by designing the bladder as a flexible, adaptable structure that can change shape and position according to user movement. The bladder dynamically adjusts to body contours during movement, maintaining protection effectiveness while enabling freedom of movement.
2Device complexity
If the gas generator is integrated inside the inflatable element, then the device structure is simplified, but the empty gas generator becomes very difficult to separate from the inflatable element for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the system into separable components: the reusable inflatable element/bladder and the consumable gas generator. The gas generator is designed as a separate, removable cartridge that can be easily extracted from the bladder after use, allowing simple replacement without replacing the entire protection device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements extraction by designing the gas generator as a removable component that can be taken out from the inflatable element. The gas generator includes a connection interface that allows it to be coupled to the bladder for operation, then easily separated after the propellant is expended, enabling maintenance and replacement.
3Reliability
If the inflating device is designed with fixed positioning in protective garments, then protection reliability is maintained, but the device cannot be easily removed or replaced by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-equipping the gas generator with a connection interface and actuation mechanism that enables user-initiated deployment. The gas generator is prepared in advance with the necessary components (connection element, actuator) that allow the user to easily attach it to the bladder and trigger inflation when needed, without requiring complex installation procedures.
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 user mobility and comfort by allowing the inflating device to be positioned flexibly on the body, ensuring easy replacement and safe handling, while maintaining effective impact protection.
Implementation Method 1
an inflating device (10) comprising an inflatable element (11) defining an internal chamber (11a); a gas generator (12) which is housed inside the internal chamber (11a) of the inflatable element (11)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an inflating device (10) comprising an inflatable element (11) defining an internal chamber (11a) and a gas generator (12) housed inside the internal chamber of said inflatable element (11). The inflatable element (11) acts as container for the gas generator. The inflatable element has an outlet passage (13) for a gas released from said gas generator (12), said outlet passage (13) being configured to place in communication the internal chamber (11a) with an area external to the inflatable element (11). The inflating device (10) comprises a connection component (14) and a closure component (15, 26), wherein said connection component (14) is positioned in said outlet passage (13) and fixed to said inflatable element (11). The connection component (14) is designed to be connected with a connection counter-component (16) so as to define a connection device (17). The connection component (14) is configured to allow a flow of gas out of said gas generator and through said outlet passage (13). The closure component (15, 26) is designed to prevent at least momentarily, or mitigate, or reduce the passage of said gas flow out from said outlet passage (13). The present disclosure also relates to a personal protection device, a garment and a method of operation of the personal protection device.