Multi-directional Flexible Protective Cup with Inflatable Bladder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current protective cups provide minimal protection against upward blows to the groin area, often becoming dislodged and failing to prevent substantial force from reaching the wearer, risking injury due to inadequate design for combat sports.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional flexible dynamically adjustable protection apparatus featuring an inflatable posterior air bladder and a protective plate member, allowing customizable inflation for comfort and impact absorption, along with a retention system to maintain the cup's position, providing enhanced shock protection and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective cup is used in current configurations, then protection against lateral impact is provided, but protection against upward blows is minimal and the cup can become dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cup is designed with flexible sides that can dynamically adjust and move in response to impact forces from multiple directions, including upward blows. The flexible material allows the cup to deform and absorb upward impact forces while maintaining its protective function, preventing dislodgement while providing enhanced protection against previously unprotected upward directions.
2Strength
If a rigid protective cup is used, then impact protection is improved, but lateral motion and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cup utilizes flexible side walls made of elastomeric or thermoplastic materials that can bend and deform laterally during athletic motion, providing freedom of movement. When impacted, these flexible sides rigidify through elastic deformation to absorb impact forces, thus providing both lateral flexibility for comfort and rigid-like protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cup is constructed from composite materials combining rigid impact-absorbing core structures with flexible outer shells. This composite construction allows the cup to maintain structural integrity and protection capability while the flexible outer layer accommodates lateral motion and provides comfort during athletic activities.
3Device complexity
If a one-size-fits-all protective cup is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different body types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cup incorporates adjustable parameters including removable side walls, adjustable straps, and flexible materials that can be configured to different degrees of rigidity and coverage. Users can modify the cup's parameters by adding or removing side walls and adjusting strap tension to adapt the same basic cup design to different body types and protection needs without requiring multiple different cup models.
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 apparatus effectively absorbs impact and maintains the protective cup's position, reducing the risk of injury from upward blows and offering customizable support for various body types, enhancing protection and comfort during athletic activities.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable posterior air bladder and a protective plate member, allowing customizable inflation for comfort and impact absorption
Data Source
AI summary
A novel multi-directional flexible dynamically adjustable protection apparatus for use in protecting a user in a manner which provides relief from mechanical forces via both direct impact and mechanical forces when the user moves.