Force Diversion Apparatus Impact Redirection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collision mitigation technologies primarily focus on force absorption and penetration prevention, lacking methods to effectively redirect impact forces in various applications such as protective gear, vehicle safety, and sports equipment.

Innovation Solution

A force diversion apparatus comprising a force conversion portion and a force spreading portion that converts compression forces into shear forces and imparts rotational motion to objects during collisions, dynamically tuned to manage impact forces and redirect them laterally, thereby reducing peak force and increasing impact duration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If compression forces are converted into shear forces using machine elements, then the peak impact force is reduced and duration is increased, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple machine elements and configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak impact forceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine elements are configured to dynamically convert compression forces into shear forces during impact, allowing the force transformation to occur automatically based on the impact conditions rather than requiring complex control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The force conversion portion is divided into multiple machine elements (such as zigzag patterns, chevrons, or hourglass shapes) that work together to transform forces, breaking down the complex force conversion task into simpler individual element actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If the apparatus is configured to impart rotational motion to objects during impact, then the force spreading effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to achieve the desired apparatus period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce distribution areaVSAvoidapparatus period

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus period is adjusted by changing geometric parameters of the machine elements (such as angle, length, thickness) to achieve the desired rotational motion and force spreading characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Asymmetric machine element configurations (such as angled chevrons or non-uniform zigzag patterns) are used to generate rotational motion during impact, allowing force spreading to occur more effectively across the target object

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Force

If a layer of material is added to spread compression forces over multiple machine elements, then the force distribution is improved, but the weight of the apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce distributionVSAvoidapparatus weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A thin layer of material is used to connect the machine elements and spread forces across them, providing adequate force distribution while minimizing the additional weight compared to thicker rigid structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The combination of machine elements and connecting material forms a composite structure that achieves both force spreading and weight efficiency by leveraging the strengths of different materials and configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 redirects impact forces, reducing the peak force and increasing the duration of the impact, while also imparting rotational motion to objects, enhancing protection and safety in applications like body armor, vehicle safety, and sports equipment by spreading the force over a larger area.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of machines configured to convert compression force to shear force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression to shear force conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a layer of material operably connected to the plurality of machines that spreads the compression forces associated with the impact with an object over the plurality of machines

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce spreading:

Implementation Method 3

converting at least some compression forces into shear forces while the object is in contact with the surface and imparting a rotational force to the object while the object is in contact with the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational force impartation: