Force Diversion Apparatus for Impact Energy Redistribution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collision absorption and penetration prevention technologies do not effectively redirect forces during collisions, limiting their application in protective gear, vehicle safety, and sports equipment.

Innovation Solution

A force diversion apparatus that converts compression forces into shear forces and imparts rotational motion to objects, using a combination of force conversion and spreading portions to redirect and distribute impact forces, thereby reducing peak force and increasing impact duration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If compression forces are absorbed directly, then the impact force is reduced, but the impact duration is short and the force is concentrated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact forceVSAvoidimpact duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus employs dynamic motion to convert compression forces into shear forces and rotational motion. The force conversion portion is configured to deflect in response to impact, transforming the nature of the force application over time. This dynamic response extends the impact duration while redistributing the force, resolving the contradiction between force reduction and duration extension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus changes the physical parameters of force application by converting compression forces into shear forces and rotational motion. This parameter transformation allows the same impact energy to be dissipated over a longer time period with reduced peak compression force, simultaneously achieving both force reduction and duration extension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If compression forces are absorbed directly, then the impact is cushioned, but the force is concentrated rather than distributed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact forceVSAvoidforce distribution area

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus introduces rotational motion as an additional dimension to force dissipation. By converting linear compression into rotational shear forces, the impact energy is distributed across a larger area and multiple degrees of freedom, resolving the contradiction between force cushioning and force distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic deflection of the force conversion portion creates time-varying force distribution patterns. As the apparatus deflects and rotates during impact, the force is continuously redistributed across different areas, achieving both cushioning and broad distribution simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If traditional absorption devices are used, then penetration is prevented, but force redirection is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration resistanceVSAvoidforce redirection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs multiple functions simultaneously: it prevents penetration through its structural strength while also redirecting forces through dynamic shear conversion and rotational motion. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between penetration resistance and force redirection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus changes the parameter of force direction while maintaining penetration resistance. By converting compression to shear and inducing rotation, the force vector is redirected without compromising the structural integrity needed to prevent penetration, achieving both goals simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 forces during collisions, reducing the impact on objects and structures by converting compression into shear forces and imparting rotational motion, enhancing protection and safety in various applications such as body armor, vehicle safety, and sports equipment.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression to shear force conversion: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

impart a predetermined rotation to an object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational motion impartation: Torque

Implementation Method 3

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 distribution: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9220310B2Force diversion apparatus and methods and devices including the same

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 AEROSPACE CORP

AI summary

Force diversion apparatus, methods and devices including the same result in rotational motion being imparted to an impacting object. The apparatus, methods and devices may include, or may involve the use of, a force conversion portion, secured to the outer surface of a bumper, and a force spreading portion.