Handheld Safety Device with Flexible Sheath and Deployable Components

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing personal safety devices are often bulky, difficult to use, and pose a risk to the user, making them unsuitable for reflexive self-defense, especially for individuals who cannot carry or use traditional weapons like guns or clubs.

Innovation Solution

A portable, lightweight personal safety device with a flexible sheath that compresses to expose defensive components for immediate use, allowing for safe storage and rapid activation, integrating into natural reflexive actions during an attack.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional weapons like guns or clubs are used for self-defense, then the deterrent effect and defensive capability are improved, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to carry, especially during exercise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefensive capabilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The defensive components (blunt projectiles) are nested within the hollow cavity of the handle, allowing the device to maintain a compact, carryable form factor while containing the defensive elements needed for self-defense. This nesting approach resolves the contradiction by hiding the bulky defensive components inside the handle structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible sheath or cover can be used to enclose the defensive components, allowing the device to remain compact for carrying while enabling rapid deployment of the defensive elements when needed. The flexible covering allows the device to transition from a compact storage state to an expanded defensive state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If sharp or exposed defensive components are provided, then the effectiveness against attackers is improved, but the risk of self-injury to the user increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefensive effectivenessVSAvoidrisk of self-injury

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The defensive components are designed with localized blunt characteristics at the contact points, while other portions may have different properties. The blunt tips or surfaces are specifically positioned to contact the attacker, providing effective defense without the sharp edges that would risk self-injury during handling or deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The device converts the potential harm of exposed sharp components into benefit by using blunt projectiles that deliver effective defensive force without the cutting or piercing capabilities that would risk accidental self-injury. The harm potential is redirected toward the attacker while protecting the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Weight of moving object

If defensive components are stored in a compact housing, then portability is improved, but the speed of access and deployment during an attack decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoiddeployment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The defensive components are pre-positioned within the handle cavity in ready-to-deploy configurations. The hollow handle structure is designed to allow rapid ejection or deployment of these pre-positioned components, eliminating the need for assembly or complex manipulation during an attack. The preliminary positioning enables instant access while maintaining compact storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates dynamic deployment mechanisms that allow the defensive components to transition rapidly from the compact stored state to the deployed state. This may include spring-loaded ejection, friction-reduced surfaces, or other dynamic features that enable fast access while maintaining a compact form factor for portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 device provides a safe and effective means of self-defense by allowing users to easily access and use defensive components without the risk of self-injury, enhancing the likelihood of successful defense in unexpected situations.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible sheath that extends between the upper member and the lower member... wherein the flexible sheath is compressed in the activated state such that a height of the housing is decreased

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11565431B2Personal safety device

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 ALBL LLC

AI summary

A protective device and a method of transmitting an alert from the device, in which the protective device is handheld and includes a flexible sheath disposed between an upper member and a lower member. When the device is compressed, elongated defensive components protrude through openings in the upper member. In some cases, the upper member also includes protruding portions extending upward from the upper member and/or an arm portion extending outward to a side of the device. A signal alert may be automatically transmitted upon device compression.