Hinged Arm Energy Attenuator With Tunable Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attenuation devices lack adequate compression lengths, reusability, ventilation, and control over energy absorption, and are inefficient in packaging space utilization, comfort, and customization for user needs.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a base with arms connected via hinges, expandable bands, and a ring, allowing for up to 90% compression of energy absorption, tunable energy absorption, and integration into apparatuses without replacing components, with materials forming living hinges for efficient energy absorption and ventilation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional attenuation devices use internal springs, foams, or bladders to mitigate impacts, then impact protection is provided, but adequate compression length, reusability, ventilation, and control over energy absorption are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact protectionVSAvoidcontrol over energy absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs movable arms connected to the base through hinges that can rotate outward, transforming the static foam structure into a dynamic system. The arms move from an initial position to a compressed position during impact, enabling controlled energy absorption through rotational motion rather than relying solely on material deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and configuration parameters of the attenuation system by using expandable bands that can expand and contract, and arms that can rotate through specific angles. These parameter changes allow the device to control the amount of energy absorbed and provide adjustable compression lengths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple attenuation devices are arranged in a group to absorb forces from multiple directions, then protection from multiple angles is achieved, but packaging space efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-directional protectionVSAvoidpackaging space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed to perform multiple functions within a single unit: it provides impact attenuation from multiple directions through its radial arm configuration, maintains a compact form factor when not in use, and offers adjustable energy absorption. The same structure serves both as the housing and as part of the attenuation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The arms can be positioned in a nested or compact configuration when not actively absorbing impact, allowing the device to occupy minimal space within packaging or within the apparatus housing while still providing multi-directional protection capability when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Strength

If attenuation devices are made rigid to protect the user, then impact resistance is improved, but ventilation and user comfort are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidventilation and comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses flexible yet strong components such as expandable bands and hinged arms that can deform during impact to absorb energy, rather than relying on completely rigid structures. This flexibility allows for controlled energy absorption while potentially permitting air flow paths for ventilation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The attenuation device may incorporate porous or perforated structures in its housing or components that allow air circulation for ventilation while maintaining structural integrity for impact resistance. The porous design enables thermal management and user comfort without sacrificing protection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous 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 device optimizes packaging space, provides tunable energy absorption, maintains user comfort, and allows for reusable apparatus integration with efficient energy attenuation and ventilation.

Implementation Method 1

one or more expandable bands connected with distal ends of the two or more arms. The one or more expandable bands absorb energy from rotating of the two or more arms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The base, the two or more arms, or both may include a material which is rigid and capable of forming a living hinge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasticity: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12571446B2Device for attenuating energy

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 ACCELERATED RES LLC

AI summary

These teachings relate to a device that includes a base having an axis that is centered and perpendicular relative to the base and two or more arms each connected to the base at a base hinge The base hinge rotates the two or more arms away from the axis, and one or more expandable bands are connected with distal ends of the two or more arms. The one or more expandable bands absorb energy from rotating of the two or more arms. The device absorbs energy when an external force is applied along the axis of the base.