Impact Absorbing Frame with Joining Structure for Curved Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current impact absorbing equipment faces challenges in providing both high-energy impact absorption and ergonomic flexibility, particularly in conforming to curved surfaces and maintaining rigidity during impacts.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a frame with alternative structural stiffness that partially or completely encapsulates the rigid impact absorbing material, along with multiple layers of impact absorbing segments and nonlinear systems, to enhance energy absorption and maintain structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If large rigid impact absorbing plates are used, then high-energy impact absorption is improved, but conformance to curved surfaces and ergonomic flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid impact absorbing plate is divided into multiple segments that can independently conform to curved surfaces. Each segment maintains the rigid material properties for impact absorption while the segmented structure allows adaptation to body contours and joint articulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Rigid impact absorbing segments are nested within flexible laminar layers, creating a hierarchical structure where the rigid core provides impact attenuation while the surrounding flexible layers enable conformance to curved surfaces and body movements.
2Strength
If rigid impact absorbing materials are used, then impact attenuation is improved, but manipulation into multiple configurations and range of motion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid impact absorbing structure is segmented into multiple movable sections connected by flexible joints, allowing the armor to manipulate into different configurations for various body positions while maintaining impact protection capability in each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The impact absorbing system transitions from a static rigid plate to a dynamic segmented structure with flexible connections, enabling real-time adaptation to body movements and joint articulation while preserving impact attenuation during actual impact events.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible laminar layers are used, then conformance to body areas and manipulation flexibility are improved, but impact protection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rigid impact absorbing segments are nested within flexible laminar layers, creating a composite structure where the rigid core provides high-energy impact attenuation while the surrounding flexible layers enable conformance to curved surfaces and body movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines rigid impact absorbing materials with flexible laminar layers into a composite structure that integrates the high strength of rigid materials with the adaptability of flexible materials, achieving both impact protection and body conformance simultaneously.
4Strength
If rigid plates are combined with flexible materials, then both impact absorption and flexibility are improved, but constraint of rigid bodies and prevention of unwanted movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible laminar layers serve as intermediary elements that actively constrain rigid impact absorbing segments through friction and mechanical interlocking, preventing unwanted movement during body activities while maintaining impact protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Rigid impact absorbing segments are nested within flexible laminar layers that provide active constraint mechanisms, ensuring the rigid segments remain properly positioned during body movements while still enabling impact attenuation when needed.
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
This approach allows for improved energy absorption, reduced acceleration of impacting bodies, and enhanced protection by preventing unwanted movement of rigid components during impacts, while also maintaining flexibility and ergonomic fit.
Implementation Method 1
the frame is configured to undergo buckling during an impact before the impact absorbing material undergoes peak loading
Implementation Method 2
impact absorbing material that is typically rigid to provide the necessary structural stiffness to absorb the appropriate amount of impact energy
Data Source
AI summary
An impact absorbing structure includes an impact absorbing material, a recipient body, and a frame. The frame is bonded to the recipient body. The recipient body and the frame together encapsulate the impact absorbing material. The frame is self-supporting. An impact absorbing structure includes an impact absorbing material with at least one perimeter edge that includes an opening or irregularity, a recipient body, and a frame that is bonded to the recipient body. The recipient body and the frame together encapsulate the impact absorbing material. The frame covers at least the one perimeter edge of the impact absorbing material. The frame provides stiffness at the one perimeter edge that is consistent with stiffness of the impact absorbing material away from the opening or irregularity.