Inflatable Protective Device Boundary Zone Height Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable protective devices face challenges in energy absorption during impact tests, particularly in the free edge zones where lower local pressure leads to increased risk of energy transmission and reduced protection capacity, necessitating larger volumes and higher gas generator loads.
Innovation Solution
Increasing the height of the inflatable element in localized boundary zones between the operative protective region and the free edge, creating a height difference to enhance energy absorption without increasing overall volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the height of the inflatable element is increased in boundary zones to prevent crushing and bending, then energy absorption capability is improved, but the overall volume of the inflatable element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating boundary zones with greater height only in specific peripheral regions of the inflatable element, rather than uniformly increasing the height throughout. This localized approach enhances energy absorption at the vulnerable boundary zones where crushing and bending occur during impact tests, while maintaining a compact overall volume for the central protective region.
2Volume of moving object
If the volume of the inflatable element is reduced, then device portability and comfort are improved, but energy absorption capability during impact tests deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves this contradiction by concentrating the increased height and energy absorption capability in localized boundary zones rather than distributing it uniformly. This allows the central protective region to maintain a reduced volume for better portability and comfort, while the peripheral boundary zones provide the necessary energy absorption through their increased height and structural reinforcement.
3Reliability
If the height of the inflatable element is increased to prevent free edge zones from being crushed, then protection capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by differentiating the height of different zones within the inflatable element. The boundary zones have greater height to prevent crushing and bending during impact, while the central operative protective region maintains a standard height. This localized differentiation improves protection capacity without requiring a complete redesign of the entire structure, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 high energy absorption with reduced inflatable element volume, effectively passing impact tests by preventing crushing and bending in the boundary zones, thus enhancing protection without excessive volume expansion.
Implementation Method 1
energy absorption during impact tests
Implementation Method 2
impact test by means of a device that includes a striking body or hammer which is dropped onto an anvil
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A protective device (1, 100) for a user's personal protection is described. The protective device comprises an inflatable element (2,102) wherein an inner chamber (3, 104) is defined. The inflatable element includes a plurality of tie elements (5, 105) distributed in the inner chamber (3, 104) and having opposite ends connected or joined to surface portions of the inflatable element, wherein said inflatable element (2, 102) is apt to assume an active inflated condition and a deflated resting condition. The element inflatable (2, 102) includes a protective operating region (30, 130) and a boundary area (32, 132) interposed between at least part of the protective operating region and the free edge of the inflatable element. The boundary area or peripheral area (32, 132) has a height or thickness greater than the height or thickness of the protective operating region (30, 130).