Inflatable Cellular Structure With Constricted Airflow for Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable shock-absorbing structures are either too bulky, rigid, or inefficient in managing pressure, leading to inadequate protection against impact forces, and often compromise ergonomics and freedom of movement.
Innovation Solution
A non-contiguous inflatable cellular structure with a two-dimensional matrix of cells connected by constricting channels that slow down inflation fluid flow, allowing for deformation and effective shock absorption while maintaining a low thickness and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If inflatable protection structures are used to absorb impact energy, then shock absorption capability is improved, but the structure becomes bulky with thickness greater than 30 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable structure is divided into multiple compartments separated by partitioning welds. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain effective shock absorption while reducing overall thickness, as each compartment can be optimized independently and the partitions provide structural support without requiring excessive inflation pressure
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the inflatable structure have different compartment configurations and partitioning patterns tailored to specific protection needs. This allows localized optimization of thickness and protection capability, providing enhanced protection where needed while minimizing bulk in other areas
2Strength
If inflation pressure is increased to improve protection effectiveness, then shock absorption is improved, but the structure becomes rigid and uncomfortable to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The compartmentalized structure distributes inflation pressure across multiple separate chambers rather than one large chamber. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve necessary protection strength while maintaining lower overall pressure, improving comfort and wearability
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable structure is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the user to inflate it to the appropriate pressure level for the specific threat environment. This dynamic adjustment capability enables optimization between protection effectiveness and wearability based on actual operational needs
3Strength
If high inflation pressure is used to ensure protection, then shock absorption is improved, but the compartments become weakened and behave like an inflatable ball
Solution Approach 1:
The partitioning welds create multiple small compartments that reinforce each other structurally. This segmentation prevents the entire structure from behaving like a single inflatable ball, as the partitions provide internal support that maintains compartment integrity even at higher inflation pressures
Solution Approach 2:
The structure uses composite construction with partitioning welds that create a multi-chamber system. This composite approach combines the flexibility of inflatable material with the structural stability of the partition network, maintaining compartment integrity while providing effective shock absorption
4Strength
If multiple layers of cells are superimposed to improve protection, then shock absorption is improved, but ergonomics and freedom of movement are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding multiple layers in the thickness dimension, the invention uses a compartmentalized approach within a single layer, utilizing the surface area dimension to create multiple protective zones. This dimensional shift maintains protection capability while preserving ergonomics and freedom of movement
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 structure effectively reduces the 'rear effect' of impact forces, providing excellent shock absorption and comfort by allowing for directional deformation and controlled air flow management, resulting in a lightweight, flexible, and efficient protective solution.
Implementation Method 1
The cells of the row and/or of the column to which said peripheral cell connected to said inflation nozzle belongs, communicate step by step via a channel forming a constriction, while each remaining cell from said matrix is also connected to at least one of the neighboring cells of the same row and/or of the same column by a communication channel forming a constriction
Implementation Method 2
The term 'rear effect' commonly refers to the significant bending mechanism due to the dynamic depression cone generated by the impact of a projectile or resulting from a fall. It arises from a transfer of kinetic energy to the body.
Implementation Method 3
Inflatable shock-absorbing cellular structure which consists of two sealed sheets welded to each other along weld lines which delimit inflatable cells
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to an inflatable shock-absorbing cellular structure (1) which consists of two sealed sheets (10, 11) welded together along weld lines (100) that define inflatable cells (2), said inflatable cells (2) being arranged according to at least one two-dimensional matrix (MA) of n rows (L1-L6) and m columns (C1-C6) of cells (2), n and m being the same or different integers, each greater than or equal to 2, a peripheral cell (2) of the matrix (MA) being connected to an inflation nozzle (4). Said structure is characterised in particular in that: —the cells (2) are not contiguous; —the cells (2) of the row and/or column to which the peripheral cell (2) connected to the inflation nozzle (4) belongs communicate with one another through a channel (3) forming a constriction, while each remaining cell (2) of the matrix (MA) is also connected to at least one of the neighbouring cells (2) of the same row and/or the same column through a communication channel (3) forming a constriction.