Inflatable Impact Attenuation Device with Discrete Air Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional impact cushions are bulky, heavy, and unsuitable for transport and easy setup, particularly in soccer practices where goalies face risks of injury and bruising while practicing techniques like diving and bicycle kicks on non-cushioned surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable impact attenuation device comprising a plurality of air displacement units with base cells, pillars, and membranes that allow for efficient airflow and impact absorption, designed for portability and easy setup, using a battery-powered blower for inflation and featuring a tiered structure to cushion users effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional impact cushions are used, then impact attenuation is provided, but the device becomes bulky and heavy making transport and setup difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The impact cushion is divided into multiple modular air displacement units that can be connected together. Each unit contains a base cell, pillar, and membrane structure that functions independently but contributes to the overall cushioning effect. This segmentation allows the device to be transported in smaller, more manageable sections while maintaining effective impact attenuation when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses thin membrane structures and flexible inflatable elements to create the cushioning effect. The membranes separate air spaces while allowing the structure to deform and absorb impact forces. This approach provides effective impact attenuation with minimal material mass, significantly reducing device weight compared to conventional solid or rigid cushion structures.
2Reliability
If conventional impact cushions are used, then impact attenuation is provided, but the device becomes bulky making storage and transport difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The modular air displacement units can be nested or stacked in a compact configuration when not in use. The inflatable structure allows the device to be deflated and stored in a fraction of its operational volume, making it easy to transport in vehicles and store in small spaces while providing full-sized impact attenuation during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of thin, flexible membrane structures allows the cushion to be collapsed and compressed to minimal volume when deflated, while expanding to provide adequate cushioning volume when inflated. This flexible shell approach enables the device to transition between compact storage and functional states efficiently.
3Ease of operation
If a battery-powered blower is used for inflation, then portability is improved, but energy consumption becomes a concern for maintaining inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The battery-powered blower operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously, inflating the air displacement units to the required pressure and then allowing the system to maintain inflation passively. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous operation, extending battery life and improving portability for field use.
Solution Approach 2:
The air displacement units are designed with specific membrane permeability characteristics that allow the system to maintain stable internal pressure with minimal energy input. The membranes are engineered to control air flow rates, creating a system that naturally maintains inflation parameters with low power consumption from the portable blower.
4Reliability
If discrete air displacement units are used, then impact distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple air displacement units are connected through shared membranes and air transport openings, merging their functions to create a unified impact attenuation system. The discrete units work together as an integrated structure where air can move between cells, distributing impact forces across the entire device while maintaining a relatively simple overall architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Each air displacement unit serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as an air reservoir, facilitates air flow distribution, and contributes to impact attenuation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective impact distribution across multiple units.
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 effective impact attenuation, reducing the risk of injury and bruising during repeated practices by distributing air flow and maintaining inflation efficiently, allowing for safer and more extensive training sessions without the need for large, cumbersome equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane connected to said base cell and positioned between said base cell and said pillar and at least partially interfering with air flow between said base cell and said pillar
Implementation Method 2
An inflatable impact attenuation device comprising a plurality of air displacement units... configured to cushion the impact
Data Source
AI summary
A device for receiving a user and cushioning an impact where a plurality of air displacement units are connected through air displacement units comprising discrete pillars extending above base cells where base cells are selectively connected to adjoining base cells to attenuate and manage air flow. A tarp connected to each base cell provides positional stability and a cover connected across a top surface of the device provides a working surface to receive a user. The combined elements provide a cushioned impact for a user. The device can be inflated with a portable blower positioned within the device that can be battery powered to provide a mobile and portable inflatable impact device.