Inflatable Protection Device Tie Member Shape Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable personal protection devices face challenges in controlling the shape of the inflatable member during inflation, leading to potential rupture and ineffective protection due to unpredictable gas distribution and localized overpressures, which can result in excessive expansion and damage.
Innovation Solution
A bivalve-type inflatable member with a plurality of tie members connecting meshes, allowing for controlled shape and size adjustment by maximizing the distance between meshes and ensuring uniform tension, thereby distributing gas evenly and enhancing resistance to overpressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a plurality of fixed connection points (diaphragms/septums) are provided between opposite superficial portions of the inflatable member to control its shape, then the shape control is improved, but the resistance to overpressures deteriorates due to reduced structural strength at the diaphragm locations
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable member is divided into multiple compartments by partitions, with each compartment independently inflatable. This segmentation allows the overall shape to be controlled through the arrangement of partitions while distributing the pressure load across multiple smaller compartments, preventing localized overpressures from causing structural failure at diaphragm locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between opposite superficial portions is achieved through dynamic inflation of partitions rather than fixed rigid diaphragms. The partitions are inflated to the extent necessary to assume the desired shape, providing both shape control and structural strength simultaneously, as the inflated partition material itself resists overpressures.
2Reliability
If compressed gas is introduced to inflate the bag, then the protective function is activated, but localized overpressures occur near the inlet point causing unpredictable gas distribution and potential bag rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The single large inflatable compartment is divided into multiple smaller compartments by partitions. When gas is introduced, it distributes more uniformly across these smaller compartments, preventing localized overpressures at the inlet point. The segmented structure ensures predictable and controlled gas distribution throughout the inflatable member.
Solution Approach 2:
The partitions are designed to be inflatable and are filled with gas in a controlled manner before the main protective inflation occurs. This preliminary cushioning of the partitions creates a structured framework that guides and distributes the subsequent main gas charge uniformly, preventing overpressures and rupture.
3Volume of moving object
If the inflatable member is allowed to expand freely to maximum volume, then the protection coverage is maximized, but the encumbrance and risk of excessive expansion damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable member is divided into multiple compartments of controlled volume. This segmentation allows the total protection coverage to be maximized while each individual compartment maintains a manageable size, reducing encumbrance and the risk of excessive expansion damage. The partitions act as structural elements that prevent uncontrolled expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different compartments are designed with different volumes and expansion characteristics based on the specific protection needs of different body regions. This local quality approach allows maximum protection coverage where needed while maintaining controlled, manageable expansion in other areas, optimizing the balance between coverage and encumbrance.
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 solution enables precise control over the shape and size of the inflatable member, providing effective protection while minimizing encumbrance and risk of rupture, ensuring adequate protection and stability during impacts or falls.
Implementation Method 1
a gas source, like a compressed gas canister or a gas generator... adapted to introduce a preset amount of compressed gas such as to set the inflatable bag in an inflated, therefore tensioned condition
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
A protection device (1, 101, 100, 300) for the personal protection of a user. The protection device comprises an inflatable member (2, 102, 200, 201, 251 ) in which it is defined an internal chamber (3), and a plurality of tie members (5) distributed in the internal chamber (3) and stably connected to respective superficial portions (15, 16, 15', 16', 18, 19, 215, 216) of said inflatable member (2, 102, 200, 201, 251 ). In particular, the inflatable member (2, 102, 200, 201, 251 ) is adapted to assume an active inflated condition and a resting deflated condition. The inflatable member (2, 102, 200, 201, 251 ) includes a first wall (15, 15", 215) and a second wall (16, 16', 216) fixed the one to the other along respective peripheral edges (20, 21, 120, 121, 220, 221 ). A first mesh (18) lines at least partially the first wall (15, 15' 215) and a second mesh (19) lines at least partially the second wall (16, 16', 216). The tie members (5) have opposite ends (5a, 5b) fixed respectively to the first mesh (18) and to the second mesh (19).