Inflatable Protective Device Internal Connecting Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable personal protective devices with a vest or waistcoat shape face challenges in providing continuous protection due to superficial discontinuities and anatomical curvature, leading to excessive tension or inadequate zip design when inflated.
Innovation Solution
A connecting structure is integrated on the inner side of the inflatable member portions, allowing them to overlap and be connected securely without excessive tension, using a zip or Velcro arrangement hidden from view, which is accessible from the outside, and designed to be less strained during inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inflatable member is designed with a curved shape to adapt to the user's anatomy, then the ease of wearing is improved, but the protective capacity in discontinuity zones deteriorates due to excessive movement of portions away from each other during inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structure is inverted from the conventional external placement to an internal placement on the user-facing side of the inflatable member. This inversion allows the connecting structure to be positioned in the flatter zone, reducing the radius of curvature and minimizing the movement of portions away from each other during inflation, thereby maintaining protective capacity while preserving anatomical adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting structure is strategically positioned in a specific local zone characterized by flatter curvature and smaller radius of curvature. This local placement optimizes the mechanical properties at the connection point, reducing tension and movement during inflation in the critical discontinuity zones while maintaining overall anatomical conformity
2Reliability
If the zip is designed to withstand significant movement away from each other of inflatable member portions, then the protective capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structure is placed in a localized zone with favorable geometric characteristics (flatter curvature), which naturally reduces the movement and tension experienced during inflation. This eliminates the need for complex, oversized, or reinforced zip designs, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable connection
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting structure is extracted from the high-curvature outer surface and repositioned to the flatter inner surface. This extraction removes the connecting structure from the zone of excessive movement and tension, allowing for a simpler, more reliable design without requiring the zip to withstand significant separation forces
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 configuration ensures stable closure of the inflatable member portions with minimal tension on the connecting structure, maintaining effective protection while adapting to the user's anatomy without compromising the device's ease of use or appearance.
Implementation Method 1
the inflatable member is placed in fluid communication with a fluid source, such as a compressed-gas cylinder or a fluid generator. During an impact, the inflatable member creates, around the part of the user's body, an air cushion which allows the user's body to be protected against impacts
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a personal protective device (10) for protecting a portion of a user's body. The device comprises an inflatable member (12) intended to protect at least partially a zone of a user's body. The personal protective device (10) includes at least a first portion (20) of the inflatable member (12) and a second portion (21) of the inflatable member (12). The connecting device or structure (50) is arranged, and connects the first portion (20) of the inflatable member (12) and the second portion (21) of the inflatable member (12), on a side (I) intended to be directed towards the user.