Modular Jointed Dummy Connectors for Lightweight Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jointed dummies face challenges with weight, size, cost, limited movements, and complexity in assembly and transport due to their material and structural design, making them difficult to handle and use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A jointed dummy design featuring a male and female connector system with interference fits, including frustum-conical and cylindrical elements with chamfers, and spherical bowls, allowing for modular assembly and disassembly, and utilizing polypropylene foam for reduced weight and improved mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional materials (metal structure, papier-mache, plaster, wood) are used for dummy construction, then structural strength and stability are improved, but weight increases making transport difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy is divided into multiple detachable elements (head, trunk, limbs, etc.) that can be separated for transport. Each element maintains structural strength through proper material selection while reducing the weight burden during transportation, as elements can be carried separately rather than moving the entire dummy at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction, combining lightweight materials (such as foam cores) with strengthening materials (such as fiberglass or thin metal reinforcement) to achieve optimal balance between structural strength and reduced weight, eliminating the need for heavy solid materials.
2Manufacturing precision
If full-scale human form dummy is used, then garment presentation accuracy is improved, but size increases making transport uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The full-scale dummy is segmented into multiple components that can be disassembled and transported in smaller portions. When assembled at the destination, the complete full-scale form is restored for accurate garment presentation, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining full size for display accuracy and reducing size for transport convenience.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid structure dummy is used, then structural stability is improved, but number and extent of movements are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy incorporates articulated joints with rotational degrees of freedom at key locations (shoulders, elbows, hips, knees). These joints allow the limbs to be positioned in various orientations while maintaining overall structural stability through the rigid connection points, enabling both stability and movement versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the dummy have different structural properties: the core structure and connection points maintain rigidity for stability, while the joint areas are designed with rotational freedom for movement. This local differentiation of structural quality allows the dummy to simultaneously achieve structural stability and movement capability.
4Strength
If metal connectors are used for jointed elements, then connection strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors utilize composite construction, combining lightweight materials (such as aluminum or reinforced plastic) with strategic metal reinforcement only where structurally necessary. This approach maintains adequate connection strength while minimizing the weight of the connector components themselves.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A dummy (20) comprises at least a first element (40) with a main body and a second element (46) with a main body, said first element comprising a male connector (66), said second element comprising a female connector (60). Said first and second element are connected through said male connector and said female connector.