MEMS Valve Actuator for Dynamic Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for protecting human body parts from impact injuries are often 'one-size-fits-all' solutions, failing to customize protection based on individual acceleration patterns, which limits their effectiveness in various high-risk activities.
Innovation Solution
A Micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) valve actuator system using piezoelectric components and electronic control modules to control fluid flow in actively adjustable pads, integrating sensors for real-time acceleration data to tailor impact mitigation based on individual kinematic and fluid dynamics models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional one-size-fits-all protection systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to individual acceleration patterns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system transitions from static, fixed protection to dynamic, real-time adjustment of fluid pressure based on sensed acceleration patterns. The valve actuator system dynamically modulates fluid flow to adapt the protection level to individual acceleration patterns during impact events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect acceleration patterns and feed this information back to the control system, which then adjusts the valve actuator to modify fluid pressure accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables real-time adaptation to individual acceleration patterns while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fluid pressure is increased to enhance impact protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but the risk of over-pressurization injury worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the fluid pressure parameter in real-time based on detected acceleration patterns. By monitoring impact characteristics and adjusting pressure levels accordingly, the system provides enhanced protection during actual impacts while avoiding sustained over-pressurization that could cause injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve actuator system applies periodic or pulsed fluid pressure adjustments rather than continuous high pressure. This allows the system to deliver protective pressure bursts during impact events while returning to lower pressure states between events, preventing over-pressurization injury.
3Weight of moving object
If miniaturized MEMS components are used, then device weight is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical protection components with miniaturized MEMS valve actuators and electronic sensors. This substitution enables significant weight reduction while the precision is achieved through advanced micro-fabrication techniques and integrated circuit manufacturing processes.
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 system provides personalized impact reduction by dynamically adjusting fluid pressure and flow to minimize acceleration effects, enhancing protection for specific body parts during impacts without adding excessive weight or cost.
Implementation Method 1
a semiconductor substrate comprised of a sandwich made from two or more piezo-electric components
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) exhaust valve-based impact attenuating fluid filled cell for use in cushioning impact and decelerating of a wearer's body portion (e.g. head, shoulder, torso, etc.) after an impact. In combination with the use of accelerometers, pressure sensors, location and other electronics supply signals to a microcontroller, the controlled opening/closing of said exhaust valve (resulting in the expelling of said fluids with an optional combination with cell refill means) when certain parameters exceed a threshold. Individuals who engage in activities that carry a risk of injury to the head from impact in the normal course of the activity could, in combination with regular exams, benefit from a system that produces and updates a kinematic 3D model of the individual's head, including brain matter, cerebrospinal fluid paths, arterial and venous blood flow pathways, as well as the skull, supporting connective tissues and other biological structures in the head suitable for interaction with exogenous stimuli prepared from hypothetical or actual recorded impact events.