Modular Impact Protection System with Variable Thickness Padding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current impact protection systems for athletes lack versatility and adaptability in providing varying levels of protection across different anatomical areas, often compromising between protection and comfort, and are not well-suited for temporary injury management during training or competition.
Innovation Solution
A modular impact protection system comprising components with repetitive geometric shapes and varying thicknesses, made from impact-absorbing materials like rubbers and polymers, which can be assembled into different configurations to provide tailored protection, enhance breathability, and interlock for varying sizes, using injection molding or additive manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If uniform thickness padding is used, then manufacturing is simple, but impact protection is insufficient as it cannot absorb impact at different time points
Solution Approach 1:
The padding component features variable thickness with different regions (first region thicker than second region) to provide differentiated impact absorption. The thicker first region absorbs initial impact while the thinner second region engages subsequently, creating localized quality variations that enhance overall protection without requiring multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from uniform two-dimensional padding to three-dimensional variable thickness padding. This dimensional change allows the same component to provide multi-stage impact absorption by engaging different thickness regions at different time points during impact, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and effectiveness.
2Strength
If thicker padding is used throughout, then impact protection is enhanced, but comfort and breathability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By making the first region thicker than the second region, the padding provides enhanced protection where needed while maintaining thinner sections for comfort and breathability. This local quality differentiation allows the component to simultaneously achieve both protection and comfort that would be contradictory with uniform thickness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom padding is made for each anatomical area, then protection is optimized, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single padding component with variable thickness is designed to serve multiple anatomical areas and impact scenarios. The different thickness regions can be positioned to protect various body parts, making one universal component replace multiple area-specific pads, thereby maintaining adaptability while simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The padding is segmented into different thickness regions within a single component, allowing customization for different anatomical areas through positioning rather than manufacturing. This segmentation enables versatility while keeping the manufacturing process simple and unified.
4Strength
If modular components with varying thickness are used, then impact absorption is enhanced through multi-stage engagement, but component complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable thickness within a single component creates local quality variations that enable multi-stage impact absorption. The thicker first region engages initially to absorb impact, followed by the thinner second region, achieving complex protection behavior through simple geometric variation rather than multiple separate components.
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 offers enhanced impact protection by distributing force across different thicknesses, allowing for customizable protection configurations that balance comfort and effectiveness, particularly suitable for temporary injury management during athletic activities.
Implementation Method 1
Components may be formed of impact absorbing materials, such as rubbers, nylons, silicone, or any type of material capable of being formed via injection molding
Implementation Method 2
As the material forming the protective component absorbs the impact, additional portions of the component having varying thicknesses may be engaged, thereby absorbing additional force from the impact
Data Source
AI summary
A modular protective structure may be formed from an impact absorbing material formed into a repeating pattern of one or more geometrical shapes that may be assembled to a size, shape, and/or configuration desired to protect an athlete from impact. The thickness of the structure may vary in a repetitive fashion along at least a first axis of the structure, and may further vary in a repetitive fashion along a second axis of the structure.