Multi-Durometer Foam and Aramid Protective Garment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective equipment for sports, such as chest protectors, often fail to effectively absorb and dissipate forces that can cause commotio cordis, a cardiac concussion that can lead to cardiac arrest, particularly in youths with more deformable sternums.
Innovation Solution
The development of a protective garment with a multi-sectional pad configuration, including an aramid layer, a multi-durometer foam layer, and a shield layer, designed to absorb and dissipate forces imparted to the body, thereby preventing concussive effects on internal organs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional chest protective equipment is used, then basic chest protection is provided, but the equipment fails to effectively absorb and dissipate forces that can cause commotio cordis
Solution Approach 1:
The protective pad is divided into multiple sections with different materials and properties. The pad includes a first section with a first durometer foam, a second section with a second durometer foam, and a third section with an aramid material. Each section is designed to handle different aspects of impact forces, with the foam sections providing initial cushioning and the aramid section providing structural support and force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the protective pad have different material properties tailored to specific protection needs. The multi-durometer foam layers have varying hardness levels (durometer values) to provide different levels of cushioning in different areas. The aramid layer is positioned specifically to provide enhanced protection where needed. This local differentiation allows the pad to effectively absorb and dissipate forces across various impact scenarios.
2Reliability
If a single-durometer foam layer is used, then the structure is simple, but the force dissipation capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The foam layer is segmented into multiple sections with different durometer values. The first section has a first durometer foam with a specific hardness, while the second section has a second durometer foam with a different hardness. This segmentation allows each section to respond differently to impact forces, with softer sections providing initial cushioning and harder sections providing structural support and force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the pad have different foam hardness levels (durometers) tailored to specific protection requirements. This local quality differentiation enables the pad to provide varying levels of cushioning and support across different areas, optimizing force dissipation across the entire impact surface rather than using a uniform structure.
3Reliability
If only foam layers are used, then the structure is simple, but additional protection against high-velocity impacts is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The protective pad combines multiple materials with different properties: foam materials for cushioning and energy absorption, and aramid material for structural support and high-velocity impact resistance. This composite construction allows the pad to leverage the strengths of each material - the foam layers absorb low-velocity impacts through compression, while the aramid layer provides tensile strength and structural integrity against high-velocity projectiles or sharp impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges different material systems (foam and aramid) and different durometer foam sections into a single integrated protective structure. The foam layers and aramid layer are positioned in specific configurations where they work together - the foam sections handle initial impact absorption while the aramid section provides reinforcement and force distribution, creating a synergistic protective system greater than the sum of its parts.
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 described apparatus achieves a significant reduction in concussive forces, with the multi-durometer foam layer dissipating forces effectively and the aramid layer providing additional protection, resulting in a high degree of protection against commotio cordis and other internal organ injuries.
Implementation Method 1
at least one multi-durometer foam layer having a substantially similar surface area to that provided by the at least one aramid layer
Implementation Method 2
designed to absorb and dissipate forces imparted to the body
Implementation Method 3
at least one aramid layer; providing additional protection
Implementation Method 4
at least one shield layer
Data Source
AI summary
A protective garment that prevents concussive effects on internal organs. The garment many include a garment body; and, embedded in the garment body, multiple pads. The pads may comprise: at least one aramid layer; at least one multi-durometer foam layer having a substantially similar surface area to that provided by the at least one aramid layer; and at least one shield layer.