Inflatable Neck Protection Envelope for Compact Wear and Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable protection devices for the neck are not sufficiently compact, comfortable, structurally robust, and cost-effective while providing adequate impact protection and stabilization against abrupt movements during falls.

Innovation Solution

A neck protection device with an envelope that can inflate from a compact, deflated state to an enlarged state, featuring a ratio of surface extensions and perimeters that increase by at least 1.1 times, made of sheet material with inner and outer covers, and an inflatable element that stabilizes the neck, allowing quick and low-cost manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the protection device uses a traditional inflatable bag structure housed directly in garment pockets, then impact protection is provided, but the device becomes bulky and uncomfortable to wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact protectionVSAvoidcomfort to wear

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the protective structure transformable between deflated and inflated states. The envelope transitions from a compact flat configuration during normal wear to an expanded protective configuration during impact, allowing the device to adapt its properties dynamically based on operational conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a thin-walled envelope structure made of flexible sheet material that can be folded and compressed. This flexible shell approach allows the protective device to maintain a compact form when not in use while providing sufficient structural integrity when inflated, resolving the contradiction between protection strength and wear comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If the protection device is designed to be compact and comfortable, then wearability is improved, but structural robustness during impact is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewearabilityVSAvoidstructural robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The device dynamically changes its structural properties from compact and flexible during wear to rigid and protective during impact. The inflation process transforms the soft envelope into a structurally robust protective barrier, allowing both wearability and strength requirements to be met at different operational stages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters of the envelope material through inflation - transitioning from a compressed state with high flexibility and low volume to an expanded state with high structural rigidity and protective capacity. This parameter change enables the device to satisfy contradictory requirements under different conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If the envelope has high surface extension ratio for protection, then impact coverage is improved, but the device becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact coverage areaVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs nesting by folding the envelope into a compact flat structure that can be easily stored and manufactured. The envelope is designed with fold lines and segmentation that allow it to be nested into a small package during manufacturing and storage, then deployed to cover a large surface area during impact, simplifying production while maintaining protective coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If the protection device provides comprehensive neck stabilization, then safety is improved, but the device becomes heavier and more cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneck stabilizationVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses pneumatic inflation to provide neck stabilization. Instead of using heavy rigid structures or bulky foam materials, the device employs a lightweight envelope that gains structural support through air pressure. This pneumatic approach provides comprehensive neck stabilization while maintaining minimal weight and flexibility during normal wear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 device provides excellent impact protection, stabilizes the neck, and prevents abrupt movements, ensuring comfort and structural robustness while being easily manufacturable and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

at least one inflatable element (2) housed in the compartment (V) of the envelope and configurable between a deflated and an inflated condition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4670544A1Protection device for the neck, process of making the same, garment comprising said protection device

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 D AIR LAB SRL

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a protection device (1) for the neck comprising: an envelope (3) having a compartment (V) and configured to delimit a seat (S) which is configured to allow a user's neck to be accommodated, an inflatable element (2) housed in the compartment (V) of the envelope (3) and configurable between a deflated and an inflated condition.