Segmented Neck Protection Ring with Tensioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neck protection devices for activities like motorcycling face challenges in fitting precision and convenience, requiring correct alignment with the wearer's chest and spine, and often need separate fitting and clipping processes.
Innovation Solution
A neck protection device featuring a ring with adjustable elements and a tether system that allows for easy fitting and tensioning, using a ratchet mechanism to form a stiff ring when needed, and can be integrated into upper body garments like jackets for convenient use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stiff ring structure is used for neck protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but ease of donning and doffing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into multiple separable elements that can be independently manipulated. These elements can be disconnected to allow easy donning and doffing, then reconnected to form the protective stiff ring structure when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring structure transitions from a static stiff form to a dynamic, adaptable configuration. The elements can move relative to each other, allowing the ring to flex during donning/doffing operations while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
2Measurement precision
If correct fitting precision is required for chest and spine alignment, then protection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different elements of the ring have different properties optimized for specific functions. Some elements are designed with specific geometries or features that facilitate alignment with anatomical landmarks on the chest and spine, ensuring correct positioning without complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring structure incorporates self-aligning features that automatically guide correct positioning on the wearer's body. The elements may have built-in indicators, asymmetric designs, or mechanical guidance features that ensure proper alignment with chest and spine without requiring complex fitting procedures.
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
Enables precise and convenient fitting of neck protection devices, providing effective stiffness for injury prevention while allowing for easy donning and doffing of garments without separate neck brace fitting, with adjustable thickness for optimal fit and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The tension device may include a ratchet that is configured to apply tension to the tether and hold the tether under tension until the ratchet is released and the tension on the tether is released.
Implementation Method 2
said elements of the ring being free to move relative to one another, when the tether is not under tension and to be drawn into abutting relationship to form a stiff ring, when the tether is under tension.
Data Source
AI summary
A neck protection device (10) includes a ring (14) that is configured to extend around a wearer's neck and that includes a plurality of elements (12) each defining a passage (16). A tether (18) extends along the passages (16) and a tension device (38) is configured to grip the tether (18) releasably and hold it under tension. The elements (12) are free to move relative to one another, when the tether (18) is not under tension, so that the ring (14) is flexile and can be fitted around the neck, but the elements (12) are drawn into abutting relationship to form a stiff ring (14), when the tether (18) is under tension.