Neck Protector Segmented Shield Hinge Articulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neck protection devices for motorcycle users are often uncomfortable, difficult to integrate with clothing, and lack adjustability, leading to inefficiencies in movement restriction and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A neck protector system with articulation means that follows the natural line of the shoulders, allowing easy integration and removal with clothing, featuring a rear shield and front shields connected by hinges or flexible sheets, with adjustable components for different sizes and quick access, and incorporating deformable foam for impact cushioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid structure is used to ensure optimum position and improve load distribution, then protection stability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of placement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid structure is divided into multiple independent shields (front shields and rear shield) that can be separately positioned and adjusted. Each shield is connected through articulation means, allowing independent adjustment while maintaining overall structural stability. This segmentation enables simpler placement and removal while preserving protection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates articulation means with rotation axes that allow dynamic adjustment of the shields to follow the natural line of the shoulders. This dynamic capability enables the structure to adapt to different body positions and movements, maintaining optimum protection stability while simplifying placement through natural body alignment.
2Reliability
If the protector is adjusted too close to the neck for optimal protection, then protection efficacy is improved, but comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses deformable foam material specifically at the contact surfaces with the neck and body. This local application of deformable material provides optimal protection efficacy through close adaptation while maintaining comfort through pressure distribution and flexibility. The rigid structure is positioned optimally without direct neck contact, relying on the foam for both protection and comfort.
3Reliability
If a support extending over the back is added to improve load distribution, then protection stability is improved, but integration with clothing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rear shield is designed with attachment means that can interface with various types of clothing (jackets, riding suits, shirts) without requiring specific modifications to the clothing. The articulation means and adjustable components allow the same device to work with different clothing styles and body types, maintaining load distribution capability while achieving universal integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes pre-positioned attachment areas and articulation points that are designed to align with common clothing structures. This preliminary design consideration enables easy integration with various clothing items without requiring complex modifications, while the rear shield maintains its load distribution function.
4Manufacturing precision
If articulation means with fixed rotation axes are used, then structural precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation means incorporate rotation axes with controlled spatial play that allows dynamic adjustment while maintaining structural precision during operation. The axes can adapt to different positions along the natural line of the shoulders, providing both precision for protection and ease of operation for adjustment and movement.
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 effectively limits extreme head movements, provides comfortable and adjustable protection, allows easy integration with clothing, enhances ventilation, and simplifies storage and removal, while preventing spinal column damage and cushioning impacts.
Implementation Method 1
deformable foam for impact cushioning
Implementation Method 2
deformable foam that surrounds the neck... cushioning impacts
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The neck protector is formed by a rear shield-shaped part (100), which rests on the shoulders and the upper part of the back, and two front shield-shaped parts (251) (252), which rest on the upper front part of the torso, one on either side of the neck. Said front shield-shaped parts (251) (252) are connected to the rear shield-shaped part (100) by articulation means, for example hinges (301) (302), the rotation pins of which are oriented towards the top, towards the back and towards the centre such that the point (O1) of intersection of which is located above and below them. Not only the front shield-shaped parts (251) (252) but also the rear shield-shaped part (100) can be fastened to the clothing via connecting areas, and by virtue of the special orientation of the pins of the hinges (301) (302) it is possible for the neck protector (001) to be able to be placed and removed together with any clothing. The configuration of the protector allows a quick-connection device for the various elements to be incorporated plus a system for adjustment to various body sizes.