Nested Fluid-Filled Impact Absorber for Head Acceleration Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal and property protective equipment fails to adequately control and reduce high accelerations during impacts, leading to damage and potential concussions due to insufficient absorption of linear and angular forces.
Innovation Solution
An impact absorber is positioned between a protected object and an impacted object, featuring an outer absorption element and a first inner absorption element, both containing fluids under different pressures, which deform to absorb impact forces and distribute stress over a larger area, reducing accelerations experienced by the protected object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional rigid or flexible cushioning elements are used, then some impact absorption is provided, but high accelerations cannot be adequately controlled and reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure with an outer absorption element containing an inner absorption element. The inner element is positioned within the outer element, creating a multi-layered absorption system. This nesting allows sequential engagement of different absorption mechanisms during impact, effectively reducing both linear and angular accelerations that traditional single-layer systems cannot control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluid-filled chambers within both the outer and inner absorption elements. These pneumatic/hydraulic systems provide progressive resistance to impact forces through fluid compression and movement, enabling effective control of high accelerations. The fluid pressure dynamics allow the system to adapt to varying impact magnitudes and directions, achieving reliability in protection against both linear and rotational forces
2Force
If existing helmet designs are used, then some linear and rotational force absorption is provided, but angular and linear accelerations remain far too high resulting in concussions
Solution Approach 1:
The absorption system is segmented into distinct outer and inner elements, each capable of independent deformation and energy absorption. This segmentation allows the system to address different components of impact forces separately - the outer element handling initial contact and the inner element providing secondary absorption - thereby effectively reducing both linear and angular accelerations transmitted to the head
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic absorption elements that change their mechanical properties during impact. The fluid-filled chambers and deformable structures adapt their stiffness and damping characteristics in real-time based on the magnitude and direction of applied forces, enabling effective control of accelerations across a wide range of impact scenarios including both linear and rotational events
3Reliability
If existing protective equipment is used, then varying degrees of protection are provided, but damage may still be imparted due to inability to control high accelerations
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pre-positioned absorption elements designed to engage immediately upon impact. The outer and inner absorption elements are configured in advance to provide progressive cushioning as impact forces are applied, preventing high accelerations from transmitting to the protected object. This prior cushioning arrangement ensures reliable protection against acceleration-induced damage before the impact fully occurs
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 impact absorber effectively reduces linear and angular accelerations, minimizing damage and preventing concussions by distributing impact forces and absorbing energy through fluid pressure and mechanical deformation.
Implementation Method 1
The first chamber is configured to hermetically contain a second fluid under a second pressure, with the second pressure being equal to or differing from the first pressure
Implementation Method 2
both containing fluids under different pressures, which deform to absorb impact forces and distribute stress over a larger area
Data Source
AI summary
An impact absorber is provided and is configured to be positioned between a protected object and an impacted object during use to prevent substantial damage to the impacted object from the impact of an external force. The impact absorber includes an outer absorption element and an inner absorption element positioned within the outer absorption element. The outer absorption element includes an outer wall enclosing a primary chamber, with the primary chamber configured to hermetically contain a first fluid under a first pressure, with the outer wall including an impacted side and a protected side, where the protected side is configured to be directed toward the protected object during use, and the impacted side is configured to be directed toward the impacted object during use. The first inner absorption element includes a first wall enclosing a first chamber, with the first inner absorption element being positioned within the primary chamber with the first chamber and being surrounded by the first fluid, where the first chamber is configured to hermetically contain a second fluid under a second pressure, with the second pressure being equal to or differing from the first pressure.