Nested Shell Impact Protection with Elastomeric Stretching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional impact protection devices, such as helmets and pads, lose effectiveness when they reach their compression limit, and only the area directly under the impact location absorbs energy, limiting their volume and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A personal impact protection device comprising nested mechanical members with elastomeric energy-absorption members spanning the distance between them, allowing the members to stretch and absorb impact energy more effectively across a larger area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If compressive pads are used to absorb impact energy, then some energy is absorbed, but the pads lose effectiveness when they reach their compression limit
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is divided into multiple segments: an inner shell, an outer shell, and multiple energy absorption members arranged between them. This segmentation allows the impact force to be distributed across multiple independent elements rather than concentrated in a single compressive pad, enabling the system to absorb energy beyond what a single pad could handle before reaching compression limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested structure where the inner shell is positioned within the outer shell, creating a multi-layer protective system. The energy absorption members are nested between these shells, allowing progressive energy absorption as impact force increases, thereby maintaining reliability beyond the compression limit of individual pad elements.
2Loss of energy
If only the portion of the pad directly under the impact location is compressed, then local energy absorption occurs, but the pad volume involved in energy absorption is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption mechanism transitions from one-dimensional compression (local pad compression) to three-dimensional energy absorption. The arrangement of multiple energy absorption members between nested shells allows impact energy to be absorbed throughout the entire volume between the shells, utilizing the full available space rather than just the localized area under impact.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple energy absorption members are combined and distributed throughout the volume between the inner and outer shells. This merging of multiple absorption elements creates a distributed energy absorption system that utilizes the entire available volume, rather than relying on a single localized pad area.
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 enhances energy absorption by distributing the impact force across a wider area, reducing the force felt by the wearer and providing better protection against impacts from various directions.
Implementation Method 1
one or more elastomeric energy-absorption members mechanically coupled to and spanning the distance between both of the mechanical members
Implementation Method 2
The energy-absorption members may be thin, flat sheet members or elongated straps
Data Source
AI summary
An impact protection device includes a first shell configured to be disposed on a body portion of a user, a second shell spaced at a distance from the first shell, and a set of elastomeric members spanning the distance between the first shell and the second shell. Each elastomeric member includes a first end and an opposing second end, each first end comprises a first end portion disposed within a corresponding opening defined by the first shell and a terminal portion disposed against an inner wall of the first shell and each second end connected to the second shell. The set of elastomeric members are configured to stretch between the first shell and the second shell in response to a translation of the second shell relative to the first shell and at a location that is substantially opposite to an impact receiving location of the second shell.