Pivot Plate Chest Protector Deflecting Impact Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Athletes and individuals engaged in sports or activities are at risk of ventricular fibrillation (commotio cordis) due to impacts to the chest region, which existing protective gear fails to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A chest protector design featuring a base assembly, pivot plate assembly, and fulcrum block with compressible and resilient materials that pivot and absorb impact energy, deflecting it away from the cardiac silhouette, utilizing flexible hinges and multiple layers of foam for effective energy dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid chest protectors are used, then impact resistance is improved, but the ability to dynamically deflect impact energy away from the cardiac silhouette is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot plate assembly is designed to pivot on the fulcrum block, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic system that can actively deflect impact energy. The pivot mechanism allows the plate to rotate and redirect forces away from the cardiac silhouette region, providing adaptive protection rather than passive resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The chest protector is divided into functional segments: the base assembly, the fulcrum block, and the pivot plate assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the base provides stability, the fulcrum enables rotation, and the pivot plate performs the deflection action, creating a coordinated system that addresses both strength and adaptability requirements.
2Loss of energy
If compressible and resilient materials are used in the pivot plate assembly and fulcrum block, then passive absorption of impact energy is improved, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot plate assembly and fulcrum block incorporate compressible and resilient materials that combine the energy-absorbing properties of soft materials with the structural integrity needed for protection. This composite approach allows the structure to both absorb impact energy through compression and maintain sufficient strength to deflect forces effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of compressible and resilient materials changes the mechanical parameters of the structure, allowing it to deform under impact and absorb energy while recovering its shape. This parameter change enables the structure to transition from a purely rigid force-resisting system to one that can dissipate energy through controlled deformation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot plate assembly is positioned to pivot on the fulcrum block, then dynamic deflection of impact energy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot plate assembly automatically pivots on the fulcrum block in response to impact forces without requiring external control or power sources. The system serves itself by using the impact energy to activate the deflection mechanism, reducing complexity while maintaining dynamic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fulcrum block serves as an intermediary element between the base assembly and the pivot plate assembly, enabling the pivoting motion while maintaining structural connection. This intermediary component simplifies the overall design by providing a straightforward mechanical pivot point rather than requiring complex hinges or joints.
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 chest protector dynamically deflects and passively absorbs impact energy, significantly reducing the risk of commotio cordis by protecting the cardiac silhouette through active deflection and passive absorption, making it suitable for various sports and activities.
Implementation Method 1
The pivot plate assembly and the base assembly may include compressible and resilient material
Implementation Method 2
the deformable or compressible nature of the components of the structures facilitates passive absorption or dissipation of impact energy
Implementation Method 3
The pivoting movement of pivot plate assemblies configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology dynamically deflect impact energy away from the cardiac silhouette when a ball hits the chest protector
Data Source
AI summary
A chest protector includes a structure for protecting at least a portion of a cardiac silhouette of a user. The structure may include a base assembly, a pivot plate assembly, and a fulcrum block positioned between the pivot plate assembly and the base assembly. The pivot plate assembly is positioned to pivot on the fulcrum block. In some embodiments, the pivot plate assembly and the fulcrum block may include compressible and resilient material. The structure may be shaped, sized, and positioned to coextend with a region of the user's cardiac silhouette. In some embodiments, the pivot plate assembly includes two pivot plate portions oriented at an angle relative to one another. The pivot plate portions may be connected with a flexible hinge, such as a living hinge.