Removable Edge Cushioning for Rigid Canopy Injury Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rigid structures, such as the hard-top canopies of golf carts, pose a risk of injury due to their narrow or pointed edges, which can cause pain or injury when users interact with them.

Innovation Solution

A cushion apparatus with an elongated structure made of soft material, featuring a channel or groove to receive the edge of the rigid structure, and a securing mechanism that allows for removably attaching the cushion to the rigid structure using touch-fasteners, adhesive, or biasing mechanisms, ensuring easy installation and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid hard-top canopy is used for vehicle structure, then structural strength and durability are improved, but the narrow or pointed edges cause injury risk to users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidinjury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A cushion apparatus is attached to the rigid hard-top canopy before users can contact the edge. The cushion provides preemptive protection by covering the narrow or pointed edge, absorbing impact if a user's head contacts it during entry or exit, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural strength and preventing injury.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion apparatus acts as an intermediary element between the rigid hard-top canopy and the user. It mediates the harmful interaction by providing a soft interface that prevents direct contact between the user and the dangerous edge, while the rigid canopy maintains its structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a permanent attachment method is used for the cushion apparatus, then reliability of protection is improved, but ease of removal and portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection reliabilityVSAvoidease of removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic reversible connection. The cushion apparatus can be securely attached when needed and easily removed when not needed, allowing the system to adapt between states of protection and portability, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system is segmented into separate components (cushion apparatus and attachment mechanism) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation enables the cushion to be reliably attached for protection when needed while maintaining ease of removal for portability, rather than being permanently fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11827174B2Apparatus for covering an edge of a rigid structure

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 MASSI ALBERT D

AI summary

A cushion apparatus for attachment to a rigid structure having an edge includes an elongated structure and a securing mechanism. The elongated structure is formed of a soft material and has a channel/slot/groove along its length that is configured to receive a portion of the rigid structure that includes the edge. The securing mechanism is configured to secure the elongated structure to the rigid structure. The securing mechanism may be integrated with the elongated structure and configured to removably secure the elongated structure to the rigid structure.