Resilient Mount Assembly for Anatomical Compression Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compression testing methods for protective apparel lack accuracy in simulating real-world impact conditions, as they do not effectively replicate the anatomical characteristics of the body parts they are intended to protect, leading to incomplete evaluation of the apparel's protective capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A mount assembly comprising a resilient member made of silicone with a C-shaped cross section and a substantially rigid core member with a D-shaped cross section, configured to simulate anatomical soft tissue and bone, respectively, which is attached to an impact testing machine to accurately test the compressive strength of protective apparel like thigh guards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a simple compression testing method is used, then the testing process is simple and quick, but the accuracy in simulating real-world impact conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mount assembly creates a simplified copy of anatomical structures using a resilient member that replicates the compression characteristics of soft tissue and a rigid core member that simulates bone. This allows accurate impact simulation without requiring actual anatomical specimens, maintaining testing speed while improving measurement precision through realistic structural representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member's material properties and geometric parameters are specifically selected to match the compression characteristics of human soft tissue. By adjusting the resilience parameter and core member positioning, the system accurately replicates real-world impact conditions on anatomical structures, transforming a simple test into a physiologically representative evaluation.
2Measurement precision
If a mount assembly with resilient member and core member is used, then the accuracy of simulating anatomical structures is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mount assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a resilient member simulating soft tissue, a rigid core member representing bone, and an integrated housing. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed, manufactured, and adjusted to achieve accurate anatomical simulation without requiring a completely complex custom-built system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount assembly serves multiple functions within a single device: it provides structural support, simulates anatomical compression characteristics, positions the protective article during testing, and interfaces with the compression testing machine. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If the resilient member deforms under compression, then the pressure distribution data is more accurate, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member acts as an intermediary between the applied compression force and the measurement system. Its controlled deformation translates complex impact forces into measurable pressure distributions that can be captured by standard sensors, reducing measurement complexity while maintaining high accuracy through the member's predictable elastic properties.
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 solution enhances the accuracy of impact testing by simulating anatomical structures, providing detailed pressure distribution data that better evaluates the protective performance of apparel under various impact conditions, thus improving the design and effectiveness of protective gear.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient member is configured to resiliently deform in response to a compression applied to the article of apparel from the head of the impact testing machine
Implementation Method 2
The pressure sensor is operable to detect a pressure distribution on the outer surface of the resilient member due to the impact applied to the thigh guard
Data Source
AI summary
A mount assembly for compression testing of an article of apparel on a compression testing machine. The machine has a head and a sensor. The mount assembly includes a substantially rigid core member and a resilient member that is supported on and that at least partially covers the cover member. The resilient member is configured to support the article of apparel thereon. The resilient member is configured to resiliently deform in response to a compression applied to the article of apparel from the head of the impact testing machine. As such, the sensor detects an effect of the compression on at least one of the resilient member and the core member.