Segmented Airbag Landing Cushion with Winch Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Extreme sports participants face significant risks of injury or death due to improper landings on hard surfaces, and existing solutions do not provide a sufficiently forgiving landing area that can be easily stored and transported.
Innovation Solution
A sport landing cushion comprising two inflatable compartments, where the upper compartment is stiffer and inflated to a higher pressure for support and the lower compartment is softer for cushioning, combined with a storage container equipped with a winch and air supply for easy deployment and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single inflatable compartment is used, then the structure is simpler, but the landing surface cannot provide both support and cushioning effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is divided into two separate inflatable compartments: a first compartment providing a supportive base and a second compartment providing a cushioning landing surface. This segmentation allows each compartment to be optimized for its specific function, with the first compartment being thicker for support and the second compartment being inflatable to higher pressure for a forgiving landing surface.
2Reliability
If the airbag is large enough to provide adequate landing area, then safety is improved, but storage and transportation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag transitions from a deflated compact state for storage and transportation to a fully inflated expanded state for use. This dynamic transformation allows the landing cushion to provide adequate landing area when needed while occupying minimal space during storage and transport operations.
3Strength
If the airbag is inflated to high pressure for firm support, then structural integrity is improved, but comfort and injury prevention deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the airbag system have different pressure characteristics: the first compartment (base) is inflated to provide firm structural support and stability, while the second compartment (landing surface) is inflated to higher pressure to create a forgiving, compliant surface that reduces impact forces on the athlete during landing.
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 landing cushion reduces the likelihood of injury by providing a more forgiving landing surface and allows for safe landing and exit, while the storage container facilitates easy transportation and storage of the system.
Implementation Method 1
an air supply for inflating the airbag when the airbag is not in the enclosure
Implementation Method 2
a winch for assisting in moving the airbag into the enclosure
Implementation Method 3
the second compartment provides a landing surface and is for inflation to a higher pressure for use than is the first compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A sport landing cushion may comprise an airbag comprising first and second inflatable compartments or first and second airbags, wherein the first compartment (airbag) is thicker than the second compartment (airbag) and provides a base, and wherein the second compartment (airbag) provides a landing surface and is for inflation to a higher pressure for use than is the first compartment (airbag). A container therefor may comprise an enclosure for a rolled deflated airbag and having an opening through which a deflated airbag may pass, a winch, and an air supply for inflating the airbag.