Segmented Elastic Framework for Impact Absorption and Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impact-absorbing materials are limited by their reliance on thickness and density, leading to restricted flexibility, increased weight, and inadequate airflow, making them unsuitable for a wide range of impact forces and applications.
Innovation Solution
A framework of interconnected units with varying densities and shapes, connected by elastic members that compress and deflect to dissipate energy, allowing for customizable and responsive impact absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thickness of impact-absorbing material is increased to provide sufficient energy absorption, then impact resistance is improved, but flexibility and range of motion are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The material is divided into discrete units with bases and protrusions that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each unit to deform and absorb impact energy without requiring the entire material to be thick, thereby maintaining flexibility while providing impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting members between units are designed to be elastic and capable of dynamic movement. When impacted, the units can tilt and shift relative to each other, allowing the material to adapt to impact forces dynamically rather than relying on static thickness for protection.
2Reliability
If the thickness of impact-absorbing material is increased to absorb high-energy impacts, then energy absorption capability is improved, but device weight is increased
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the material into discrete units connected by elastic members, the structure achieves high energy absorption through the cumulative effect of many small units deforming, rather than requiring a single thick layer of dense material. This reduces overall weight while maintaining protective capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The material combines different structural elements (units with bases and protrusions, elastic connecting members) into a composite framework that provides superior energy absorption per unit weight compared to homogeneous materials of equivalent thickness.
3Reliability
If dense materials are used to provide sufficient resistance at reduced thickness, then impact resistance is improved, but risk of injury or damage to underlying structure is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented unit structure distributes impact forces across multiple discrete elements rather than concentrating them in a single dense layer. This distribution effect reduces peak forces transmitted to the underlying structure, lowering the risk of injury or damage while maintaining protective resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the material can have units with varying properties optimized for local requirements. Softer units can be placed near the body contact surface to provide a forgiving interface, while harder units can be positioned deeper in the structure to provide resistance, creating a gradient that protects both the wearer and underlying structure.
4Reliability
If the coverage of molded piece device is increased to improve impact absorption, then energy absorption is improved, but airflow and heat dissipation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The framework structure inherently creates porosity and void spaces between the units and connecting members. This porous architecture allows air to flow through the material, enabling heat dissipation and cooling while the units themselves provide impact absorption, thus resolving the conflict between coverage and airflow.
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 provides a flexible, lightweight, and customizable material that effectively absorbs and distributes kinetic energy across a range of forces, enhancing flexibility and airflow while maintaining impact resistance.
Implementation Method 1
A framework is made of a single elastic material throughout. When the framework is perturbed such that the at least one unit is tilted towards the adjacent unit by a force applied to the protrusion... the adjacent unit is tilted towards the unit.
Implementation Method 2
A sheet of plastic foam may act as a cushion, absorbing some energy from a load or impact by the compression of the material... these devices typically rely on compression as the most important mechanism for reducing the transmission of force from an impact or load
Data Source
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AI summary
An energy absorbing and transmitting material comprising a framework of interconnected units comprising at least one unit having a base and a protrusion or cone extending from the base along an axis, and at least one connecting member or rod that connects the unit to at least one adjacent unit, the connecting members extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of the unit from the base, where the framework is comprised of a single elastic material throughout, or configured so that when the framework is perturbed by tilting the unit towards the adjacent unit, the adjacent unit is tilted towards the unit.