Segmented Inflatable Motorcycle Garment for Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable protective garments for motorcyclists are not sufficiently effective or practical, as they compromise mobility and aerodynamic performance, and once inflated, they become bulky, preventing the rider from continuing to race after a fall.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable device integrated into a garment with a compact, aerodynamic design that uses compressed gas or pyrotechnic gas generators for activation, featuring a single or multiple inflatable members that can be quickly removed after inflation to allow the rider to continue racing without discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inflatable members are integrated into the garment for protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but mobility and aerodynamic performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable protective device is divided into multiple separate inflatable members (back protector, shoulder protectors, chest protector) that can be independently positioned and inflated. Each member is contained in its own pocket, allowing selective deployment and maintaining garment flexibility when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment transitions from a flexible state during normal use to a rigid protective state during impact. The inflatable members remain compressed during normal wear, preserving mobility and aerodynamics, then rapidly inflate upon impact detection to provide structural protection.
2Reliability
If inflatable members are integrated into the garment for protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable members are nested within pockets of the garment when deflated, creating a compact configuration that maintains the garment's aerodynamic profile. The members are contained within the garment structure, preventing disruption to airflow during normal use.
3Reliability
If inflatable members are used for protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but the device becomes bulky after inflation preventing continuation of race
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable members are designed to be removable from the garment after inflation. Once their protective function is served, they can be extracted and discarded, allowing the rider to continue racing without the bulk of the inflated protection device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs single-use inflatable members that are discarded after deployment. The inflatable members are designed for one-time use only, being removed and disposed of after inflation, while the garment itself can be reused for subsequent races.
4Reliability
If inflatable members with non-negligible sizes and weights are worn, then protection effectiveness is improved, but comfort and practicality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is segmented into multiple lightweight inflatable members distributed across different body zones rather than one large heavy unit. This distributes the weight and bulk across the garment structure, improving comfort during normal wear.
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An inflatable device for personal protection comprises at least one inflatable member (1, 101), containing means (2, 102) of said at least one inflatable member (1, 101), said at least one inflatable member (1, 101) being apt to cooperate with activation and inflation means apt to implement the inflation thereof in case of fall and/or slide and/or impact by a user or a vehicle whereon he/she proceeds, wherein said inflatable device further comprises reversible connection means (3, 103) of said at least one inflatable member (1, 101) apt to allow the connection to a garment (4, 104) and the subsequent removal.