Segmented Inflatable Pelvic Protection Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal protection devices using inflatable elements for upper body protection are insufficient in guaranteeing adequate protection for the pelvis and hip regions during dynamic activities like motorcycle falls or skiing, as they do not effectively cover these vulnerable areas.
Innovation Solution
A personal protection device with inflatable elements specifically designed to cover the pelvis and hip regions, featuring 'C'-shaped side protection portions that connect via a back zone, and an additional inflatable element for the shoulders and neck, all connected via cannulas to a single gas source for comprehensive protection, integrated into a wearable garment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing personal protection devices with inflatable elements are used for upper body protection, then upper body protection is provided, but pelvis and hip regions remain insufficiently protected
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable protection element is divided into multiple segmented portions: a first inflatable portion for the pelvis, second and third inflatable portions for the hips, and a fourth inflatable portion for the lower back. These segments can inflate independently or together to provide targeted protection for specific vulnerable body regions during different types of impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
Each inflatable portion is specifically shaped and positioned to provide localized protection for particular body regions. The first inflatable portion is shaped to embrace the pelvis, the second and third portions protect the hip regions, and the fourth portion protects the lower back, ensuring that each area receives protection tailored to its specific vulnerability and anatomy.
2Reliability
If multiple inflatable elements are added to cover pelvis, hips, and shoulders, then comprehensive body protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple inflatable portions (first, second, third, and fourth portions) are merged into a single integrated inflatable element that can be inflated from one gas source. The portions are connected through communication channels that allow fluid communication, enabling comprehensive protection of the pelvis, hips, and lower back simultaneously without requiring separate inflation systems for each region.
Solution Approach 2:
The single gas source serves multiple functions by inflating different portions of the protection element depending on the impact detected. The same gas source can inflate the pelvis portion for frontal impacts, the hip portions for side impacts, or the lower back portion for rear impacts, making the system universally applicable to various impact scenarios.
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
Provides enhanced protection for the pelvis, hips, shoulders, and neck by creating an air cushion around these exposed areas during impacts, ensuring better safety and minimal encumbrance in a practical and effective manner.
Implementation Method 1
a source of fluid, such a compressed gas canister or a fluid generator
Implementation Method 2
the inflatable element creates an air cushion about the upper portion of the body of the user, allowing to protect the body of the user from impacts
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a personal protection device (10) for the protection of a portion of the body of a user. The device comprises an inflatable element (12) intended to protect at least partially a region of the pelvis of the user and including a first side protection portion (13) intended to protect at least one hip region, and a second side protection portion (14) intended to protect at least the other region of the hip of the user, and a connecting portion (16) defining a zone of connection between the first side protection portion (13) and the second side protection portion (14). The connecting portion (116) defines a fluid communication between the first side protection portion (13) and the second side protection portion (14).