Segmented Inflatable Protection Device for Continuous Wearability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable protection devices for motorcycle and horse-racing riders have discontinuities that compromise continuous protection and wearability due to their vest-like design, making vital areas vulnerable and zips less accessible.
Innovation Solution
The design features two inflatable member portions that overlap in vulnerable zones, with a connecting structure like zips, Velcro, or fabric flaps to ensure continuous protection and convenient closure, while maintaining a uniform height and volume, and can be adjusted for fit using elastic inserts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inflatable bag is designed with a vest-like shape for easy wearing, then wearability is improved, but continuous protection is compromised due to superficial discontinuities
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable protection device is divided into multiple inflatable portions (first inflatable portion and second inflatable portion) that can be independently inflated and positioned. This segmentation allows each portion to cover specific vulnerable zones separately, ensuring continuous protection across the chest and side zones without requiring a single continuous vest structure, thus resolving the contradiction between wearability and continuous protection.
2Ease of operation
If the zip is positioned in the center of the chest for convenient operation, then ease of use is improved, but the inflatable bag cannot be positioned completely in front of the chest
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device is segmented into a first inflatable portion and a second inflatable portion, with the first portion positioned in front of the chest and the second portion positioned on the side. This segmentation allows the zip to be located on the first inflatable portion at the center of the chest for convenient operation, while the second inflatable portion extends to cover the side zone, achieving both central positioning and complete chest coverage.
3Reliability
If the zip is displaced to one side zone to allow complete chest coverage, then continuous protection is improved, but zip accessibility and wearability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device is divided into a first inflatable portion with the zip positioned at the center for accessibility, and a second inflatable portion that extends to the side zone to provide continuous coverage. The segmented design allows the zip to remain centrally located on the first portion while the second portion ensures continuous protection by covering the side area that would otherwise be vulnerable.
4Reliability
If two inflatable portions are superimposed to eliminate discontinuities, then continuous protection is improved, but overall volume and wearability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second inflatable portions are designed with different local qualities - the first inflatable portion has a greater height to provide coverage in the front chest zone, while the second inflatable portion has a smaller height optimized for the side zone. This local differentiation allows the portions to be superimposed to eliminate discontinuities and provide continuous protection, while the overall volume is optimized by not having uniform excessive height across all zones.
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
This solution provides continuous and effective protection by eliminating superficial discontinuities and enhancing wearability by allowing central opening and closure, while maintaining a streamlined appearance and fit.
Implementation Method 1
the inflatable bag is placed in fluid communication with a fluid source, such as a compressed-gas cylinder or a fluid generator
Implementation Method 2
the inflatable element creates an air cushion around the upper portion of the user's body, allowing the user's body to be protected against impacts
Data Source
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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 member (12) intended to protect at least partially a zone of the body of a user. The personal protection device (10) includes at least a first portion (20, 30, 40) of the inflatable member (12) and a second portion (21, 31, 41) of the inflatable member (12). The first portion (20, 30, 40) of the inflatable member (12) and the second portion (21, 31, 41) of the inflatable member (12) are superimposed in a corresponding overlapping area or superimposition area (A, B, C). In the personal protection device the height or thickness of at least one, or each, of the first portion (20, 30, 40) of the inflatable member (12) and the second portion (21, 31, 41) of the inflatable member (12) is, in the overlapping area or superimposition area (A, B, C), smaller than the height or thickness of a remaining part (18) of the inflatable member (12).