Segmented Wearable Protection Device for Accurate Body Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable protection devices are not sufficiently safe, do not maintain correct positioning, are complex, costly, and lack flexibility for different body parts, and have potential assembly failures.
Innovation Solution
A protection device with inflatable elements comprising segments fixed to a case by peripheral engagement portions, allowing for correct positioning and operation, made of durable materials, and a simple assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the inflatable bag is directly housed in a pocket of a garment with layers facing each other, then the structure is simple, but the positioning is not maintained correctly and safety is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable element is divided into multiple segments (first segment, second segment, etc.) that can be independently positioned and attached to the garment. Each segment has peripheral engagement portions that can be separately secured, allowing precise positioning of each segment while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable element segments are nested within pockets of the garment, with each segment positioned within its own pocket space. The peripheral engagement portions extend through or engage with the garment layers, creating a nested arrangement that maintains both simplicity and positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If protection devices comprise a case with multiple chambers and longitudinal ties, then positioning is improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single complex case with multiple chambers, the solution segments the inflatable element itself into multiple segments that can be independently positioned. This eliminates the need for a complex multi-chamber case structure while maintaining positioning accuracy through individual segment attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex case structure with longitudinal ties is extracted/removed from the design. The positioning function is achieved directly through the inflatable element segments and their peripheral engagement portions, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the inflatable element is not fixed to the case, then the assembly process is simple, but assembly failures may occur and positioning is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral engagement portions are pre-formed as integral parts of the inflatable element segments during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows for simple attachment to the garment or case while ensuring reliable positioning, as the engagement portions are already in place rather than requiring complex assembly steps.
4Reliability
If the protection device is designed for specific body parts, then the protection is effective, but the adaptability to different body parts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable element is designed as a universal protection device that can be applied to different body parts through the use of multiple segments. Each segment can be positioned and attached to protect different areas (knee, elbow, wrist, etc.), allowing the same basic structure to provide effective protection across multiple body parts and applications.
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 excellent impact protection, ensures correct positioning and operation, is structurally robust, flexible, and cost-effective, with a simple manufacturing process that prevents assembly failures.
Implementation Method 1
The inflatable element (2) is configurable between: a deflated condition where the first and second portions of at least one wall of each segment, for a preponderant part of its surface extension, are close and at least partially in contact with each other, an inflated condition where the first and second portions of the at least one wall of each segment, for a preponderant portion of its surface extension, are spaced apart
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7
AI summary
The present invention refers to a wearable protection device (1) including an inflatable element (2) having a plurality of side-by-side segments and configurable between a deflated condition and an inflated condition. The protection device further comprises a case (3) defining a compartment (V) in which the plurality of segments is housed; the case (3) comprises a first and a second cover (4, 5) in sheet material, at least partially opposite to each other. A peripheral engagement portion of at least one segment of the inflatable element (2) is fixed to, or in proximity of, at least one of said first and second covers (4, 5).