Vacuum Locking Structure for Custom-Fit Athletic Gear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional articles of athletic equipment, such as pads and protective gear, lack the ability to lock the size or shape to a wearer's body part, making it difficult to achieve an optimum fit.
Innovation Solution
A locking structure incorporating a bladder with barrier layers and elastic elements, along with a locking system, allows the equipment to transition between an unlocked and locked state through vacuum pressure adjustment, providing a snug and customized fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adjustable straps are used to secure the article, then the article can be adjusted to different sizes, but the receiving body cannot conform to the wearer's body part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by incorporating a vacuum locking mechanism that allows the receiving body to transition between a relaxed state for adjustment and a locked state for precise conforming. The vacuum pump creates negative pressure to lock the flexible material in place, enabling both adjustability and precise fit conformance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatics by employing a vacuum pump to create negative pressure within the receiving body. This pneumatic pressure differential locks the flexible material against the wearer's body part, enabling the receiving body to conform precisely while maintaining adjustability through vacuum control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the receiving body is made flexible to accommodate various sizes, then adaptability is improved, but the ability to lock and maintain a precise fit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a system that can switch between flexible and stable states. The vacuum locking mechanism allows the receiving body to remain flexible during adjustment but becomes stable and locked when vacuum pressure is applied, maintaining the precise fit throughout the activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the vacuum pressure level to transition the receiving body between different states. When vacuum pressure is applied, the material properties change from flexible to locked, enabling both size accommodation and fit stability through parameter control.
3Force
If conventional straps are used to constrict the receiving body, then the article can be secured, but the receiving body cannot conform to the wearer's body part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatics by using vacuum pressure to create a conforming force that distributes evenly across the receiving body. This pneumatic force allows the receiving body to conform to the wearer's body part shape while maintaining securing force, unlike conventional straps that apply localized constriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling vacuum pressure to adjust the conforming force. The vacuum pressure parameter can be adjusted to optimize both the securing force and the conformance to the wearer's body shape, enabling precise fit while maintaining safety.
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 locking structure enables the equipment to conform to the wearer's body, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit by constriction, while maintaining flexibility and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum pump is attached to the article and operable to remove fluid from the interior void of the bladder to define negative pressure within the chamber
Implementation Method 2
at least one elastic element disposed within the interior void... each of the locking elements including an interface surface operable to selectively engage an interface surface of another one of the locking elements
Data Source
AI summary
A locking structure for an article includes a bladder including a first barrier element attached to a second barrier element to define a chamber having an interior void. A locking system includes locking elements that each attach to at least one elastic element. The locking elements each include at least one interface surface. The interior void of the bladder operable between a first pressure to move the locking system to a locked state and a second pressure to move the locking system to an unlocked state.