Torso-Mounted Yoke for Protective Apparel Weight Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current protective apparel systems, particularly helmets, are cumbersome and cause discomfort due to their weight, high center of gravity, limited field of vision, and inefficient air circulation, leading to neck and back strain and reduced mobility for medical professionals during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A protective apparel support apparatus featuring a contoured yoke that rests on the torso, distributing the weight of protective gear and incorporating an air circulation system with fans positioned away from the wearer's ears to improve airflow and reduce noise, while maintaining a wide field of vision and ergonomic fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a helmet is used to support protective apparel, then protective coverage is improved, but weight and center of gravity increase causing discomfort and neck strain
Solution Approach 1:
The protective apparatus is divided into separate components: a hood for head coverage and a yoke for shoulder support. This segmentation allows the protective function to be maintained while distributing weight away from the head to the stronger shoulder structure, reducing neck strain and improving comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The yoke acts as an intermediary support structure between the protective apparel and the wearer's body. Instead of the helmet directly supporting all protective components on the head, the yoke provides intermediate support on the shoulders, reducing the burden on the head and neck.
2Reliability
If a face shield is added to the helmet, then facial protection is improved, but field of vision is limited and claustrophobic feeling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The face shield is separated from the helmet structure and attached to the yoke instead. This allows the shield to be positioned optimally for protection without being constrained by helmet contours, improving field of vision and reducing the claustrophobic effect while maintaining facial coverage.
3Use of energy by moving object
If fans are positioned on top of the head in the helmet, then air circulation is improved, but weight increases and noise is amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke serves as an intermediary mounting structure for the fans, moving them from the head to the shoulder area. This reduces the center of gravity, decreases head weight, and positions the fans away from the ears to reduce noise perception while maintaining effective air circulation through the protective apparel.
4Reliability
If protective apparel is extended to cover more areas, then protection coverage is improved, but mobility and ergonomics are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective apparel is segmented into a hood portion for head coverage and a gown portion for body coverage, supported separately by the hood and yoke respectively. This allows comprehensive protection while maintaining mobility, as the yoke supports the gown without restricting arm movement and the hood provides head coverage without the burden of a full helmet.
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 solution provides a comfortable, ergonomic fit with a lower center of gravity, improved air circulation, and an expanded field of vision, reducing wearer discomfort and enhancing mobility during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A protective apparel support apparatus may be configured to rest upon a torso of a wearer. The support apparatus can distribute a weight of portions of the protective apparel about the torso of the wearer.
Implementation Method 2
The support apparatus can include an air circulation system configured to provide air flow through an interior space of the protective apparel.
Implementation Method 3
incorporating an air circulation system with fans positioned away from the wearer's ears to improve airflow and reduce noise
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A protective apparel and support apparatus, comprising: a yoke (100) including a first connector, the yoke configured to secure a shield (202) of an outer garment (302), the yoke including a chest member (530, 532) including an air flow path configured to direct an air flow into an interior barrier space (514) defined by the shield; and an inner garment (1000) including a second connector (1010) configured to receive the first connector.