I am developing Top-down. All normal decisions in the field of invention are made in this way — from top to bottom. At first, something is so poorly presented as a whole, but in an ideal form. The criticism that the idea is subjected to at this stage for breaking away from reality here cannot be said to be completely unfounded. Usually, after all, the employee performing the work area entrusted to him does the opposite. He takes some detail or part and branch of a project and starts trying to improve something so separately. Suppose, this is a serious work that requires a lot of knowledge, but at the same time it is also associated with a lot of conditions that do not allow to significantly change something. Sooner or later we all come to this. In the meantime, at the very initial stage, as Hemingway said — the whole novel, this is one first phrase. (It seems he didn’t say so). He said that you first need to freeze the tip of the iceberg, and then put the underwater part in the refrigerator (also wrong?).
When I finally had an idea of how the bracelet would connect to the PPE sleeve, it became clear that something would have to be changed in the design of the bracelet itself. Fortunately, this process will only affect the lower level of development. To higher level, which remains unchanged, I here refer all general sizes, as well as modules, their number and general structure. The number of nodes in each module and other general representations in the design are also saved. This can also be referred to as the parent part. However, it was not possible to leave everything. I decidedly removed a large number of micro-pumps, which were supposed to be two in each module. Instead, it is obviously best to use one or two large micro-pumps to the all bracelet. This decision stemmed from the fact that even earlier I assumed that micro-pumps would not work directly with pneumatics, but would fill additional reservoirs or create a vacuum in them. The presence of these reservoirs makes a large number of micro-pumps completely redundant. It is more reliable in terms of checks and replacements. In addition, more powerful micro-pumps, which are now supposed to be used here, can also be used in other parts of the entire PPE. For example, in the mechanism of retractable supports. In addition, I never received a response from the manufacturer of small micro-pumps, but now it does not matter anymore. So one or two relatively more powerful and reliable micro-pumps pump pressure or create a vacuum in all air reservoirs. The additional tubing will not complicate the whole design very much. It’s just like a Westinghouse Brake. If there is a screen on the top of the bracelet, then there is a micro-pump below.
Other design changes will be inside the node already. The location of the cuff with holes under the bracelet suggests that the suction cups of the bracelet itself must be made in such a way that they fit freely in the holes of the cuffs. To do this, it is also necessary to raise the pneumatics that extends the bracelet higher. This is a useful change, since the previous position of pneumatic actuators has always seemed uncomfortable to me. There were no necessary angles to apply force with good efficiency. It seems here in the pneumatic actuators themselves there is a certain reserve of possibilities. Previously squeezed at the lower levels, all of this had to work at its full limit. The difference in size at the very bottom reached six to one. Now the largest is one in three.
In addition, it is necessary to decide the question of what if the prototype of the bracelet is assembled, in what form it will be necessary to carry out tests. After all, the bracelet should not work separately, but as a direct part of all PPE with the participation of a person. This can create certain difficulties if we take into account here that a protective suit also needs to be created and developed together with all ventilation systems. I think Glovebox would be most appropriate here. It’s easier and cheaper, and can already start working completely autonomously.
