A cushion pad applied to a sports helmet

By designing wave-shaped or honeycomb-shaped energy-absorbing protrusions in sports helmets, the problem of insufficient protection against rotational impacts in traditional helmets has been solved, achieving effective protection against multi-angle impacts and reducing the damage to the brain caused by shear forces.

CN224670928UActive Publication Date: 2026-08-25SHENZHEN INNOVATION ADVANCED MATERIALS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202522067436.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-25
Publication Date
2026-08-25
Estimated Expiration
2035-09-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional sports helmets are insufficient in protecting against rotational impacts and cannot effectively prevent concussions and diffuse axonal injuries.

Method used

The cushioning pad design features a base and multiple energy-absorbing protrusions. The energy-absorbing protrusions are either wave-shaped support strips or honeycomb-shaped columnar supports. They absorb and disperse linear and rotational impact energy through multi-directional deformation. The base and energy-absorbing protrusions are integrally molded from foam material.

Benefits of technology

It significantly improves protection against oblique or rotating impacts, reduces shear force damage to the brain, maintains wearing comfort and fit, and enhances the overall protective performance of the helmet.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of protective equipment provides a kind of cushion pad applied to sports helmet, including substrate and multiple energy-absorbing protrusions;Substrate is used to fixedly connected in the inner surface of the inner liner of sports helmet;Multiple energy-absorbing protrusions are integrally formed with substrate and extend in the direction away from substrate, each energy-absorbing protrusion is spaced apart, and the end of energy-absorbing protrusion away from substrate is used to abut on human head;Energy-absorbing protrusion is the support strip that is continuously wavelike extension, or is the columnar support body that is separated and independently arranged;With the effect of improving rotational impact protection effect.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of protective equipment technology, specifically to a cushioning pad for use in sports helmets. Background Technology

[0002] Sports helmets are protective headgear worn by cyclists, motorcyclists, skateboarders, rollerbladers, and other athletes. They absorb impact energy and reduce head injuries; proper wear can effectively lower the risk of sports injuries. A sports helmet consists of a shell, a cushioning layer, and an inner liner. The cushioning layer absorbs energy by collapsing and deforming upon impact, thus reducing head injury.

[0003] In actual sports activities, most impacts are oblique or rotational. Such impacts cause angular acceleration in the head and shear force between the brain and skull, which can easily lead to serious consequences such as concussion and diffuse axonal injury. Traditional sports helmets are mainly designed to deal with linear impacts such as direct impacts, and lack protection against rotational impacts. Therefore, traditional sports helmets have insufficient protection against rotational impacts. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cushioning pad for use in sports helmets to solve the problems of traditional sports helmets having a single energy absorption direction and insufficient protection against rotational impacts.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a cushioning pad for use in sports helmets, employing the following technical solution: A cushioning pad for use in a sports helmet includes a base and a plurality of energy-absorbing protrusions; the base is used to be fixedly connected to the inner surface of the liner of the sports helmet; the plurality of energy-absorbing protrusions are integrally formed with the base and extend away from the base, the energy-absorbing protrusions are spaced apart, and the end of the energy-absorbing protrusion away from the base is used to abut against the human head; the energy-absorbing protrusions are support strips extending in a continuous wave shape, or columnar support bodies that are separated and independently arranged.

[0006] As an optimization for the cushioning pad used in sports helmets, both the base and the energy-absorbing protrusion are integrally molded from foam material, which includes one of polyurethane foam material, thermoplastic elastomer, polyvinyl chloride or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer foam material.

[0007] As an optimization for the cushioning pad used in sports helmets, the waveform of the wavy extension path of the support bar is selected from one of the following: sine wave, sawtooth wave, or trapezoidal wave.

[0008] As an optimization for the cushioning pad used in sports helmets, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar support is circular or polygonal.

[0009] As an optimization for the cushioning pad used in sports helmets, the columnar support is a solid or hollow structure.

[0010] As an optimization for a cushioning pad used in sports helmets, the thickness of the base is 1mm-6mm, and the thickness of the energy-absorbing protrusion is 2mm-8mm.

[0011] As an optimization for the cushioning pad used in sports helmets, the spacing between the energy-absorbing protrusions is 2-8mm.

[0012] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this utility model are as follows: By setting energy-absorbing protrusions with wave-shaped continuous support strips or independent columnar support structures, this utility model can effectively absorb and disperse linear and rotational impact energy through multi-directional deformation when subjected to impact, significantly improving the protection against oblique or rotational impacts; the spacing design between the energy-absorbing protrusions ensures that each structural unit has independent deformation space, avoiding mutual interference and improving energy absorption efficiency; the overall structure is lightweight, flexible, and easy to integrate with the inner lining of various sports helmets, achieving effective protection against multi-angle impacts without affecting wearing comfort, and has good practicality and adaptability. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a cushioning pad applied to a sports helmet according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation position of a cushioning pad used in a sports helmet according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a planar unfolded schematic diagram of the buffer pad in the form of a support strip according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a planar unfolded schematic diagram of the buffer pad corresponding to the columnar support body shape in the embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of a cushioning pad used in a sports helmet according to an embodiment of this application.

[0015] In the diagram: 1. Base; 10. Helmet; 11. Shell; 12. Buffer layer; 13. Inner liner; 2. Energy-absorbing protrusion; 3. Support bar; 4. Columnar support. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the technical solution and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model and its beneficial effects will be described in further detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments of this utility model are not limited thereto.

[0017] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0018] All standard parts used in this utility model can be purchased from the market, and irregular parts can be customized according to the description and drawings. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, and welding that are mature in the prior art. The machinery, parts and equipment adopt conventional models in the prior art, and the circuit connection adopts conventional connection methods in the prior art, which will not be described in detail here.

[0019] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-5 This application will be described in further detail below.

[0020] This application provides a cushioning pad for use in sports helmets, employing the following technical solution: Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cushioning pad used in sports helmets mainly consists of a base 1 and multiple energy-absorbing protrusions 2. The sports helmet 10 is structured as a shell 11, a cushioning layer 12, and an inner liner 13, with the cushioning pad positioned between the human head and the inner liner 13. The base 1 is a one-piece planar structure, with one side of the base 1 fixed to the inner surface of the inner liner 13 of the sports helmet 10 using adhesive or Velcro. Multiple energy-absorbing protrusions 2 are integrally formed on the other side of the base 1 and extend away from the base 1. The protrusions 2 are spaced apart and parallel to each other, each having a gap to accommodate its own local deformation. The end of each energy-absorbing protrusion 2 away from the base 1 is used to abut against the human head. (Refer to...) Figure 3 and Figure 4The energy-absorbing protrusions 2 are multiple independent, continuously extending, wavy support strips 3, or multiple independently arranged, honeycomb-shaped columnar support bodies 4. Further, the cross-sectional shape of the support strips 3 is a continuous wavy pattern, and the cross-sectional shape of the columnar support bodies 4 is circular or polygonal, with polygons including but not limited to triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, and hexagons. Even further, the columnar support bodies 4 can be solid or hollow structures.

[0021] When the helmet 10 is impacted, the impact energy is effectively absorbed and dispersed through the following synergistic mechanisms: First, the unique wave-shaped support strip 3 or honeycomb columnar support 4 structure enables the energy-absorbing protrusions 2 to undergo multi-directional deformation upon impact. This not only absorbs linear impact energy through compression but, more importantly, dissipates the shear force generated by the rotational impact through the bending and shear deformation of the structural units. Second, the spacing between the energy-absorbing protrusions 2 provides independent deformation space for each structural unit, ensuring that each unit can fully exert its energy-absorbing function during the impact. Finally, the entire structure guides the redistribution of force flow during the impact, effectively dispersing concentrated stress, dissipating impact energy, significantly reducing the impact and shear forces transmitted to the user's head, reducing shear force damage to the brain, and effectively protecting against injuries such as concussions.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of this application, both the substrate 1 and the energy-absorbing protrusion 2 are integrally molded from a foamed material. The foamed material includes one of polyurethane foam, thermoplastic elastomer, polyvinyl chloride, or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer foam. The foamed material not only possesses excellent energy absorption characteristics, but its flexibility also ensures wearing comfort. The material properties and structural design create a good synergistic effect: upon impact, the material deforms to further enhance the structure's energy absorption capacity, while the material's resilience ensures that the cushioning pad maintains its protective performance after multiple impacts. Maintaining softness and comfort under normal conditions, and effectively absorbing energy through material deformation upon impact, further enhances the overall protective performance of the cushioning pad, reducing linear and rotational impacts.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment of this application, reference is made to Figure 3 The waveform of the wavy extension path of the support bar 3 can be a sine wave, a sawtooth wave, or a trapezoidal wave. Different waveform designs have different mechanical properties: the sine wave provides a smooth force-displacement response, suitable for scenarios requiring gradual energy absorption; the sawtooth wave provides higher initial stiffness in a specific direction, suitable for impact protection requiring rapid response; the trapezoidal wave strikes a balance between the two, providing diverse options for different application needs. Depending on the application requirements of different sports helmets 10, different focuses of crumple zone energy absorption effects are provided, offering flexibility in product design.

[0024] In the preferred embodiment of this application, reference is made to Figure 5 The thickness H1 of the base 1 is preferably designed to be between 1mm and 6mm. This design ensures that the base 1 has sufficient support strength and a reliable fit with the inner liner 13, while maximizing the control of the overall weight and volume of the buffer pad, preventing the helmet 10 from becoming too bulky. This ensures that the base 1 has sufficient mechanical strength to support the energy-absorbing protrusion 2 structure, while also ensuring the lightweight characteristics of the entire buffer pad. Meanwhile, the extension height H2 of the energy-absorbing protrusion 2 is preferably designed to be between 2mm and 8mm. This design provides maximum deformation range within a limited space, ensuring sufficient energy absorption capacity, while avoiding excessive height that could affect the overall wearing comfort of the helmet 10.

[0025] In the preferred embodiment of this application, reference is made to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The spacing D between adjacent energy-absorbing protrusions 2 is designed to be between 2mm and 8mm. This spacing range is the optimal value obtained through extensive impact testing, which ensures that each energy-absorbing protrusion 2 has sufficient deformation space to avoid mutual interference, and also ensures that there are enough energy-absorbing units per unit area to provide a uniform energy absorption distribution.

[0026] The application process and implementation principle of this application embodiment are as follows: In practical applications, the base 1 of the buffer pad is fixed to the inner surface of the inner liner 13 of the helmet 10, so that the top of the energy-absorbing protrusion 2 abuts against the human head. Unlike the traditional helmet 10 buffer layer 12, which is mainly for linear impact protection, the buffer pad of this application, as a supplementary protective layer set between the head and the inner liner, achieves effective protection against rotational impacts through the structural design of the energy-absorbing protrusion 2. When the head is subjected to an oblique impact, the wavy support strip 3 or the honeycomb distributed columnar support 4 structure, through multi-directional deformation characteristics, can effectively dissipate rotational impact energy through bending, compression, and slight sliding of structural units when an impact occurs, converting harmful shear force into structural deformation energy, significantly reducing the rotational acceleration transmitted to the head, achieving multi-angle impact protection, and greatly simplifying the structure of the helmet 10. In addition, the flat design allows it to be integrated into various helmet 10 designs without affecting the overall appearance and wearing comfort of the helmet 10, increasing the product's adaptability.

[0027] Based on the disclosure and teachings of the above specification, those skilled in the art can make changes and modifications to the above embodiments. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and any obvious improvements, substitutions, or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on this utility model are within the protection scope of this utility model. Furthermore, although some specific terms are used in this specification, these terms are only for convenience of explanation and do not constitute any limitation on this utility model.

Claims

1. A cushion pad for use in a sports helmet, characterized in that, It includes a base (1) and multiple energy-absorbing protrusions (2); the base (1) is used to be fixedly connected to the inner surface of the inner liner (13) of the sports helmet (10); Multiple energy-absorbing protrusions (2) are integrally formed with the base (1) and extend away from the base (1). Each energy-absorbing protrusion (2) is spaced apart. The end of the energy-absorbing protrusion (2) away from the base (1) is used to abut against the human head. The energy-absorbing protrusion (2) is a support strip (3) that extends in a continuous wave shape, or a columnar support (4) that is separated and independently set.

2. A cushion for use in a sports helmet according to claim 1, wherein, Both the substrate (1) and the energy-absorbing protrusion (2) are integrally molded from foamed material, which includes one of polyurethane foam, thermoplastic elastomer, polyvinyl chloride or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer foam.

3. A cushioning pad for use in a sports helmet according to claim 1, wherein, The waveform of the wavy extension path of the support bar (3) is selected from one of the following: sine wave, sawtooth wave, or trapezoidal wave.

4. The cushioning pad for use in sports helmets of claim 1, wherein, The cross-sectional shape of the columnar support (4) is circular or polygonal.

5. The cushioning pad for use in sports helmets according to claim 1, wherein, The columnar support (4) is a solid structure or a hollow structure.

6. The cushioning pad for use in sports helmets of claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the substrate (1) is 1mm-6mm, and the thickness of the energy-absorbing protrusion (2) is 2mm-8mm.

7. The cushioning pad for use in sports helmets of claim 1, wherein, The spacing between the energy-absorbing protrusions (2) is 2-8 mm.