Impact mitigation system

Abstract

A shock mitigation system is disclosed for protecting a person or a substructure, which is part of a structure, from trauma and injury resulting from the shock of an impact. The shock mitigation system comprises a plurality of nodes arranged in a node matrix, each node being connected to its neighboring nodes. When the node matrix is ​​affected by the shock of an impact during use, each node can rotate and roll at least partially relative to each other's nodes in the node matrix along the substructure. The shock mitigation system can be used in helmets for people prone to head impacts, as well as in body armor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a shock mitigation system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a shock mitigation system for protecting a person or structure from trauma and damage from the shock of an impact. The shock mitigation system can be utilized in helmets for athletes, mountaineers, motorcyclists, and any other person who is prone to head collisions, as well as in body armor.

Background Art

[0002] The shock of an impact tends to cause significant damage to the impacted body in any environment where the impact occurs. From a human trauma perspective, a person's head is most vulnerable to such shock impacts, leading to concussion and traumatic brain injury. However, buildings and other physical structures are also often damaged by the shock of an impact.

[0003] A helmet is a form of protective gear worn to protect or guard the head, more particularly to protect the human brain from trauma after a shock impact. Helmets are used in recreational activities and sports (such as football codes including soccer, AFL (Australian Football League), rugby union and rugby league, jockeys in horse racing, American football, ice hockey, cricket, baseball, camogie, hurling, and rock climbing); hazardous work activities such as construction, mining, the police force, military aviation, as well as in transportation (such as motorcycle helmets and bicycle helmets).

[0004] Some sports helmets are made of flexible foam, such as EVA foam (EVA foam is closed-cell ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer foam), and are used in sports, such as boxing and rugby or football, when it is also necessary to protect the head from impacts. Other sports helmets have an outer rigid shell surrounding an inner flexible or rigid foam, such as bicycle helmets, motorcycle helmets, and American football helmets. The rigid shell resists breakage in impact, while the inner flexible or rigid foam mitigates the impact of the rigid shell on the head.

[0005] In modern sports, safety against concussions is considered extremely important. When an athlete's head is affected by the shock of an impact, the head and brain are subjected to a G-force, which can lead to concussion trauma. The severity of the injury depends on the velocity, as well as the mass, angle, and position of the impact. Rotational motion is a common cause of concussion, and an oblique impact to the head can result in more serious brain injury. The shock of an impact, and the resulting damage, can be reduced by attenuating the duration of the impact and the force and / or direction of the impact.

[0006] The MIPS system is a well-known example of a device designed to attempt to reduce the rotational acceleration caused by the shock of an impact. Essentially, MIPS is a thin, low-friction plastic liner inside the helmet that is designed to move slightly inside the helmet to help redirect the force away from the head. However, the effectiveness of the MIPS system tends to be limited to certain angles because it does not work effectively against the shock of an impact from all angles, and it has no ability to absorb the shock of an impact at all.

[0007] To mitigate, at least partially, the damage caused by the shock of an impact, it is necessary to improve angular acceleration management and / or decelerate and dampen the impact force. The foregoing references to background art and any prior art shall not be deemed to constitute an acknowledgment that the present art forms part of the common general knowledge of those skilled in the art. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0008] This disclosure provides an impact mitigation system. The impact mitigation system is positioned to protect a person or structure from trauma or injury from the shock of an impact. The impact mitigation system may be used in helmets for athletes, climbers, motorcyclists and any other persons who are prone to head impacts, as well as in body armor.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an impact mitigation system is provided for protecting a person or a substructure that is part of a structure from trauma or injury resulting from the shock of an impact, the impact mitigation system comprising a plurality of nodes arranged in a node matrix, each node being connected to its neighboring nodes, and each node being at least partially rotatable with respect to each other's nodes in the node matrix.

[0010] The node matrix may consist of a single layer of nodes arranged in a triangular matrix. In one example, each node has a crown portion in the form of a apex protruding from the node, with the crown portion facing outwardly from the node. Each node may have a node cap fitted to the crown portion, thereby positioned to cover the node outward. Each node cap may have a peripheral lip positioned to extend along the edge of the crown portion. In one example, each node has a node cap fitted to the node, with the node cap facing outward from the node. The node cap may be positioned to cover the outside of the node. Each node cap may be made of a rigid plastic material.

[0011] In one example, each node has a geometric shape selected from the group consisting of solid spherical nodes, segmented or tessellated spherical nodes, oval nodes, pedestal nodes, and hourglass nodes. Each node may have an equatorial groove. Each node can be made from one of the following: flexible foam, rigid foam, liquid crystal elastomer, hollow elastomer ball, or air-compressed hollow elastomer ball.

[0012] In one example, the node matrix is ​​surrounded by a boundary region containing an embedded wire skeleton, the wire skeleton being made of an elastic material with high yield strength. In one example, each node is in contact with its neighboring nodes. Each node can be formed integrally with each neighboring node it contacts.

[0013] In one example, each node is interconnected with its neighboring nodes, although they are spaced apart from each other. In another example, nodes are interconnected by lattice bars that are integrally formed with the nodes.

[0014] In one example, the impact mitigation system further comprises a lattice web having multiple twisted threads arranged in a lattice structure that intersects at intersections, and nodes are attached to the lattice web at each intersection. The nodes may be overmolded onto the intersections of the lattice web or clipped into place. Alternatively, the nodes may be pre-formed into separate connectable parts having engageable male pins and female sockets, allowing the nodes to be clipped together to cover the intersections of the lattice web.

[0015] In one example, the impact mitigation system further comprises a rigid or flexible frame structure forming a plurality of through-holes, thereby allowing one of the nodes to be located within each of the through-holes. A portion of the frame structure surrounding each through-hole can be received within the equatorial groove of the node located within the through-hole.

[0016] Nodes may be spaced apart within the node matrix, and the distance between the centers of adjacent nodes is approximately 80% to 130% of the nominal cross-sectional width of one of the nodes. In nodes that are substantially spherical, the nominal cross-sectional width of one of the nodes is its diameter.

[0017] In one example, the node matrix may be arranged in the form of a helmet to protect a person's head. In another example, the node matrix may be arranged in the form of a lining or padding provided within a conventional helmet or safety helmet. In one example, the node matrix may be arranged in the form of body armor worn on a person's body to protect a part of that person's body. In one example, the node matrix may be arranged in the form of a protective layer to protect a part of a building or physical structure. When the nodes are affected by the shock of an impact during use, the nodes may be arranged so that they rotate at least partially within the node matrix and roll along the substructure.

[0018] The node may be made of an elastic compressible material whose resistance to compression increases as the node is compressed by the shock of impact. The node may be made of an elastic compressible material having a variable density over the height of the node extending away from the bottom surface, and the elastic compressible material may include a lower density form near the bottom surface and a higher density form away from the bottom surface.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a helmet for a human head is provided, which is positioned to at least partially surround a human head and comprises a plurality of nodes arranged in a node matrix, each node being connected to its adjacent nodes, and each node being able to rotate at least partially with respect to each other's nodes in the node matrix, so that when an impact shock is applied to one or more of the nodes during use, the impacted node can rotate at least partially and roll around the human head.

[0020] The helmet may include a shock mitigation system as defined in the first aspect of the present disclosure. The helmet may be arranged in the form of a lining or padding provided within a conventional helmet or safety helmet.

[0021] The above and other features will become more apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting in any way.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] Perspective view of a first embodiment of a helmet incorporating a shock mitigation system according to the present disclosure. The shock mitigation system includes a plurality of nodes connected within a spaced-apart node matrix as shown in the cross-sectional view of an enlarged inflated balloon. [Figure 2] Perspective view of a second embodiment of a helmet incorporating a shock mitigation system according to the present disclosure. The shock mitigation system includes a plurality of nodes connected within a condensed node matrix as shown in the cross-sectional view of an enlarged inflated balloon. [Figure 3] Perspective view of a third embodiment of a helmet similar to the helmet of FIG. 1, but the nodes of the spaced-apart node matrix are provided with node caps as shown in the cross-sectional view of an enlarged inflated balloon. [Figure 4] Partial view of the helmet of FIG. 1. Only the edge boundary of the node matrix is shown. [Figure 5] Schematic side view of the helmet of FIG. 1. The helmet is provided as a lining or padding inside the safety helmet. [Figure 6] Side views of various embodiments of different types of nodes that can be used in the node matrix shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 7] Side views of various embodiments of different types of nodes that can be used in the node matrix shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 8] Perspective view of a part of the condensed node matrix shown in the helmet of FIG. 2. [Figure 9]Perspective view of a part of a spaced node matrix shown in the helmet of FIG. 3. [Figure 10] Perspective view of a part of another embodiment of a spaced node matrix. The nodes can be removably fixed to a lattice web, and the nodes are shaped as shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 11] Shows an exploded perspective view of the node matrix of FIG. 10. The nodes are shaped as shown in FIG. 6A. [Figure 12] Perspective view of a part of another embodiment of a spaced node matrix. The nodes can be removably fixed to a frame structure. [Figure 13] Schematic plan view of various node matrices having nodes with different nominal widths and arranged at different node spacings. [Figure 14] Schematic cross-sectional view of nodes, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, at various stages of deformation under increasing orthogonal compressive forces. [Figure 15] Schematic cross-sectional view of a series of nodes, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, at various stages of deformation under increasing oblique compressive forces. [Figure 16] Chart of compression resistance curve and impact force deceleration curve plotted against degree of compression. [Figure 17] Diagrams showing the use of impact mitigation systems on guardrails, as well as in various other applications such as body armor in the form of dovetail plates and flank rests.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] The present disclosure relates to an impact mitigation system. The impact mitigation system is arranged to protect people and structures from trauma and damage caused by the shock of an impact. The impact mitigation system can be utilized in helmets for athletes, mountaineers, motorcyclists, and any other person who is prone to head collisions, as well as in body armor. The impact mitigation system is particularly adapted to attenuate the impact time, as well as the force and / or direction of the shock of an impact, imparted to a person's head or body.

[0024] Figure 1 of the drawings shows a first embodiment of a helmet 110 positioned to be worn on a person's head 100. The helmet 110 incorporates an impact mitigation system 102 which includes a plurality of nodes 112 connected to each other in a node matrix 114. The node matrix 114 has peripheral boundary portions 116 which can be attached to straps 118, such as a chin strap, for securing the helmet 110 to a person's head 100.

[0025] As can be seen from Figure 1, the nodes 112 are spaced apart and arranged in a triangular matrix, where the nodes 112 do not touch each other, but each node 112 is connected to its adjacent node by a lattice bar 120. The lattice bars 120 are represented as tubular bars, but they may also have other geometric cross-sections, such as square, rectangular, or elliptical bars. Each node 112 is substantially spherical and has a crown portion 122 that is oriented outward in the form of a hexagonal protruding apex. Each crown portion 122 may be formed integrally with its node 112. In this embodiment, the shape of the crown portion 122 is aesthetic and has no functional purpose, but in other embodiments (as described below), the crown portion may have several functions.

[0026] Since the helmet 110 is manufactured from a uniform material throughout, the nodes 112 and lattice bars 120 are made from the same material. The helmet 110 is manufactured from a compressible and resilient soft foam, such as EVA foam.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a helmet 210 positioned to be worn on a human head 100. The helmet 210 is substantially similar to the helmet 110, and the same parts are indicated by the same reference numerals. The helmet 210 includes a plurality of nodes 112 connected to one another in a node matrix 114. The node matrix 114 has a peripheral boundary 116 which can be attached to a strap 118, for example, a chin strap, for securing the helmet 210 to the human head 100. The helmet 210 has a chin guard 124 connected to the strap 118, where the chin guard 124 is shaped to complement the contour of the human mandible and, overall, has a node matrix surrounded by the peripheral boundary 118.

[0028] As can be seen from Figure 2, in this embodiment, the nodes 112 are substantially spherical and arranged in a condensed triangular matrix, where each node 112 is directly in contact with and connected to its neighboring nodes. In some examples, the nodes 112 may be connected integrally.

[0029] Helmet 210 is manufactured from uniform material throughout. Helmet 210 is manufactured from a compressible and resilient soft foam, such as EVA foam. Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of a helmet 310 that is positioned to be worn on a human head 100. The helmet 310 is substantially similar to the helmet 110, and the same parts are indicated by the same reference numerals. The helmet 310 also has a chin guard 124 similar to that shown in Figure 2. The node 112 of the third embodiment includes an outer node cap 126 that is positioned on the crown portion 122. In contrast to the soft foam from which the node 112 and lattice bar 120 are fabricated, the node cap 126 is fabricated from a rigid plastic material that is positioned to constitute a hard shell.

[0030] Referring here to Figure 4, only a partial cross-sectional view of the edge boundary 116 of a first embodiment of the helmet 110 is shown, with the rest of the helmet omitted for clarity and brevity. The edge boundary 116 is shown including an embedded wire frame 128. In one example, the wire frame 128 extends along the entire length of the edge boundary 116, thus encircling the head 100 entirely. However, in other examples, the wire frame 128 may be provided only along intermittent sections of the edge boundary 116, as necessary. The wire frame 128 is made of an elastic material with high yield strength, such as spring steel or carbon fiber. The elasticity of the wire frame 128 allows the edge boundary 116 of the helmet 110 to be pushed open by a person, allowing the person to put the helmet 110 on their head 100, after which the wire frame 128 "springs" back (or mostly springs back) to its original shape, thereby securely fastening the helmet 110 to the person's head 100 under frictional fitting without the need for straps 118. The strength of the attachment of the helmet 110 to the person's head and the frictional fitting can be enhanced by extending the front cheek flaps of the helmet 110 to at least partially surround the person's cheekbones and jaw. It should be understood that the provision of the wire frame 128 and its frictional fitting can also be applied in second and third embodiments of helmets 210, 310.

[0031] Apart from being used as a standalone protective headgear, either or any part thereof of helmets 110, 210 can also be used as lining or padding in conventional types of safety helmets, such as industrial safety helmets or rigid helmets, such as motorcycle helmets, bicycle helmets, or American football helmets. Figure 5 shows a schematic side cross-section of such a safety helmet 130, in which helmet 110 is provided as lining to provide better impact protection, whether the impact is orthogonal or oblique.

[0032] In each of the above embodiments of helmets 110, 210, and 310, the node 112 may be selected to have one of several different types or shapes. Examples of such different shaped nodes are shown in Figures 6A–6F: - Figure 6A shows a solid, spherical, ball-shaped node 132.

[0033] - Figure 6B shows a segmented or tessellated spherical ball-shaped node 134. In one example, the node 134 may have a honeycomb geometric structure. In another example, the node 134 may be an arbitrary n-sided slender hedron, which is a tessellation of runes on a sphere, where each rune shares the same two opposite pole vertices. In an exemplary embodiment, the node 134 is a quadrilateral slender hedron.

[0034] - Figure 6C shows an oval-shaped node 136 having its maximum circumference length in the outer / upper half of the node, as indicated by reference numeral 138, i.e., its maximum circumference length 138 is concentrically spaced furthest from the head 100 during use. Such an oval shape allows the node 112 to cover the person's head 100 more completely and reduces the formation of an outer gap that may occur with a spherical ball.

[0035] - Figure 6D shows a substantially spherical ball-shaped node 140 having an equatorial groove 142 and a circular crown 144. - Figure 6E shows a pedestal-shaped node 146 with a mushroom-like appearance, which can be formed by inverting the lower hemisphere of a spherical node.

[0036] - Figure 6F shows an hourglass-shaped node 148, which can be formed by inverting both the upper and lower hemispheres of a spherical node. However, it should be understood that nodes of other shapes can also be used in node matrix 114. Nodes 112 can be made from flexible foam, rigid foam, liquid crystal elastomer, or hollow elastomer balls (which may be optionally compressed). In one example, node 112 can be made from a solid, hollow, or 3D lattice structure liquid crystal elastomer. In another example, node 112 is an air-compressed hollow elastomer ball, similar to, for example, a miniature stress ball or squash ball. Such nodes 112 may be compressed to a pressure optimal for shock absorption, potentially creating a pneumatic shock system. Furthermore, compared to foam, the elastomer outer shell (e.g., polyurethane) of the elastomer ball may exhibit superior surface toughness against mechanical impacts from abrasion.

[0037] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments of helmets 110, 210, and 310, the node 112 may be equipped with a node cap 126, that is, helmets 110 and 210 may also be equipped with a node cap 126 similar to that shown in helmet 310 in Figure 3. Examples of such nodes 112 equipped with a node cap 126 are shown in Figures 7A-7C: - Figure 7A shows a spherical ball-shaped node 140 equipped with a saucer-shaped node cap 150 having an inverted circular circumference 152; - Figure 7B shows a spherical ball-shaped node 154, which has a hexagonal crown portion 156, similar to the node 112 shown in Figure 1, and a node cap 158 having a hexagonal circumference 160; - Figure 7C shows a spherical ball-shaped node 162 having an equatorial groove 164 and a hexagonal crown 166 with a node cap 168 having a hexagonal perimeter 170, i.e., the node 162 and node cap 168 are similar to the node 112 shown in Figure 3, except that the node 162 has an equatorial groove 164 as shown in Figure 6D. The hexagonal perimeter 170 has a hanging perimeter lip 172 which is positioned to extend across the edge of the hexagonal crown 166, thereby more securely positioning the node cap 168. In an exemplary embodiment, the edge of the hexagonal crown 166 has a notched recess so that the perimeter lip 172 can be received therewith without protruding beyond the hexagonal crown 166.

[0038] In one embodiment, the node cap 126 is hexagonal in a plan view, i.e., viewed perpendicular to the human head 100. The use of a hexagonal node cap 126 allows it to be tessellated onto the helmet 110, thereby allowing it to be packed relatively tightly and cover a large area of ​​the outer surface of the helmet 310. It will be understood that node caps 126 of other shapes can also enable similar tessellation.

[0039] Providing the crown portion 122 on the node 112 allows for a more secure attachment of the node cap 126 to the node 112. Referring here to Figures 8-12, various examples of connecting nodes 112 in a node matrix 114 are shown. The node matrix 114 is generally a sheet having a single layer of nodes 112. When the node matrix 114 is manufactured as a flat sheet, the nodes 112 are arranged coplanarly to one another overall; however, it should be understood that, due to the flexibility of the material from which the nodes 112 and / or interconnecting lattice bars 120 are fabricated, the node matrix 114 can be bent into any desired shape, such as forming a helmet 110, a helmet liner, or part of body armor. Alternatively, the node matrix 114 can be directly molded into the required shape, such as the shape of a helmet 110. Figures 8-12 show only a portion of the node matrix 114, and it should be understood that the matrix can be extended to obtain a desired planar size. In exemplary embodiments, the node matrix 114 is arranged in a triangular matrix to provide the maximum number of spherical nodes 112 in any given area.

[0040] In Figure 8, a first embodiment of the node matrix 114 is shown, where the nodes 112 are spherical ball-shaped nodes that directly contact their adjacent nodes in the aggregated matrix. In some cases, nodes 112 may connect with their adjacent nodes 112 at circumferential / tangential points of contact, but with such small contact areas, the connection between adjacent nodes 112 may be weak. A stronger bond can be obtained by intersecting / overlapping the nodes 112 so that adjacent nodes 112 can connect along a desired spherical segment of their circumference to provide a larger contact area, as shown in Figure 8. In Figure 8, the spacing between the centers of adjacent nodes 112 is <100% of the nominal cross-sectional width of one of the nodes 112 (e.g., the diameter of the spherical node), typically about 80% to 90%. The node matrix 114 shown in Figure 8 is molded as a single piece. The use of the aggregated node matrix 114 is shown in the helmet 110 in Figure 2.

[0041] In Figure 9, a second embodiment of the node matrix 114 is shown, where the nodes 112 are spherical ball-shaped nodes, each having a hexagonal crown portion 122 with a node cap 126. The nodes 112 are spaced apart in a spaced matrix, with each node 112 connected to its adjacent node 112 by a lattice bar 120. The lattice bar 120 has a cylindrical shape, and its diameter is about 20% to 50% of the diameter of the node 112. The axial length of the lattice bar 120 can be selected to obtain a desired spacing between the centers of adjacent nodes 112. In Figure 9, the spacing between the centers of adjacent nodes 112 is >100% of the nominal cross-sectional width of one of the nodes 112 (e.g., the diameter of a spherical node), typically about 105% to 130%. As mentioned above, the lattice bars 120 are represented as tubular bars, but they may also have other geometric cross-sections, such as square, rectangular, or elliptical bars. The node matrix 114 shown in Figure 9 is molded as a single part, apart from the node caps 126 that connect to each of these nodes 112 later in the production process, for example by bonding or overmolding.

[0042] Figures 10 and 11 show a third embodiment of the node matrix 114, where the nodes 112 are spherical ball-shaped nodes, each having an outer hexagonal crown portion 122. The nodes 112 are spaced apart in a spaced matrix (clearly shown in Figure 11), with each node 112 connected to a flexible lattice web 174. The lattice web 174 has twisted yarns 176 arranged in a triangular lattice structure, but it should be understood that other shapes of lattice structures, such as a square lattice web or a diamond-shaped lattice web, can also be used. The diameter of the twisted yarns 176 of the lattice web 174 is approximately 5% to 20% of the diameter of the nodes 112. The lattice web 174 can be made of any material that is stretchable but strong and resilient, such as a polyurethane elastomer. Since each node 112 is connected to the lattice web 174 at each of the intersections 178 of the twisted yarn 176, the center of each node 112 lies on its associated intersection 178. The spacing of the intersections 178 of the lattice web 174 can be selected to obtain a desired spacing between the centers of adjacent nodes 112. In Figures 10 and 11, the spacing between the centers of adjacent nodes 112 is >100% of the nominal cross-sectional width of one of the nodes 112 (e.g., the diameter of a spherical node), typically about 105% to 130%. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 10, the nodes 112 can be overmolded as a single piece onto the intersections 178 of the lattice web 174. In another embodiment, the nodes 112 can be clipped onto the intersections 178 of the lattice web 174. In yet another embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the node 112 may be pre-formed into a separate connectable hemisphere 180 that can be clipped to cover the intersection 178 of the lattice web 174—in such a case, the hemisphere 180 has a suitable male pin 182 for engaging with a female socket 184 (though those skilled in the art will understand that other types of mechanical connections may also be used).

[0043] In Figure 12, a fourth embodiment of the node matrix 114 is shown, where the nodes 112 are of the type shown in Figure 7C, i.e., spherical ball-shaped nodes 162, each having an equatorial groove 164 and a hexagonal crown 166, and comprising a node cap 168. The node matrix 114 includes a flexible frame structure 186 that forms several through holes 188, thereby allowing each node 162 to be positioned in one of the through holes 188 so that the frame structure 186 can be received into its equatorial groove 164. Thus, the shapes of the through holes 188 and the equatorial groove 164 are complementary—in the exemplary embodiment, the through holes 188 and the equatorial groove 164 have a hexagonal shape, but they can also be round or square. The spacing of the through holes 188 in the frame structure 186 can be selected to obtain a desired spacing between the centers of adjacent nodes 162. In Figure 12, the distance between the centers of adjacent nodes 112 is >100% of the nominal cross-sectional width of one of the nodes 112 (e.g., the diameter of a spherical node), typically about 105% to 130%. In some examples, the frame structure 186 can be rigid if the nodes 114 have sufficient elasticity to allow a slight "rolling" of the nodes 114 against the frame structure 186 when compressed under impact shock.

[0044] The aforementioned spacing between the centers of adjacent nodes 112 is clearly shown by Figures 13A to 13C, which show various partial node matrices 114 in plan view. Figure 13A shows the node matrix 114 of Figure 8, where nodes 112 have a diameter / nominal width "NW" and the node spacing "NS" is approximately 95% of the nominal width. Figure 13B shows the node matrix 114 of Figure 9, where nodes 112 have a diameter / nominal width "NW" and the node spacing "NS" is approximately 110% of the nominal width. Figure 13C shows the node matrix 114 of Figure 12, where nodes 112 have a diameter / nominal width "NW" and the node spacing "NS" is approximately 104% of the nominal width.

[0045] The following explanation refers only to helmet 110, but it may also apply equally to helmets 210 and 310. In most head injuries, the impact shock is not directed solely radially towards the center of mass of the human head. Rather, the impact shock is directed obliquely towards the human head, and includes both radial and tangential impact forces.

[0046] In one example, the helmet 110 may be used as a single standalone headgear, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. When an impact shock is applied to the helmet 110, the node matrix 114 functions to reduce both the magnitude and rotational momentum of the impact force. This is achieved because the nodes 112 and the node matrix 114 can deform to mitigate the impact force, while the nodes 112 can rotate or roll at least slightly relative to each other within the node matrix 114; that is, when an impact shock is applied to a person's head 100, the nodes 112 are compressed and can also roll slightly around the wearer's head.

[0047] In another example, the helmet 110 may be used as an inner liner for a conventional safety helmet 130, as shown in Figure 5. The primary protection provided by the conventional safety helmet 130 is against direct impacts from rigid objects, such as impacts from cars, roads, barriers, etc. However, the conventional safety helmet 130 does not effectively resist concussion because the entire helmet 130 reacts to the impact simply by the shock of an impact to any point on the helmet 130—that is, the person's head 100 is rapidly accelerated by the impact force—which is something that needs to be avoided to prevent concussion. When an angled impact shock is applied to the outside of the safety helmet 130 lined with the helmet 110, the safety helmet 130 still rotates as an object, but the safety helmet 130 pushes the nodes 112 in the separation region, causing the nodes 112 in that region to rotate and roll relative to the person's head 100, thereby reducing the degree of rotation of the person's head and dampening the acceleration of the head caused by the oblique contact of the impact shock onto the safety helmet 130.

[0048] Alternatively, helmet 310 can be used as a single standalone headgear, as shown in Figure 5, which incorporates features of both helmet 110 and safety helmet 130. By providing hard plastic node caps 126 on the outside of node 112, the node caps 126 behave like scales for pangolin protection. Such a segmented hard shell structure keeps the area receiving the impact shock localized, so the entire head / helmet is not accelerated in response. The impact force is slowed, absorbed, and damped by node 112 and node matrix 114, which are in the localized area of ​​the impact shock.

[0049] The extent or distance to which node 112 can roll around the human head 100 is influenced by the size of node 112. The flexibility of the node matrix 114 and the extent or distance to which node 112 can rotate and roll around the human head 100 are also influenced by the spacing between node 112 and the matrix structure. In a node matrix 114 as shown in Figure 8, the rolling / rotation that node 112 can experience is minimal, and the node matrix 114 will have low flexibility. In a node matrix 114 as shown in Figure 9, the rolling / rotation that node 112 can experience is moderate, and the node matrix 114 will have moderate flexibility. In a node matrix 114 as shown in Figures 10-12, the rolling / rotation that node 112 can experience is considerable, and the node matrix 114 will have high flexibility.

[0050] The high flexibility of the node matrix shown in Figures 10-12 has the advantage of allowing the helmet 110 to better conform to the shape of each person's head 100 and to be almost flattened when stored. In addition to its use in helmets 110, the matrix 114 shown in Figures 10-12 is also suitable for use in body armor applications, particularly due to the high flexibility of the lattice web 174 and the considerable rolling / rotation of the nodes 112.

[0051] Node 112 has a geometric shape that provides an inherently progressive resistance to the impact force as it is compressed. In other words, as the impact force increases in one or more of the nodes 112, the resistance to the initial compression and the compression provided by those nodes 112 is small, but as the nodes 112 are compressed more under the increasing impact force, they deform their shape to become more ellipsoidal (flattened sphere), thereby providing increasingly progressive resistance to the impact force. In practice, this is because the area of ​​the central cross-section of the node 112 increases.

[0052] The changes in the geometric shape of node 112 are shown in Figures 14 and 15, and the resulting effect is shown in the graph in Figure 16. Figure 14 shows schematic cross-sectional views comparing a single node 112 at various stages of deformation under increasing orthogonal compressive forces 190, i.e., when a human head 100 is subjected to a radial / perpendicular impact. Node 112.1 receives a low impact force and displays minimal deformation, remaining substantially spherical. Node 112.2 receives a moderate impact force and displays moderate deformation, becoming more ellipsoidal. Node 112.3 receives a large impact force and displays extreme deformation, becoming extremely ellipsoidal. As the deformation of node 112 increases, its resistance to further deformation, and therefore its resistance to impact forces, increases.

[0053] Figure 15 shows a schematic cross-sectional view comparing three adjacent nodes 112 at various stages of deformation when an increasing oblique compressive force 192, i.e., an angular impact force, affects a human head 100. In addition to the compression of node 112 shown in Figure 14, the tangential vector of the impact force also causes node 112 to roll and rotate slightly around the human head 100. Thus, node 112.1 undergoes the smallest tangential displacement, node 112.2 undergoes a moderate tangential displacement, and node 112.3 undergoes a large tangential displacement. The rolling can be seen in the displacement of the stationary surface point 194 shown on node 112.

[0054] Figure 16 shows graphs of the compression resistance curve and the impact force deceleration curve plotted against the degree of compression. The compression curve 196 shown in the graph indicates that when node 112 is compressed (X-axis), its initial resistance to compression (Y-axis) is very small, but thereafter the resistance to compression gradually increases. The resulting impact deceleration curve 198 is the inverse of that curve, because the impact velocity is initially high but then gradually decreases. This gradual deceleration of the impact force reduces the chance of concussion or head injury.

[0055] The compression of nodes 112 and their ability to roll and rotate relative to each other within the node matrix 114 disperses and dampens the impact force through deformation and work, thereby reducing the magnitude of the impact force.

[0056] All of the geometric shapes of the node 112 shown in Figure 6 function essentially equivalently to a simple sphere when subjected to oblique impact, and the gradual resistance and deceleration described above are present in all of the alternative forms. Therefore, the actual choice of which shape and / or type of node 112 to use is largely determined by the requirements of the specific desired practical application. [Examples]

[0057] Laboratory tests of node matrix 114, shown in Figures 1 and 2, were conducted at the New South Wales Government Crash-Lab using rigid, medium-density polystyrene foam blocks versus blocks of polystyrene foam spherical nodes of the same density and thickness. Both blocks were of the same thickness and had the same 1.5 mm thick polycarbonate sheaths at the top and bottom. Since the spherical balls were of the same thickness and accounted for 52% of the volume of the surrounding solid foam, the spherical node blocks accounted for only 52% of the foam volume and 52% of the foam weight of the solid foam blocks.

[0058] The spherical node blocks demonstrated significantly better impact force damping in all tests except the vertical drop test. This was due to the fact that using only 52% of the foam volume was insufficient to accommodate the drop weight and height. However, using 48% less foam than the solid blocks, the spherical node blocks only worsened by 13% for vertical drop impact. In contrast, despite having only 52% of the foam volume, the spherical node blocks performed 50% better than the solid blocks. When volume / weight correction was applied, the spherical node blocks performed three times better than the foam blocks for oblique impact forces. The improved damping of oblique impact forces is due to the superior deceleration properties of the spherical nodes, which can rotate and roll (as mentioned above). [Examples]

[0059] In a helmet 110 used as a football helmet, the nodes 112 are generally made of foam material, such as EVA, and have a typical hardness of Shore A35-40 (Asker C55-65), although these hardness values ​​can be higher or lower. This hardness value generally corresponds to an EVA foam density of over 100 kg / m3, but can naturally vary depending on the patented EVA raw materials, etc. In some examples, each node 112 may be molded using a lower density foam for the inner part of the node 112 (i.e., the part that contacts the person's head 100) and a higher density foam for the outer part of the node 112 (i.e., the part away from the person's head 100). This variable density combination has recognized advantages, such as being more comfortable to wear because the softer foam is in contact with the person's head 100, and having lower compression resistance (gentler initial deceleration from impact) because the lower density foam compresses first, followed by the outer higher density foam.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will understand that numerous modifications and / or alterations may be made to the impact mitigation systems shown in particular embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure as broadly described. Therefore, these embodiments are considered, in all respects, illustrative and not restrictive.

[0061] For example, although most of the above description of the impact mitigation system 102 relates to its use in the helmet 110, the impact mitigation system 102 has many other applications and can be used in body armor such as the sternum board shown in Figure 17A and the shin guards shown in Figure 17B. Body armor may include shoulder pads and gloves, such as cricket gloves.

[0062] Alternatively, the impact mitigation system 102 may also be used to protect structures and / or buildings from impact shocks, and may be used, for example, in guardrails as shown in Figure 17C.

[0063] In the claims below and in the foregoing description, unless the context should be interpreted otherwise, variations of the words “comprise,” “comprises,” or “comprising” are used non-limitingly and comprehensively to express language or necessary implications; that is, they identify the presence of a stated feature in various embodiments, but do not exclude the presence or addition of further features. References to elements with the indefinite article “a” do not exclude the possibility of two or more elements being present, unless the context should clearly indicate that there is only one or two of the elements. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 100 heads 102 Impact Mitigation System 110 Helmet 210 Helmets 310 Helmet 112 nodes 114 node matrix 116 Boundary section 118 Straps 120 Lattice Bar 122 Crown 124 Chin guard 126 node cap 128 Wire skeleton 130 Hard hat 132 Solid ball-shaped nodes 134 segmented ball-shaped nodes 136 Oval node 138 Maximum circumference 140 Ball-shaped nodes 142 Equatorial Groove 144 Circular crown 146 Pedestal-shaped node 148 Hourglass-shaped node 150 Receiving tray type node cap 152 Circular circumference 154 Ball-shaped nodes 156 Hexagonal crown 158 node cap 160 Perimeter of a hexagon 162 Ball-shaped nodes 164 Equatorial Groove 166 Hexagonal crown 168 node cap 170 Perimeter of a hexagon 172 Lip 174 Lattice Web 176 twisted yarn 178 Intersection 180 hemispheres 182 pins 184 sockets 186 Frame Structure 188 Through hole 190 Orthogonal compressive force 192. Compressive force in the oblique direction 194 surface points 196 Compression Curve 198 Deceleration curve Nominal width of a network node Node spacing in NS node matrix

Claims

1. An impact mitigation system for protecting a person or a substructure that is part of a structure from trauma or injury resulting from the shock of an impact, comprising a plurality of nodes arranged in a node matrix, each of which is connected to its adjacent nodes, and each node can rotate at least partially with respect to each other's nodes in the node matrix.

2. The impact mitigation system according to claim 1, wherein the node matrix comprises a single layer of nodes arranged in a triangular matrix.

3. The impact mitigation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each node has a crown portion in the form of a apex protruding from the node, and the crown portion is directed outwardly toward the node in a movable manner.

4. The impact mitigation system according to claim 3, wherein each node has a node cap attached to the crown portion, and the node cap is positioned to cover the node outward.

5. The impact mitigation system according to claim 4, wherein each node cap has a peripheral lip that extends over the edge of the crown portion.

6. The impact mitigation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each node has a node cap attached to the node, the node cap is oriented toward the operable outward side of the node, and thereby the node cap is positioned to cover the outside of the node.

7. The impact mitigation system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein each node cap is made of a rigid plastic material.

8. The impact mitigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each node has a geometric shape selected from the group consisting of solid spherical nodes, segmented spherical nodes, tessellated spherical nodes, oval nodes, pedestal-shaped nodes, and hourglass-shaped nodes.

9. The impact mitigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each node has an equatorial groove.

10. The impact mitigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each node is made of flexible foam, rigid foam, liquid crystal elastomer, hollow elastomer ball, or air-compressed hollow elastomer ball.

11. The impact mitigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the node matrix is ​​surrounded by an edge boundary portion including an embedded wire skeleton, and the wire skeleton is made of an elastic material having high yield strength.

12. The impact mitigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each node is in contact with its adjacent node.

13. The impact mitigation system according to claim 12, wherein each node is integrally formed with each adjacent node with which it abuts.

14. The impact mitigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each node is spaced apart from its neighboring nodes.

15. The impact mitigation system according to claim 14, wherein the nodes are interconnected by lattice bars formed integrally with the nodes.

16. The impact mitigation system according to claim 14, further comprising a lattice web having a plurality of twisted yarns arranged in a lattice structure that intersects at an intersection, wherein the nodes are attached to the lattice web at each of the intersections.

17. The impact mitigation system according to claim 16, wherein the node is overmolded or clipped onto the intersection of the lattice web.

18. The impact mitigation system according to claim 16, wherein the nodes are pre-formed on separate connectable parts having engageable male pins and female sockets, so that the nodes can be clipped together to cover the intersection of the lattice web.

19. The impact mitigation system according to claim 14, further comprising a frame structure that forms a plurality of through holes, wherein one of the nodes may be located within each of the through holes.

20. The impact mitigation system according to claim 19, wherein a portion of the frame structure surrounding each through-hole is received in the equatorial groove at the node located within the through-hole.

21. The impact mitigation system according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the nodes are spaced apart in the node matrix, and the distance between the centers of adjacent nodes is about 80% to 130% of the nominal cross-sectional width of one of the nodes.

22. The impact mitigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the node matrix is ​​arranged in the form of a helmet, and the lower structure is a human head.

23. The impact mitigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the node matrix is ​​arranged in the form of a lining or padding provided inside a conventional helmet or safety helmet, and the lower structure is a human head.

24. The impact mitigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the node matrix is ​​arranged in the form of body armor worn on a human body, and the substructure is part of the human body.

25. The impact mitigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the node matrix is ​​arranged in the form of a protective layer, and the substructure is part of a building or physical structure.

26. The impact mitigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the node is arranged to rotate and roll at least partially along the substructure.

27. The impact mitigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the node is made of an elastic compressible material whose resistance to compression increases as the node is compressed.

28. The impact mitigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the node is made of a resilient compressible material having a variable density over the height of the node extending away from the lower surface, the resilient compressible material comprising a lower density foam near the lower surface and a higher density foam away from the lower surface.

29. A helmet for a person's head, the helmet comprising a plurality of nodes arranged in a node matrix, which are positioned to at least partially surround the person's head, each of which is connected to its adjacent nodes, and each node is able to rotate at least partially with respect to each other's nodes in the node matrix, so that when an impact shock is applied to one or more of the nodes during use, the impacted node can rotate and roll at least partially around the person's head.

30. The helmet according to claim 29, comprising the impact mitigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

31. The helmet according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the lining or padding is arranged in the form of an inner lining or padding provided inside a conventional helmet or safety helmet.

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