Adjustable Circular Band for Ballistic Helmet Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ballistic helmets are either excessively heavy due to multiple metal layers or compromise on material quality to achieve lightweight designs, requiring frequent and costly replacements for improved protection, and often fail to accommodate different environmental conditions and helmet structures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A protective circular band assembly with a curved design, comprising a front, two side, and one back portion, made of high-performance materials like ceramic, HPPE fabric, and fiberglass, which is adjustable, lightweight, and compatible with various helmet sizes and configurations, providing advanced ballistic protection without additional flanges, thus enhancing comfort and situational awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple layers of metal are used during manufacturing, then the quality of protection is improved, but the weight of the helmet increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of multiple layers including ceramic layers, HPPE fabric layers, and fiberglass layers. This composite structure provides superior ballistic protection against high-velocity rounds while maintaining a lightweight overall design, resolving the contradiction between protection quality and weight reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective band assembly applies different material properties to different regions of the helmet. High-density ceramic and HPPE materials are strategically positioned in areas requiring maximum protection, while lighter materials are used in less critical zones, optimizing the protection-to-weight ratio.
2Strength
If the entire helmet is replaced to improve protection quality, then the quality of protection is improved, but the cost and complexity of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the helmet protection system into a modular protective band assembly that can be independently replaced without replacing the entire helmet. This segmentation allows users to upgrade protection quality by replacing only the band assembly, reducing cost and complexity compared to replacing the whole helmet.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective band assembly is designed as a universal component that can be fitted onto various helmet types and sizes through adjustable side portions. This multi-functionality allows the same assembly design to provide improved protection across different helmet configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized helmet replacements.
3Strength
If additional flanges are added to strengthen the helmet surface, then the quality of protection is improved, but the field of vision and hearing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding protruding flanges that extend outward and obstruct vision, the patent strengthens the helmet surface by adding layers in the radial dimension (thickness). The ceramic, HPPE fabric, and fiberglass layers are integrated into the helmet's spherical surface, providing strength without protrusions that would block the wearer's field of view or hearing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the helmet structure is modified for different environmental conditions, then the adaptability to environments is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective band assembly incorporates adjustable side portions that can be configured to fit different helmet sizes and shapes. This adjustability allows the same assembly design to adapt to various environmental conditions and operational requirements without requiring multiple specialized structures, maintaining simplicity while enhancing versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective circular band assembly for helmets. The assembly includes a front portion, two side portions and one back portion as a single structure, wherein the front portion and back portion are curved from a top surface to form a curve wherein the two side portions are configured to adjust circumference of the assembly for different size helmets.