Auxiliary Helmet Crowned Shield Redirecting Impact Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports helmets fail to adequately protect players from head trauma due to repeated impacts, leading to increased occurrences of serious brain damage in long-time players.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary head protection apparatus with a pivotally movable face shield and crowned top wall that covers and redirects impact forces, designed to be worn over primary head protection devices to absorb and deflect impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional helmets are used for head protection, then basic cranial protection is provided, but repeated impacts still cause brain damage over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning the auxiliary helmet to intercept and absorb impact forces before they reach the primary helmet and player's head. The auxiliary device acts as a sacrificial buffer that deforms or absorbs energy from repeated impacts, preventing these forces from being transmitted to the brain. This is evident in the description of the auxiliary helmet being designed to absorb or block impact forces that would otherwise be encountered by the player's primary head protection device.
2Reliability
If an auxiliary head protection apparatus is added over the primary helmet, then impact protection is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the auxiliary helmet inside or over the primary helmet, creating a nested protective system. The auxiliary device is designed to fit within the constraints of the existing helmet structure, with its rim resting on the player's shoulders and its shell positioned inside the primary helmet's protective shell. This nested arrangement maximizes protective benefit while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If the face shield is kept in closed configuration for continuous protection, then head protection is maximized, but access to the interior area is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the face shield pivotally movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between closed and open configurations. The face shield can pivot about an axis defined by the rear bar, enabling players to open it for access to the interior area (such as for cleaning, adjustment, or emergency access) while maintaining protection when closed. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between continuous protection and operational accessibility.
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 apparatus effectively reduces impact forces experienced by primary head protection devices, providing enhanced protection against head trauma by blocking and redirecting direct impacts.
Implementation Method 1
The top wall has a crowned configuration so as to redirect otherwise direct impact forces
Data Source
AI summary
A head protection apparatus for covering a primary head protection device worn on the head of a sports player includes a base having a rim defining an open bottom for wear on the head of the player. A framework extends upwardly from points along the rim. The head protection apparatus includes a face shield coupled to upper ends of the framework and is pivotally movable between a closed configuration in which a lower edge bears against the rim thus blocking access to an interior area and an open configuration pivoted about an axis defined by the rear bar and which allows access to the interior area. The face shield includes a top wall having a crowned configuration so as to redirect otherwise direct impact forces. The head protection apparatus is worn by a sports player and for blocking impact to a primary player protection device worn by the player.