Composite Impact Material With 3D Energy-Diffusion Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current protective helmet materials, such as expanded polymers and D3o, face limitations in effectively absorbing and dispersing kinetic energy during impacts, leading to incomplete energy absorption and potential head injuries, while also having drawbacks like low resistance to abrasion and reduced protective power due to additional coverings.
Innovation Solution
A composite material with a network of basic elements forming cavities, arranged to break under impact, diffusing kinetic energy transversely between upper and lower layers, and optionally filled with a fluid like gel to enhance energy dissipation, reducing the propagation of kinetic energy and increasing protective power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If expanded polymer materials are used for energy absorption, then kinetic energy absorption is improved, but resistance to abrasion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining expanded polymer material with at least one other material having different properties. This creates a multi-layer structure where each material contributes its strengths: the expanded polymer provides kinetic energy absorption through cell collapse, while the additional material layer provides abrasion resistance and structural integrity. The composite structure resolves the contradiction by allowing both energy absorption and abrasion resistance to coexist in different layers of the same protective device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the protective device into multiple functional layers: an expanded polymer material layer for energy absorption and at least one additional material layer for abrasion resistance. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in its intended function without compromising the other, directly resolving the technical contradiction between energy absorption and abrasion resistance.
2Strength
If additional coverings are added to improve abrasion resistance, then protection against abrasion is improved, but protective power against impacts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials with controlled layer configurations where the expanded polymer material maintains direct contact with the impact source. The additional material layers are positioned and configured to provide abrasion resistance without creating barriers that would interfere with impact energy transmission to the expanded polymer. This resolves the contradiction by optimizing the arrangement and properties of composite layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different regions and layers different properties: the expanded polymer material layer is positioned and configured for maximum impact energy absorption, while additional material layers are positioned to provide abrasion resistance in areas where they will not interfere with impact energy transmission. Each layer has locally optimized properties for its specific function.
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 composite material effectively absorbs and dissipates kinetic energy, reducing the force transmitted to the head by up to 35-40% compared to standard solutions, significantly reducing the risk of head injuries and extending the helmet's protective lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
diffusing kinetic energy transversely between upper and lower layers
Implementation Method 2
dissipate kinetic energy
Implementation Method 3
optionally filled with a fluid like gel to enhance energy dissipation
Implementation Method 4
said elements being arranged to break under the effect of the kinetic energy induced by an impact
Data Source
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 2b~3b
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a composite material (5') comprising an upper layer (6), a lower layer (7) and means (8) arranged so as to diffuse substantially transversely at least part of the kinetic energy (Ec) induced by an impact (C) on one of said layers (6, 7), said means (8) cooperating on both sides, with the upper layer (6) and the lower layer (7). The diffusion means (8) can consist in a network (8') of interassembled base elements and of cavities, forming a three-dimensional structure. The invention also relates to a protection device comprising an insert, said insert consisting of a composite material according to the invention.