Conical Compressible Springs for Athletic Helmet Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional helmets in contact sports fail to adequately absorb and distribute impact forces, leading to a higher risk of concussions and long-term brain damage from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Innovation Solution
A safety helmet design featuring conical compressible springs positioned between an outer shell and an inner rigid liner to absorb and distribute impact forces, allowing for uniform deacceleration and dissipation of forces, with a low coefficient of friction tab member to enhance force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional padding absorption is used in football helmets, then the helmet structure is simple, but the impact forces are not absorbed and distributed efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the energy absorption system by using conical compressible springs with specific geometric parameters (cone angle, wire diameter, coil spacing) that can be optimized to absorb and distribute impact forces more effectively than conventional padding, while maintaining a relatively simple overall helmet structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining the outer shell, inner rigid liner, and conical compressible springs as a multi-component energy absorption system, where each component serves a specific function in distributing and absorbing impact forces, thereby improving energy loss characteristics without excessive structural complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional padding is used, then the helmet is lightweight, but the force distribution is insufficient to minimize concussion risk
Solution Approach 1:
The conical shape of the springs with optimized geometric parameters provides superior force distribution characteristics compared to conventional padding, reducing concussion risk without requiring excessive material or weight, as the geometric configuration itself provides the mechanical advantage for force distribution
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional padding absorption is used, then manufacturing is simple, but impact forces are not uniformly distributed
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from isotropic padding to anisotropic conical spring elements with specific geometric parameters, the system achieves uniform force distribution in multiple directions, and the modular spring design allows for standardized manufacturing processes that can be scaled production
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 helmet effectively reduces the severity of head injuries by absorbing and redistributing impact forces, minimizing the risk of concussions and long-term brain damage from blunt force impacts.
Implementation Method 1
the coil springs can compress into a fully flattened position thereby absorbing the force
Implementation Method 2
conical compressible springs positioned between an outer shell and an inner rigid liner to absorb and distribute the force of impact
Implementation Method 3
a top portion of the smaller diameter tip of each conical spring defining a low coefficient of friction tab member
Data Source
AI summary
Compressible conical springs with unsecured tabs are positioned between an outer helmet and an inner rigid liner to absorb and distribute impact forces to minimize concussion risks and other head injuries.