Custom Total Contact Helmet Impact Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current helmets and protective gear are not customizable to an individual's head and body, leading to inadequate distribution of impact forces, which increases the risk of concussion and head injury.
Innovation Solution
A total contact helmet with a rigid body customized to an individual's head, featuring a force distribution mechanism that disperses impact forces laterally across a large surface area, utilizing materials like hard plastic and carbon fibers, and potentially incorporating energy absorption mechanisms for enhanced protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a helmet uses standard foam padding and generic sizing, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but impact force distribution is inadequate leading to increased concussion risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a custom-molded helmet shell that is manufactured beforehand to precisely fit the individual's head geometry. This pre-customization ensures optimal surface contact area and impact force distribution before any impact occurs, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing adjustments while maintaining high protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the thickness and material properties of the foam padding in different regions of the helmet shell. The custom-molded shell allows for optimized distribution of impact forces across the head surface, with thicker padding in high-impact areas and thinner padding where less protection is needed, thereby improving concussion protection while managing overall helmet complexity.
2Reliability
If a helmet is customized to an individual's head shape, then impact force distribution improves, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the helmet manufacturing process into distinct stages: capturing head geometry data, generating a digital model, molding the custom shell, and adding standardized foam inserts. This segmentation allows the customized portion (shell) to be produced efficiently using automated molding processes, while standardized components (foam inserts, decals) are added separately, thereby improving impact force distribution without excessively increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the shell thickness and curvature parameters based on the individual's head scan data. The custom-molded shell is manufactured with optimized parameters that match the specific head geometry, ensuring optimal impact force distribution. This parameter customization is achieved through automated molding processes that can efficiently produce unique geometries without significantly increasing manufacturing time or cost.
3Reliability
If foam padding thickness is increased for better protection, then impact absorption improves, but the helmet becomes bulkier and less comfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the foam padding thickness and material density in different regions of the helmet according to the specific impact risks for each area of the head. High-impact areas such as the front and back receive thicker, denser foam, while areas requiring ventilation or comfort receive thinner padding. This localized optimization improves impact absorption capability while maintaining a streamlined helmet profile and enhancing wearer comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the foam density, thickness, and material properties in different zones of the helmet. The custom-molded shell allows for precise control of these parameters, with varying foam compression ratings and thicknesses optimized for specific impact scenarios. This parameter variation improves impact absorption capability while preventing the helmet from becoming uniformly bulky, thereby maintaining a comfortable and aerodynamic profile.
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
Significantly reduces the risk of concussion and head injury by distributing impact forces over a larger surface area, as demonstrated through finite element modeling and testing, outperforming standard helmet designs in reducing brain strain and pressure.
Implementation Method 1
having a force distribution mechanism for distributing the force of an impact laterally to a large surface area of the rigid body
Implementation Method 2
The present invention provides for a total contact helmet including a rigid body that is customized to an individual's head for being in direct contact with the head
Data Source
AI summary
A total contact helmet, including a rigid body that is customized to an individual's head for being in direct contact with the head and having a force distribution mechanism for distributing the force of an impact laterally to a large surface area of the rigid body. A method of protecting the head of an individual by the individual wearing a total contact helmet including a rigid body that is customized to the individual's head for being in direct contact with the head and having a force distribution mechanism for distributing the force of an impact laterally to a large surface area of the rigid body, and when receiving an outside impacting force to the total contact helmet, distributing the force of impact over the surface area of the total contact helmet. A method of decreasing risk of concussion and head injury in an individual by wearing the total contact helmet.