Dual-Density Helmet Protective Body for Impact Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective helmets have limitations in shock and impact absorption capacity, ease of assembly and disassembly, adjustment, and resistance to lateral crushing and surface abrasions, as they typically use a single-density polystyrene monobloc material.

Innovation Solution

A helmet design featuring a protective body composed of two distinct components: a high-density base element and a low-density insert, with a coupling mechanism allowing adjustable positioning and easy assembly/disassembly, enhancing shock absorption and resistance to impacts and abrasions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a monobloc protective body made of single-density polystyrene is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the shock and impact absorption capacity at differentiated areas is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidshock and impact absorption capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protective body is divided into multiple modular elements (first protective element and second protective element) that can be assembled together. Each element can have different density characteristics, allowing differentiated shock absorption zones while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the protective body are assigned different material densities - the first protective element has a first predetermined density and the second protective element has a second predetermined density. This allows optimal shock absorption tailored to specific impact zones while keeping the overall structure manufacturable through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If a monobloc protective body is used, then the structure is simple, but the ease of assembly and disassembly with respect to the helmet structure is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotective body structureVSAvoidassembly and disassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective body is segmented into multiple detachable elements that can be independently assembled to and disassembled from the helmet structure. This modular approach enables easy maintenance and replacement while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If a monobloc protective body is used, then the structure is unified, but the adjustment of positions with respect to the helmet structure is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotective body unityVSAvoidposition adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The modular protective elements are designed to be adjustable in position relative to the helmet structure, allowing the user to optimize the protective body's position for different head sizes and preferences. The modular design maintains structural integrity through standardized connection mechanisms while enabling dynamic repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If a single-density protective body is used, then the material consistency is high, but the resistance to lateral crushing and surface abrasions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial homogeneityVSAvoidresistance to lateral crushing and abrasions
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Different protective elements are assigned different material densities optimized for their specific functional requirements. The first protective element with first predetermined density and second protective element with second predetermined density provide enhanced resistance to lateral crushing and surface abrasions in different zones, while maintaining overall structural coherence through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 dual-component design improves shock absorption, increases resistance to lateral crushing and abrasions, simplifies cleaning and assembly, and allows for customizable fit, enhancing overall protective performance and user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a protective body (3) made of a material capable of absorbing shocks and impacts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock and impact absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3818899B1helmet
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 KASK SPA
  • EP3818899B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3818899B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3818899B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention refers to a helmet (1), particularly protective helmet for work or sports, including: a structure (2) having at least one substantially convex outer surface (2a) and at least one substantially concave inner surface (2b); at least one protective body (3), preferably made of polystyrene, having a first portion (3a) engageable to the inner surface (2b) of the structure (2) and at least a second portion (3b) having at least one concavity (3c) adapted to receive in engagement the head of a user. The protective body (3) comprises: a base element (4) made up of a first material for shock and/or impacts absorption, preferably polystyrene, having a predetermined first density value (D1), the base element (4) having a concave surface (4a) defining the concavity (3c) of the protective body (3) and at least one housing cavity (4b) facing away with respect to the concave surface (4a); a protective insert (5) made of a second material for shock and/or impact absorption, preferably polystyrene, having a second predetermined different density value (D2), preferably lower, than the first density value (D1) of the first material of the base element (4), the protective insert (5) being at least partially insertable in the housing cavity (4b) of the base element (4).