Dual-Frame Neck Protector for Cervical Spine Injury Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current protective systems for helmets do not adequately address the risk of cervical spinal cord injuries during motor sports and bicycle crashes, as they either provide insufficient protection or are difficult to remove safely in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A dual-frame neck protector system with independently rotatable and adjustable back supports and chest pads that disperses energy through padding and allows for easy emergency release, designed to be worn under a full-face helmet to reduce the risk of cervical spine injuries and facilitate safe removal after an accident.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stiff restraining means with a high collar is used to transmit forces from the helmet to the torso, then cervical spine injury risk is reduced, but the device becomes more complex and harder to remove in emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining means is divided into a collar portion and a chest support portion that can be separated. The collar transmits forces during normal operation, but in emergencies the chest support can be quickly released to facilitate rapid removal without compromising the protective function during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is designed to be dynamically adjustable and removable. It maintains a stiff configuration during normal operation to provide protection, but can be quickly transformed into a removable state during emergencies, allowing the system to adapt between protection and ease of removal modes.
2Reliability
If padding is added to disperse impact forces, then protection effectiveness is improved, but the device becomes bulkier and less comfortable
Solution Approach 1:
Padding is strategically placed only in specific high-impact zones such as the collar area and chest support surfaces, rather than uniformly throughout the entire device. This provides effective impact dispersion where needed while maintaining comfort and mobility in other areas.
3Force
If the collar extends upward to adjacent the center of gravity of the head and helmet, then force transmission is optimized, but the field of view is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed with an open front portion that allows the helmeted head to move freely for viewing, while the lateral and rear portions maintain the stiff structure needed for force transmission. This creates different structural properties in different regions of the collar.
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 system effectively reduces the risk of cervical spine injuries by distributing impact forces and allowing for safe removal post-accident, providing enhanced protection and mobility while allowing for easy storage and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention is a neck protector which comprises a left main frame which extends from an upper section and curves forwardly to a left main frame chest covering section which at its lower innermost portion includes a male interconnecting member. Extending from its front, the left main frame has a chest support member. Extending from its rear, the left main frame has a back support member supported on a connection member which has a separate left axle receiving opening and a closing nut.
Implementation Method 2
A dual-frame neck protector system with independently rotatable and adjustable back supports and chest pads that disperses energy through padding
Implementation Method 3
The system effectively reduces the risk of cervical spine injuries by distributing impact forces and allowing for safe removal post-accident
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to be worn on an individual's shoulders, chest and back below a full face helmet to limit the occurrence of cervical spinal cord injuries in the event of a crash.