Elastomeric Cap Cage Slats Head Protection Impact Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head and neck protection systems, despite innovations in helmet design and materials, continue to fail in effectively absorbing and dissipating impact forces, leading to ongoing injuries in sports and military contexts, which raises concerns about player safety and public health.
Innovation Solution
A head protection system featuring a resilient elastomeric cap with a torus-shaped cushioning chamber and a network of cage slats secured by mounts and nodes, which centers the head and neck within a shock-absorbing assembly, preventing direct contact with the cage slats and distributing impact forces across a broader area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional helmet designs are used with direct head contact, then structural simplicity is maintained, but impact protection effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is divided into multiple functional segments: an outer cage structure with vertical slats, an inner compliant layer, and a suspension system with multiple attachment points. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the cage provides structural integrity and impact distribution, while the compliant layer provides shock absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the compliant inner layer is positioned within the cage structure, and the head is suspended within the compliant layer. This nested arrangement allows multiple protection mechanisms to operate simultaneously at different levels, enhancing overall protection while maintaining a compact form factor
2Strength
If head protection systems use rigid structures, then impact resistance improves, but head mobility and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system incorporates dynamic elements including elastic straps, adjustable buckles, and flexible connection points that allow the head to move naturally within the protection system. The cage structure itself is designed with vertical slats that can flex slightly, providing a balance between structural support and movement freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant inner layer acts as a flexible intermediary between the rigid cage structure and the head. This layer can deform to accommodate head movements while still providing shock absorption, effectively decoupling the rigidity of the outer structure from the mobility needs of the wearer
3Object-affected harmful factors
If impact forces are concentrated on small areas, then structural simplicity is maintained, but injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cage structure extends vertically along the head with multiple slats distributed across the surface area. This vertical and radial distribution of impact points transforms concentrated linear impacts into distributed areal impacts, spreading the force across multiple structural elements and reducing the stress on any single point
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 significantly reduces the risk of head and neck injuries by effectively absorbing and distributing impact forces, maintaining the head in a centered position to minimize hyperextension and enhance protection against collisions.
Implementation Method 1
A torus-shaped cushioning chamber is positioned between the outer surface of the elastomeric cap and the head of the wearer
Implementation Method 2
An elastomeric cap is configured to be held, in a position relative to a crown of the head of the wearer
Implementation Method 3
A tether resiliently secures the tight fitting cap to the elastomeric cap
Data Source
AI summary
A head protection system includes an elastomeric cap configured to be held in a position relative to a crown of the head of the wearer. A torus-shaped cushioning chamber is positioned between an outer surface of the elastomeric cap and the head of the wearer. A plurality of cage slats extend from the elastomeric cap between the elastomeric cap in a position relative to the crown of the head of the wearer and protect the head of the wearer from impact.