Electronic Helmet with Integrated RF Shielding and Weight Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional helmets with integrated electronic systems often compromise safety due to external mounting of cameras and devices, which can reduce impact resistance and cause imbalance, as they do not adequately consider weight distribution.

Innovation Solution

A helmet design featuring a hard outer shell and a hard inner shell with RF shielding, housing an integrated electronic system, including a digital camera, GPS, audio, and communication subsystems, operable via a wireless remote control, ensuring even weight distribution and enhanced safety through RF shielding and shock-absorbent structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cameras and electronic devices are mounted on the exterior of the helmet, then the user can operate devices and capture videos/pictures, but the impact resistance of the helmet is reduced and weight distribution becomes unbalanced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operationVSAvoidimpact resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates cameras and electronic devices within the helmet's internal cavity space, nesting components between the outer shell and inner liner. This eliminates external mounting while preserving device functionality, thereby maintaining impact resistance without sacrificing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional external surface mounting to three-dimensional internal cavity utilization. By distributing electronic components throughout the internal volume of the helmet, the design achieves balanced weight distribution while keeping devices accessible and functional.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If cameras are mounted on the exterior of the helmet, then videos and pictures can be captured during activities, but the helmet's safety standards are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo capture capabilityVSAvoidsafety standards
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the camera system with the helmet structure itself, making the helmet both a protective device and a functional recording device. The camera is integrated into the helmet body, combining safety and productivity functions into a single unified system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electronic components are placed in the helmet, then convenient functions are provided, but weight distribution and balance may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectronic functionsVSAvoidweight distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent strategically positions different electronic components at specific locations within the helmet's internal cavity to optimize weight distribution. By carefully selecting placement positions for cameras, batteries, and other components, the design achieves balanced weight distribution while maintaining versatile electronic functionality.

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 helmet provides a lightweight, durable, and balanced solution for integrating electronic systems while maintaining safety standards, offering real-time image and audio transmission, global positioning, and hands-free communication with extended range capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The inner shell includes suitable material to provide the user effective RF shielding from the electronic system. For example, the inner shell can include nickel-plated carbon fiber or other conductive material to provide RF shielding.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRF shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

The helmet body further includes a shock-absorbent structure disposed between the inner shell and the head of a user, when the helmet is worn.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP1898735B1Electronic helmet
Publication Date: 2009.06.24 GERTSCH JEFFREY H
  • EP1898735B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1898735B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP1898735B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electronic helmet (20) is provided that includes a helmet body (22) and an integrated electronic system disposed in the helmet body. In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic system provides the user with a number of convenient functions and is operable from a wireless remote control (26) . The components of the electronic system are sufficiently small and rugged for use in the helmet, ensuring that the helmet is lightweight and durable. Moreover, the components are spaced about the helmet to provide even weight distribution to promote overall balance and safety. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the helmet body has a hard outer shell (30) and a hard inner shell (28) mounted to the outer shell such that a cavity is defined between the outer and the inner shells. The inner shell includes suitable material to provide the user effective RF shielding from the electronic system. For example, the inner shell can include nickel-plated carbon fiber to provide RF shielding. The helmet body further includes a shock-absorbent structure disposed between the inner shell and the head of a user, when the helmet is worn.