Shock-absorbent Facemask Junction with Springs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current facemask designs for football helmets do not effectively transfer impact forces, leading to inadequate energy absorption and increased likelihood of concussions in contact sports.

Innovation Solution

A shock-absorbent junction system comprising a first plate, a set of springs, and a second plate, where the springs are fixed between the facemask and the helmet to absorb impact forces, allowing for reversible attachment configurations to maximize energy absorption and minimize inertial forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional facemask attachment designs are used, then the structure is simple, but impact energy absorption is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact energy absorptionVSAvoidfacemask junction structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The facemask junction is divided into multiple functional segments: a first plate attached to the facemask, a second plate attached to the helmet, and multiple springs positioned between the plates. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (force distribution, energy absorption, structural support) thereby improving impact energy absorption while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Springs are introduced as intermediary elements between the facemask and helmet. These springs act as mediators that absorb and dissipate impact energy through elastic deformation, preventing direct force transmission from the facemask to the helmet and reducing the likelihood of concussions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If rigid facemask attachment is used, then structural stability is maintained, but inertial forces are not minimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinertial forcesVSAvoidfacemask junction stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The junction transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic system with springs that can deform elastically during impact. The springs adjust their stiffness and deformation based on the impact forces applied, allowing the structure to adapt to varying impact conditions while maintaining stability through controlled elastic deformation rather than rigid resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The springs are pre-installed in a compressed or relaxed state between the first and second plates, providing beforehand cushioning capability. When impact occurs, the springs are already positioned to immediately absorb and dissipate energy through elastic deformation, minimizing inertial forces before they can be fully transmitted to the helmet structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If facemask is directly attached to helmet, then energy transfer is direct, but concussion risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcussion riskVSAvoidimpact force transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The springs serve as intermediary elements that modify the energy transfer pathway between the facemask and helmet. Instead of direct rigid attachment, the springs absorb and dissipate impact energy through elastic deformation, converting kinetic energy into potential energy and then dissipating it, thereby reducing the force transmitted to the helmet and decreasing concussion risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The springs convert the harmful direct impact force into beneficial elastic deformation. The impact energy that would otherwise be directly transmitted to the helmet is instead absorbed and dissipated through the controlled deformation of the springs, transforming a harmful direct force transmission into a beneficial energy absorption mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 likelihood of neck and cranial injuries by enhancing impact energy absorption, providing improved protection against concussions in contact sports.

Implementation Method 1

Football helmets and the facemasks attached thereto are designed to absorb the impact energy generated from the collision with other players through material elastic deformation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10188168B2Shock-absorbent junction apparatus and facemask system

Publication Date: 2019.01.29 NXL TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a shock-absorbent junction between the facemask and the helmet of a user, thus minimizing the likelihood of neck and cranial injury by maximizing impact energy absorption. The shock-absorbent junction including a first plate, a resilient material, and a second plate. Due to the possible geometrical symmetry of this embodiment, it is possible that the facemask be adapted in order to be attached to the first plate while the helmet would be adapted to the second plate.