Fluid Shock Absorber Integration In Protective Helmets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective devices, such as helmets, face challenges in minimizing weight while maintaining effective impact force attenuation and providing comfortable, well-ventilated solutions, often resulting in heavy fluid-containing shock absorbers that occupy more volume than necessary.

Innovation Solution

The use of efficient, fluid-containing shock absorbers that occupy less volume and are strategically positioned between the outer shell and inner surfaces of the helmet, allowing for reduced weight and improved ventilation, with fluid pathways for enhanced energy absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional shock absorbing material is used to fill the full volume of the helmet, then impact protection is improved, but weight increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact protectionVSAvoidhelmet weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the shock absorption function into discrete, strategically positioned shock absorbing elements rather than using continuous material throughout the helmet. These elements are placed at specific locations where impact forces are most likely to occur, segmenting the protection strategy to achieve effective coverage with minimal material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies shock absorbing material with varying properties and quantities at different locations within the helmet based on impact probability and force distribution. High-density material is placed at critical impact zones while lower density or no material is used in less critical areas, optimizing protection-to-weight ratio through localized quality variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If more shock absorbing material is used to ensure comprehensive protection, then safety is improved, but the helmet becomes heavier and less comfortable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive protectionVSAvoidwearer comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by providing shock absorption only where it is most needed rather than uniformly throughout the entire helmet. This approach delivers sufficient protection for typical impact scenarios without the excess material that would compromise comfort, achieving the right balance between safety and wearability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent varies parameters such as material density, thickness, and distribution of shock absorbing elements throughout the helmet structure. By adjusting these parameters strategically, the design achieves comprehensive protection in critical areas while maintaining overall weight and comfort at acceptable levels for extended wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Weight of moving object

If fluid-containing shock absorbers are used to reduce volume, then weight is reduced, but ventilation may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehelmet weightVSAvoidventilation

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses ventilation by creating three-dimensional pathways and channels within the helmet structure that allow air flow around and between the shock absorbing elements. This dimensional approach to ventilation design enables effective cooling without requiring the shock absorbers to occupy minimal space, resolving the conflict between weight reduction and thermal comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This approach results in helmets that are lighter, provide improved impact force attenuation, and offer better ventilation by minimizing the use of shock absorbers while ensuring comprehensive protection and comfort.

Implementation Method 1

In response to an external load, the shell is movable relative to the carrier and the liquid flows between the bladder and the reservoir

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

efficient, fluid-containing shock absorbers yield improved impact force attenuation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS20250098808A1Lightweight Integration Of Shock Absorbing Technology In A Protective Device

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 SAVIOR BRAIN INC

AI summary

A protective device for a user to wear comprises a carrier spaced apart from a shell. The carrier includes a pocket. A first shock absorber includes a bladder and a reservoir, each containing a liquid. The bladder and the reservoir are fluidly interconnected. One of the bladder and the reservoir is positioned between the shell and the carrier. The other one of the bladder and the reservoir is positioned within the pocket. In response to an external load, the shell is movable relative to the carrier and the liquid flows between the bladder and the reservoir.