Foldable Helmet with Segmented Impact Absorption and Vapor Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle helmets are rigid, uncomfortable, and fail to provide adequate protection against low-force impacts, leading to concussions in minor accidents, while also being bulky and lacking in temperature and moisture management.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and foldable helmet design featuring a textile-based head-fitting element with vapor transportation properties, combined with protector elements comprising a base, intermediate, and outer layers that absorb and dissipate impact forces, allowing for comfortable fit, temperature control, and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid polystyrene is used for helmet protection, then high-impact protection is improved, but low-force impact absorption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet shell is divided into multiple rigid polystyrene segments separated by flexible connections, allowing the rigid segments to provide high-impact protection while the flexible connections enable low-force impacts to be absorbed through segment movement rather than direct transmission to the head
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet combines rigid polystyrene segments with flexible connection elements to create a composite structure that provides both high-impact resistance and low-force impact absorption through the interaction between rigid and flexible components
2Strength
If rigid polystyrene is used for helmet protection, then structural strength is improved, but comfort and adaptability to head shape deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid polystyrene shell is segmented into multiple sections that can independently adjust to the contours of the head, providing both structural strength and adaptability without requiring additional padding
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the segmented shell have varying degrees of rigidity and flexibility tailored to specific areas of the head, allowing optimal protection and comfort in different zones simultaneously
3Temperature
If open configuration is used for ventilation, then temperature control is improved, but protection from rain and sun deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet features adjustable openings that can dynamically change size or position based on environmental conditions, allowing optimal ventilation when needed while providing protection from rain and sun when appropriate
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 enhanced comfort and safety by absorbing low-force impacts, managing temperature and moisture, and reducing bulk, while being easier to store and adjust to different head sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible head-fitting element made from a textile adapted for vapour transportation
Implementation Method 2
an outer element arranged on the base opposite to the bottom surface, the outer element made from another material than said base, or the outer element having a higher density than said base
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a helmet and protector elements for protecting a user's head. The helmet being flexible and/or foldable and comprising a head-fitting element (2), having an outer surface and an inner surface, a plurality of protector elements (3) arranged and attached at preselected positions on the outer surface of the head-fitting element to provide a helmet, which has at least a front portion (11), a middle portion (12) and a back portion (13) that are separated by a gap (4). The protector element when attached to a helmet provides an absorption of a force received during an impact to a level reducing the risk of a trauma of a user.