Replaceable Gas Cell Impact Layer for Helmet Blunt Force Trauma
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current protective helmets fail to provide a complete cocoon of safety against blunt force trauma as they lack an external layer that can effectively dissipate instantaneous G-force deceleration shock waves, unlike the human head which has a scalp that tears to increase deceleration distance and time, whereas existing helmet foams do not deform or burst to absorb energy.
Innovation Solution
A helmet with a replaceable impact layer comprising gas cells between plastic sheets, which burst upon impact to dissipate force and increase deceleration time, combined with a removable attachment system and an outer sheet material for attachment to a rigid helmet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid helmet structures are used to protect the head, then penetration resistance is improved, but deceleration distance is reduced leading to higher G-forces
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet is divided into multiple functional layers: an outer rigid shell for penetration resistance, a middle foam layer for initial deceleration, and an inner gas cell layer for extended deceleration. Each layer performs a specific function in the deceleration sequence, collectively increasing total deceleration distance while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas cell layer is nested within the helmet structure, surrounded by the rigid outer shell and foam layer. This nested arrangement allows the gas cells to be contained within the helmet while still providing their deceleration function, maximizing space utilization and protection efficiency.
2Length of moving object
If traditional foam is used for cushioning, then deceleration distance is increased, but the foam cannot burst to dissipate energy effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The gas cells are designed with specific burst pressure parameters that change based on impact severity. During low-impact events, the cells remain intact providing gradual deceleration. During high-impact events, the cells burst at predetermined pressure thresholds, rapidly dissipating energy while maintaining deceleration distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet combines multiple materials with different properties: the rigid outer shell material for strength, the foam material for compressible cushioning, and the gas-filled cell material for energy dissipation. This composite structure leverages the advantages of each material to achieve both extended deceleration distance and effective energy dissipation.
3Reliability
If the impact layer is integrated into the helmet structure, then protection is improved, but replacement after impact is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The impact-absorbing components (foam layer and gas cell layer) are segmented into separate, removable sections that can be independently replaced. The gas cell layer is constructed as a separate assembly that can be detached and reattached, allowing maintenance of protection reliability while enabling easy replacement after impact events.
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 gas cell layer effectively absorbs and dissipates impact forces, reducing concussion injuries by increasing the deceleration time and distance, providing enhanced blunt force trauma protection without the weight and rotational issues associated with traditional foam.
Implementation Method 1
Each cell will burst upon a pre-determined impact... The gas cell layer effectively absorbs and dissipates impact forces, reducing concussion injuries by increasing the deceleration time and distance
Data Source
AI summary
A helmet having blunt force trauma protection includes a prior art helmet and a replaceable impact layer. The replaceable impact layer preferably includes at least one gas cell layer, a removable attachment system and an outer layer of sheet material. The at least one gas cell layer includes a plurality of gas cells created between two plastic sheets. Each cell will burst upon a pre-determined impact. The plurality of cells preferably have a hexagon shape, but other shapes may also be used, such as round or square. The removable attachment system is preferably hook and loop fasteners, but other suitable removable attachment systems may also be used. At least one first pad of hook and loop fasteners is attached to an exterior surface of a prior art helmet and at least one second pad of hook and loop fasteners is attached to a bottom surface of the replaceable impact layer.