Headborne Attachment Platform with Segmented Rigid Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional helmet suspension and compression liner systems fail to provide secure and comfortable attachment of helmets to the head, especially under rotational forces, and lack independent functionality without the helmet shell, compromising protection and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A headborne attachment platform with multiple rigid plates contoured to fit the skull and connected by flexible, inelastic straps, allowing independent adjustment and attachment of a helmet shell or headborne devices, providing a secure and comfortable fit without relying on the helmet shell for support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional helmet suspension or compression liner systems are used to attach helmets to the head, then the helmet can be secured to the head, but the system fails to provide secure attachment under rotational forces and lacks independent functionality without the helmet shell
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the attachment platform into multiple independent rigid plates (frontal, rear, temporal, occipital) that can function independently or in combination. Each plate can be attached to headborne devices separately, providing modular functionality without requiring the complete helmet shell structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid plates are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for helmet attachment, serve as mounting surfaces for various headborne devices (lights, night vision, cameras), and can be adjusted independently to fit different head shapes and sizes, replacing the need for multiple specialized systems.
2Reliability
If conventional suspension liner systems are used, then the helmet can be attached to the head, but the system does not maintain stability under rotational forces
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple rigid plates distributed across different regions of the head (frontal, rear, temporal, occipital). This segmentation creates multiple anchor points that work together to resist rotational forces more effectively than a single continuous suspension system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines rigid plates (for structural stability and force resistance) with flexible inelastic straps (for comfort and adaptation to head shape). This composite structure provides both the rigidity needed to resist rotational forces and the flexibility needed for comfortable fit.
3Reliability
If conventional compression liner systems are used, then the helmet can be secured to the head, but the system is heavier and does not provide comparable ventilation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses thin, flexible inelastic straps instead of bulky compression foam liners. These straps are sufficient to secure the helmet and support headborne devices while being significantly lighter and allowing air circulation for ventilation, eliminating the need for heavy foam materials.
4Reliability
If conventional helmet suspension systems are used, then the helmet can be attached to the head, but the system cannot be used independently without the helmet shell
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment platform is divided into separate rigid plates that can be worn independently without requiring the helmet shell. Each plate can be attached to the head and used to support individual headborne devices, providing functionality independent of the complete helmet structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid plates are designed with universal mounting features that can accommodate various headborne devices directly, allowing the system to function as a standalone platform for equipment attachment without needing the helmet shell for structural support or device mounting.
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 platform offers enhanced stability and protection by maintaining its shape under forces, adjusting to fit various head shapes, and enabling secure attachment of headborne devices independently of a helmet shell, improving comfort and protection by distributing forces evenly.
Implementation Method 1
The rigid plates are independently and sufficiently rigid to support and maintain their three-dimensional shape when subjected to forces exerted upon them by the outer helmet shell or headborne device
Implementation Method 2
The straps of connecting material are more flexible than the rigid plates in directions perpendicular to the thickness of the straps
Implementation Method 3
the straps of connecting material are inelastic in a direction of a length thereof
Implementation Method 4
enabling secure attachment of headborne devices independently of a helmet shell, improving comfort and protection by distributing forces evenly
Data Source
AI summary
A headborne attachment platform includes multiple rigid plates and straps of connecting material connecting the rigid plates in an assembly at independently selectable and pre-set distances apart from each other. The assembly of rigid plates is shaped and connected to sit adjacent to, and surround, the bone regions of a wearer's skull, and define an overall headgear shape and contour. The straps are more flexible than the rigid plates in directions perpendicular to the thickness of the straps, and the straps are inelastic in a direction of a length thereof. A tightening mechanism is configured to adjust a circumference of a headband region, and the rigid plates have mounting features configured to mount an outer helmet shell and/or a headborne device. The rigid plates are sufficiently rigid to support and maintain their three-dimensional shape when subjected to forces exerted upon them by the outer helmet shell or headborne device.