Helmet Cheek Pad Sliding Interface Rotational Energy Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmets are limited in their ability to protect against rotational forces during oblique impacts due to the shape of the jaw, which restricts sliding displacement and fails to effectively dissipate rotational energy, leading to injuries such as concussions and subdural haematomas.
Innovation Solution
The helmet design incorporates cheek pads with a sliding interface between an outer and inner layer, allowing them to slide relative to each other upon impact, and a sliding interface between the outer and inner shells, facilitating the dissipation of rotational energy through sliding motion, thereby reducing the transmission of torsional force to the skull.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the jaw shape is used to restrict sliding displacement in existing helmets, then the helmet structure remains simple, but the ability to protect against rotational forces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cheek pad is designed with an outer layer and inner layer that can slide relative to each other at a sliding interface. This dynamic sliding mechanism allows the cheek pad to adapt to rotational forces during oblique impacts, enabling the outer layer to move with the impact direction while the inner layer remains in contact with the wearer's face, thereby reducing rotational acceleration of the brain
Solution Approach 2:
The cheek pad is divided into multiple sections with distinct surfaces at the sliding interface. Each section can slide independently, allowing different portions of the cheek pad to respond differently to impact forces. This segmentation enables better dissipation of rotational energy while maintaining comfort and fit
2Loss of energy
If the jaw shape restricts sliding displacement, then the helmet design remains simple, but rotational energy is not effectively dissipated
Solution Approach 1:
A sliding interface is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the outer layer and inner layer of the cheek pad. This sliding interface acts as a mediator that allows controlled relative motion between the layers, enabling the cheek pad to dissipate rotational energy through friction and sliding while maintaining the necessary connection to the wearer's face
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding interface is designed with specific surface characteristics including distinct surfaces for each section, with at least two sections having substantially different thicknesses. These parameter changes in the sliding interface geometry optimize the dissipation of rotational energy by controlling the sliding displacement and friction characteristics during impact
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size helmets are used, then the helmet structure remains simple, but adaptability to different head sizes and shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cheek pad incorporates a sliding interface between the outer layer and inner layer that allows dynamic adjustment. The outer layer can slide relative to the inner layer to adapt to different head shapes and sizes, providing adjustability without requiring a complex mechanism. The sliding motion enables the cheek pad to conform to various anatomical features while maintaining comfort
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 design reduces the rotational acceleration of the brain, minimizing the risk of injuries like concussions and subdural haematomas by effectively dissipating rotational energy, achieving a 25% reduction in torsional force transmission to the skull.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding interface between an outer layer (30) and an inner layer (40), such that the outer layer (30) and the inner layer (40) are configured to slide relative to each other at the sliding interface, in response to an impact to the helmet
Data Source
AI summary
A cheek pad for a helmet, the cheek pad comprising: an outer layer; an inner layer; and a sliding interface between the outer layer and the inner layer; wherein the outer layer and the inner layer are configured to slide relative to each other at the sliding interface, in response to an impact to the helmet, and the inner layer is configured to contact a side of the wearer's face, when the cheek pads are arranged in the helmet and the helmet is worn.