Helmet Cheek Pad Ventilation Using Reticulated Air Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protection helmets for motorcycling suffer from inadequate ventilation, particularly in the cheek pad region, leading to discomfort and reduced concentration due to limited breathability and convection heat exchange, especially during prolonged use or extreme conditions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a padding layer with reticulated portions and air conveyor means that channel ventilation air from the chin guard to these portions, utilizing additive manufacturing or 3D printing technology to maintain porosity and breathability, with optional mechanical throttling mechanisms to regulate airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional sponge cheek pads are used, then comfort function is provided, but breathability is limited and convection heat exchange is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfort functionVSAvoidbreathability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional solid sponge cheek pads with a reticulated structure that has a porous framework. This reticulated cheek pad maintains the comfort function while providing numerous channels for air circulation, significantly improving breathability and convection heat exchange in the cheek region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces air conveyor means specifically positioned to deliver ventilation air to the reticulated cheek pad region. This localized air delivery system enhances breathability where it is most needed (in the cheek area) without compromising the overall comfort function of the padding layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If ventilation openings are formed in the helmet, then air circulation is enabled, but control of air flows inside the helmet is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation functionVSAvoidair flow control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates adjustable air conveyor means that can regulate the flow of ventilation air to the reticulated cheek pad. This dynamic control mechanism allows the user to adjust air flow according to environmental conditions and personal comfort needs, solving the problem of uncontrollable air flows while maintaining effective ventilation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the visor is closed, then protection is provided, but the zone between user's face and visor becomes prone to misting up

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection functionVSAvoidvisor misting up
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flow of ventilation air as an intermediary between the user's breath zone and the visor surface. This air flow acts as a protective barrier that prevents moisture condensation on the visor while allowing the visor to remain closed for protection, thus eliminating the harmful misting effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances ventilation efficiency, ensuring adequate cooling of the user's cheeks and preventing visor misting, thereby improving comfort and concentration during prolonged use.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing additive manufacturing or 3D printing technology to maintain porosity and breathability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Implementation Method 2

air conveyor means that channel ventilation air from the chin guard to these portions, utilizing additive manufacturing or 3D printing technology to maintain porosity and breathability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

a cap formed by an outer shell and by an energy absorbing layer positioned along an inner side of said shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy absorption through deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4699484A1Protection helmet
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 DAINESE SPA
  • EP4699484A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4699484A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4699484A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Protection helmet (10) comprising a cap (11) intended to accommodate the head of a user and comprising a shell (12) and an energy absorbing layer (13) positioned on an inner side of the shell (12). The cap (11) comprises a chin guard (16) configured to protect at least one region of the chin and the jaw of the user. Moreover, a padding layer (15) is associated with the energy absorbing layer (13) and is configured to make contact with several regions of the user's head. The helmet (10) comprises air conveyor means (22) configured to convey ventilation air from the outside to the inside thereof.