Omnidirectional Helmet Dampers for Rotational Impact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current helmets are inadequate in managing both rotational and linear forces from impacts, leading to increased risks of brain injuries such as concussions and rotational brain injuries, particularly in action and contact sports.
Innovation Solution
The development of omnidirectional impact energy management systems for helmets, which enable controlled internal relative displacement between layers, including rotation and translation, using isolation dampers with specific flex and compression characteristics to absorb and dissipate impact forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional helmet designs are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to reduce both rotational and linear impact forces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet is divided into multiple functional layers including an outer shell, an outer liner, an inner liner, and a damper system. Each layer serves a specific purpose in managing different types of impact forces, with the outer shell handling initial impact and the inner layers managing rotational and linear forces through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper system enables dynamic, omnidirectional movement of the inner liner relative to the outer liner and shell. This dynamic capability allows the helmet to adapt to impacts from any direction, providing controlled displacement that reduces both rotational and linear acceleration forces transmitted to the wearer's head.
2Strength
If the helmet provides rigid protection, then structural strength is high, but rotational brain injuries are not adequately prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The damper system provides controlled omnidirectional movement that allows the inner liner to move independently relative to the outer shell during impact. This dynamic response reduces rotational acceleration forces on the brain while the outer shell maintains structural strength to prevent penetration and manage initial impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper mechanism changes the physical parameters of force transmission by allowing controlled displacement and rotation. This transforms the rigid force transmission of traditional helmets into a dynamic system that can absorb and dissipate rotational energy, reducing the transmission of harmful rotational forces to the wearer's head.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the helmet allows internal movement, then rotational forces are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal movement capability is achieved through segmented layers (outer liner, inner liner) connected by dampers rather than a single complex mechanism. This segmentation allows independent movement of each layer, simplifying the overall design while achieving omnidirectional force reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it allows omnidirectional movement to reduce rotational forces, provides controlled displacement for linear impact management, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for different protection types.
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
Significantly reduces both rotational and linear forces transmitted to the head, providing enhanced protection against a wide range of impacts and mitigating the risk of cumulative brain injuries like Second Impact Syndrome.
Implementation Method 1
a damper configured to allow omnidirectional movement of the inner liner relative to the outer liner and the outer shell
Implementation Method 2
isolation dampers with specific flex and compression characteristics to absorb and dissipate impact forces
Implementation Method 3
an aligner coupled to the outer liner and the inner liner and configured to position the outer liner relative to the inner liner
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of a safety helmet for protecting the human head against repetitive impacts, moderate impacts and severe impacts so as to significantly reduce the likelihood of both translational and rotational brain injury and concussions may be provided. The helmet may include an outer shell, an outer liner disposed within and coupled to the outer shell, and an inner liner disposed within and coupled in spaced opposition to the outer liner by a damper array. The damper array may allow for omnidirectional movement of the inner liner relative to the outer liner and the outer shell.