Ventilated Helmet Shell With Internal Deflector Against Penetration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing helmets for rope access and mountaineering struggle to achieve a balance between ventilation and protection, particularly in the upper part of the shell, with ventilation solutions either compromising mechanical performance or increasing weight and bulkiness.

Innovation Solution

A helmet design featuring a deflector positioned between the shell and liner to deflect objects entering through ventilation holes, with a deflection wall extending towards the top of the cap and second ventilation zones with smaller holes to maintain airflow while preventing penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If through-holes are made large in number and size to improve ventilation, then airflow is improved, but mechanical performance deteriorates and protection is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal comfortVSAvoidmechanical performance
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A deflector is introduced as an intermediary element between the ventilation holes and the user's head. The deflector intercepts and redirects objects that enter through the ventilation holes, preventing them from reaching the head while maintaining the integrity of the shell structure and the effectiveness of ventilation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If through-holes are positioned on the top of the helmet to improve upper ventilation, then airflow in the upper part is improved, but penetration protection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupper ventilationVSAvoidpenetration risk
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector serves as a protective intermediary positioned within the shell's interior space. It is strategically placed to intercept objects entering through upper ventilation holes and redirect them along the shell's inner surface, preventing direct contact with the user's head while preserving the ventilation function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the shell structure is made heavier and bulkier to improve penetration protection, then protection is improved, but weight and bulkiness increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration protectionVSAvoidhelmet weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The protection function is segmented between the shell structure and the deflector element. The shell maintains its ventilation holes for thermal comfort, while the deflector provides targeted protection against penetrating objects. This segmentation allows the shell to remain lightweight with adequate ventilation while the deflector adds minimal weight for enhanced protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4666895A1Helmet and manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 ZEDEL CORP
  • EP4666895A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4666895A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4666895A1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

A helmet designed for work at height and mountaineering comprises a shell (2) and a deflector (6). The shell (2) has a surface area defining several first through holes (4) separated by first struts (5), thus defining a first ventilation zone. The deflector (6) is attached to the shell (2) and positioned between the shell (2) and the space intended to accommodate a user's head. The deflector (6) is positioned opposite the first ventilation zone in a first direction perpendicular to a median sagittal plane of the helmet user. The deflector (6) defines a surface extending primarily in a direction connecting the apex of the shell and a lower end of the shell (2). The surface of the deflector (6) extends away from the surface of the shell (2) in the first direction directed towards the median sagittal plane (4b).