Helmet Diffuser Light Scattering for Compact Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmet lighting systems require large amounts of power and space for power sources, reducing the space available for protective materials and making the helmets larger and less visible.
Innovation Solution
A helmet with a light source positioned to illuminate a diffuser, which is designed to be energy-efficient and compact, using a light module with a power source and on/off button, allowing the light to be activated only when needed, and featuring a diffuser that scatters light for increased visibility without enlarging the helmet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If large lighting elements are used to increase visibility, then illumination intensity is improved, but power consumption and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a diffuser as an intermediary element between the light source and the external environment. The diffuser scatters and distributes the light from a compact LED source across a larger surface area of the helmet, creating the appearance of a larger lighting element without actually increasing the size of the light-generating component. This resolves the contradiction by achieving high visibility through light distribution rather than through a physically large light source, thereby maintaining low power consumption.
2Illumination intensity
If large lighting elements are used to increase visibility, then illumination intensity is improved, but the helmet size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser acts as a mediator that allows a compact light source to produce the visual effect of a large lighting element. By scattering light across the helmet surface, the diffuser creates extended visibility without requiring extended physical dimensions of the lighting component itself, thus avoiding helmet enlargement.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser is implemented as a thin, flexible element that can be integrated into the helmet structure without adding significant bulk. This thin-film approach allows the light to be distributed over a large area while maintaining a compact overall helmet design.
3Use of energy by moving object
If more space is allocated for power sources, then power capacity is improved, but space for protective materials is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs energy-efficient LED technology that consumes minimal power, allowing the use of smaller, lighter battery components. This reduction in power source size and weight frees up space within the helmet structure that can be reallocated to enhance protective materials, thus resolving the contradiction between power capacity and protective material space.
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 solution provides enhanced visibility while minimizing power consumption and space usage, ensuring the helmet remains compact and effective in protecting the user without compromising visibility or comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a diffuser that scatters light for increased visibility
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An illuminable helmet assembly is disclosed. The helmet assembly may include a helmet body having an outer shell, an energy management layer and a fit system. A light diffuser is coupled to an outer surface of the helmet body, the diffuser having an illumination surface with an outer perimeter and defining a footprint of the illumination surface extending inward from the illumination surface to a center of the helmet body. A light source is positioned adjacent to and in some cases outside of the outer perimeter and the footprint of the illumination surface. The light source is positioned to emit light toward the illumination surface at an acute angle to the illumination surface.