Helmet With Elastomeric Cords Dissipating Rotational Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective headgear fails to effectively mitigate both linear and rotational forces, leading to inadequate protection against traumatic brain injuries, as they either transfer forces hydraulically or rely on passive damping that is insufficient to dissipate concussive forces efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A helmet design featuring a hard outer shell with apertures, a padded inner liner, fluid-filled bladders between the shells, and elastomeric cords that connect the shells, allowing for independent movement and energy dissipation through elastic deformation and hysteretic damping, directing forces away from the braincase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fluid-filled chambers are used to dissipate energy through viscous friction, then energy dissipation increases, but the time to dissipate energy increases substantially, allowing little time for the fluid to be displaced before energy is transferred to the brain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic fluid displacement system with an elastomeric material system that dissipates energy through hysteretic damping and viscoelastic properties. Instead of relying on fluid flow through restricted holes, the elastomeric material directly absorbs and dissipates impact energy through its inherent mechanical properties, eliminating the time delay associated with hydraulic response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the energy dissipation medium from fluid to elastomeric solid. The elastomeric material exhibits nonlinear stress-strain behavior, hysteresis, and strain-rate dependence, allowing it to dissipate energy rapidly during impact while maintaining structural integrity and providing immediate protection.
2Force
If the outer shell is forced into the zone squeezing the bladders with restricted movement, then the impact force is reduced, but the force is still directed into the head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastomeric material layer that acts as a flexible energy-absorbing interface between the outer shell and the inner shell. This elastomeric material deforms under impact, absorbing energy through hysteresis and viscoelastic damping, thereby reducing the transmission of both linear and rotational forces to the head while allowing the shell to move independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the outer shell and inner shell can move independently relative to each other through the elastomeric material. This independence allows the outer shell to deform and absorb impact energy without directly transmitting forces to the head, while the inner shell remains stabilized to protect the braincase.
3Force
If a sliding layer is used to allow displacement of the outer shell relative to the inner shell, then angular force dissipation is improved, but there is no mechanism to return the two shells to the resting position
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material inherently possesses the ability to return to its original shape and position after deformation due to its elastic recovery properties. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate return mechanisms, as the material automatically restores the shells to their resting positions after impact while continuously providing protection.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the inner liner rests against the user's head, then direct protection is provided, but force will be directed toward rather than away from the head during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material serves as an intermediary layer between the outer shell and the inner shell, absorbing and dissipating impact energy before it reaches the head. This intermediary mechanism allows the inner liner to remain in contact with the head for comfort and stability while preventing direct force transmission during collision.
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 design effectively dissipates both linear and rotational forces by using elastomeric cords and diaphragms to convert kinetic energy into heat, providing enhanced protection against concussions and contrecoup injuries while maintaining a comfortable fit.
Implementation Method 1
elastomeric cords that connect the shells, allowing for independent movement and energy dissipation through elastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
energy dissipation through elastic deformation and hysteretic damping
Implementation Method 3
Energy is dissipated only through viscous friction as fluid is restrictively transferred from one pocket to another
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
A protective helmet having multiple zones of protection suitable for use in construction work, athletic endeavors, and similar activities. The helmet includes a hard outer protective shell, an inner shell and an elastomeric zone with the outer shell suspended over the inner shell. A plurality of sinusoidal springs are positioned within the elastomeric zone. In one embodiment, force indicators may be displayed that indicate the amount of force impacting a helmet. The force indicators may indicate impact force form both direct and rotational directions.