Helmet with Elastomeric Zone for Rotational Force Dissipation
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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, particularly in sports and workplace settings, as they either transfer forces hydraulically or rely on slow energy dissipation mechanisms, neglecting the need for active dissipation and comfortable fit.
Innovation Solution
A protective helmet design featuring a hard outer shell with apertures, a padded inner liner, fluid-filled bladders, and elastomeric cords that allow independent movement between shells, utilizing elastomeric diaphragms and springs to dissipate forces through elastic deformation and hysteretic damping, thereby directing and absorbing linear and rotational forces away from the brain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fluid-filled chambers are used to dissipate force through viscous friction, then energy dissipation increases, but the time to dissipate energy increases and substantial energy is transferred to the brain before fluid can be displaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic fluid displacement mechanism with an elastomeric material that dissipates energy through hysteretic damping. Instead of relying on viscous friction of fluid moving through small holes, the elastomeric material directly converts mechanical energy into heat through its viscoelastic properties, providing instantaneous energy dissipation without time delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the energy dissipation medium from fluid to elastomeric material. The elastomeric material's viscoelastic parameters allow it to exhibit both elastic recovery and viscous energy dissipation simultaneously, with the loss modulus determining the energy dissipation rate. This parameter change enables immediate energy absorption upon impact without the time lag inherent in hydraulic systems.
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 introduces an elastomeric material as an intermediary between the outer shell and the inner shell. This elastomeric zone acts as a mediator that absorbs and dissipates impact forces through hysteretic damping, preventing force transmission to the head. The elastomeric material's ability to deform and recover provides a cushioning effect that redirects forces away from the skull and brain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful impact force into beneficial elastic deformation of the elastomeric material. When the outer shell is forced inward during impact, the elastomeric zone deforms and dissipates energy through internal friction and hysteresis, transforming the harmful mechanical energy into heat. This conversion prevents the force from being transmitted to the head while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If conventional helmets are designed to fit snugly against the head, then protection is maximized, but comfort and ease of putting on the helmet deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the helmet into distinct segments: an outer shell, an elastomeric zone, and an inner shell. This segmentation allows the outer shell to be designed for optimal protection and fit, while the inner shell provides comfort against the head. The elastomeric zone between them accommodates movement and pressure distribution, enabling the helmet to fit snugly for protection while maintaining comfort through the compliant intermediate layer.
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 helmet effectively dissipates kinetic energy by allowing independent movement of shells and using elastomeric components to convert force into heat, providing enhanced protection against concussive and rotational injuries while maintaining a comfortable fit.
Implementation Method 1
The zone comprises an elastomeric material and the elastomeric material is designed to dissipate energy through hysteretic damping
Implementation Method 2
utilizing elastomeric diaphragms and springs to dissipate forces through elastic deformation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is 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.