Helmet Facemask Interconnect Using Visco-Elastic Shock Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current facemask attachment mechanisms to helmets transfer significant force during collisions, leading to neck and head/brain injuries, and there is a need for improved materials and structures to reduce injury severity, especially with the recent focus on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in contact sports.
Innovation Solution
The use of polymer urethane visco-elastic materials and structures, such as grommets and blocks with integrated screws and nuts, or U-shaped attachments with springs, to absorb impact forces and securely connect facemasks to helmets, allowing for better distribution of force and reduced transmission to the helmet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid attachment mechanisms (snaps, connectors, rivets) are used to secure the facemask to the helmet, then the facemask is firmly attached and provides structural support, but significant force is transferred from the facemask to the player's head during collisions, causing neck and head/brain injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating shock-absorptive material between the facemask and helmet shell before impact occurs. This material is positioned in advance to cushion the head and absorb impact forces during collisions, preventing direct force transmission to the player's head while maintaining facemask attachment strength.
2Loss of energy
If spring connections are used to attach the facemask to the helmet, then some impact force absorption is achieved, but the spring mechanism cannot absorb all of the force and excessive force is still transmitted to the helmet and player's head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining shock-absorptive material with the facemask attachment mechanism. This composite structure integrates energy-absorbing properties directly into the attachment system, enabling more complete force absorption compared to spring connections alone, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing residual force transmission to the player's head.
3Stability of the object's composition
If permanently riveted facemasks are used on the helmet, then the facemask remains securely attached during play, but the rigid connection transfers all collision forces directly to the player's head, increasing risk of neck and brain injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by placing shock-absorptive material between the facemask and helmet shell in permanent attachment configurations. This material is pre-positioned to cushion impacts before they reach the player's head, allowing the facemask to remain securely attached while reducing force transmission during collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the mechanical properties of the attachment system through the inclusion of shock-absorptive material. This changes the attachment from a purely rigid connection to a semi-flexible system that can deform and absorb energy during impact, reducing force transmission while maintaining attachment stability.
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 described system effectively absorbs impact forces, minimizing injuries to the user by distributing the force more evenly and reducing the transmission of shock to the helmet, thereby enhancing safety in contact sports.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment mechanism between a helmet and a facemask that provides for the absorption of impact forces so as to minimize injury to user of the helmet
Implementation Method 2
Some recent developments used springs to connect the mask with the helmet
Data Source
AI summary
A unique attachment mechanism to connect a facemask to a helmet is described. This attachment mechanism uses a polymer urethane visco-elastic, or similar, material to absorb impact forces on the facemask to minimize injury for the person using the helmet. In some embodiments, a spring and bearing mechanism is used in conjunction with the polymer urethane visco-elastic material to further absorb forces. In another embodiment, a polymer urethane visco-elastic grommet on a screw is used for an upper attachment of the mask to the helmet, and a larger polymer urethane visco-elastic structure with an internal spring is used as the lower attachment between the helmet and the mask. In still another embodiment, the connection between the helmet and the mast is a U shaped structure with a flat spring enclosed.