Helmet Filaments with Non-Linear Buckling for Concussion Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current helmet technology inadequately protects against concussions caused by direct or oblique forces, as it primarily absorbs incident forces linearly, transmitting the bulk of the force to the head, and fails to effectively mitigate sports-related traumatic brain injuries.
Innovation Solution
The development of protective helmets with a non-linearly deforming interface layer comprising a plurality of filaments that buckle in response to incident forces, providing improved protection by distributing and absorbing forces non-linearly, and potentially incorporating force sensors for impact detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If linear force absorption is used in helmet design, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the bulk of incident force is transmitted to the head, failing to protect against concussions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the force absorption parameter from linear to non-linear by incorporating filaments with buckling characteristics. These filaments exhibit different mechanical responses at different deformation stages: initially stiff to provide structural support, then becoming more compliant as they buckle under impact, thereby absorbing energy non-linearly and reducing force transmission to the head while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining rigid helmet shell components with flexible filament elements embedded in a matrix material. This composite approach allows the rigid parts to maintain structural form while the flexible filaments provide non-linear energy absorption through buckling, creating a multi-functional protective system that addresses both structural requirements and impact mitigation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-linearly deforming filaments are incorporated into the interface layer, then impact force transmission to the head is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes flexible filament elements embedded in the interface layer between outer and inner helmet shells. These filaments act as thin, compliant structural elements that buckle under impact loads, providing non-linear energy absorption. The filaments are integrated into the existing helmet sandwich structure, adding protective functionality without requiring complete redesign of the helmet architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The interface layer containing the non-linearly deforming filaments serves as an intermediary element between the outer shell and inner shell of the helmet. This intermediate layer absorbs and dissipates impact energy through filament buckling, mediating the force transmission between the external impact and the head-protecting inner shell, thereby reducing concussion risk without direct modification of the primary shell structures
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 non-linear deformation of the filaments in the helmet's interface layer effectively reduces the impact force transmitted to the head, enhancing protection against concussions and allowing for the detection of impact forces, which can help in assessing the risk of traumatic brain injury.
Implementation Method 1
the filaments are configured to deform non-linearly in response to an incident force on the helmet
Implementation Method 2
the interface layer can include a plurality of filaments configured to deform non-linearly in response to an incident force
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates generally to protective helmets with non-linearly deforming members. Helmets configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can comprise, for example, an inner layer, an outer layer, a space between the inner layer and the outer layer, and an interface layer disposed in the space. The interface layer comprises a plurality of filaments, each having a height, a longitudinal axis along the height, a first end proximal to the inner layer, and a second end proximal to the outer layer. The filaments are sized and shaped to span the space between the inner layer and the outer layer. The filaments are configured to deform non-linearly in response to an external incident force on the helmet.