Helmet Aerodynamic Flap for Yaw Stability in Turns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerodynamic deflectors on helmets cause undesirable effects such as lateral pressure and aerodynamic yaw moments during turns, leading to muscular strain and oscillating yaw movements at high speeds, which are restrictive and tiring for the wearer.
Innovation Solution
A movable aerodynamic flap on the deflector that adjusts to aerodynamic forces, allowing for self-adaptation by moving between deployed and retracted positions to reduce drag and oscillation, enhancing comfort and reducing muscular effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a fixed aerodynamic deflector is mounted on the helmet, then drag reduction is improved, but lateral pressure and aerodynamic yaw moments during turns increase causing muscular strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the aerodynamic deflector movable rather than fixed. The deflector can pivot about a horizontal axis to change its angle relative to the helmet shell, allowing it to adapt between a deployed position for drag reduction and a retracted position for reducing lateral pressure during turns. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling the same component to serve different aerodynamic functions based on driving conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the angular parameter of the deflector. By changing the deflector's angle from a deployed state (optimized for straight-line drag reduction) to a retracted state (optimized for turn stability), the system adapts to different aerodynamic conditions. This parameter adjustment eliminates the harmful lateral pressure and yaw moments during turns while maintaining drag reduction benefits during straight-line travel.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable aerodynamic deflector is provided, then adaptability to different driving postures is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the deflector to adjust automatically in response to aerodynamic forces without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems. The movable deflector self-adjusts its position based on the prevailing aerodynamic conditions, providing adaptability to different driving postures and conditions while avoiding the complexity of motorized or manually-controlled adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable aerodynamic flap is added to the deflector, then self-adaptation to aerodynamic forces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the deflector into a main body and a movable flap portion. The flap can independently pivot relative to the deflector body, allowing it to self-adjust in response to aerodynamic forces. This segmentation enables the flap to act as a passive aerodynamic control surface that automatically responds to flow conditions, providing self-adaptation without requiring complex active control systems.
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 movable flap reduces lateral pressure and oscillating yaw movements, providing enhanced comfort and reducing energy expenditure during turns and high-speed straight-line travel.
Implementation Method 1
the aerodynamic flap being able to be deployed from the deployed position to the retracted position under the effect of aerodynamic forces generated by an air flow circulating along the cap and the aerodynamic deflector
Implementation Method 2
the helmet and its aerodynamic deflector undergo a turbulent oscillation effect, which therefore results in a movement of oscillating yaw of the helmet and therefore of the wearer head, which is amplified by generating a phenomenon of aeroelastic resonance
Data Source
AI summary
A protective helmet (1) comprising a cap (2) having a rear portion on which an aerodynamic deflector (3) is mounted, the protective helmet (1) being characterised in that at least one aerodynamic flap (4) is mounted so as to move freely on the aerodynamic deflector (3) in order to be able to be deployed by aerodynamic forces generated by an air flow. A favoured, non-limiting use of the invention is in the field of motorbike racing.