External Flexible Helmet Cage for Impact Energy Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current helmets and safety barriers are inadequate in dissipating shock energy, leading to potential injuries from collisions due to the direct transfer of force, which can cause concussions, contusions, or even fractured skulls.
Innovation Solution
An energy absorption system comprising flex cells with a resilient flex cage attached to a support surface, designed to deform and absorb energy upon impact, thereby reducing the force transferred to the wearer or object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid outer shell and internal padding are used in traditional helmets, then the helmet provides structural support and cushioning, but the shock wave energy is not dissipated before reaching the padding, causing concussions or skull fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The external cage is segmented into multiple bars arranged in geometric patterns (triangles, squares, hexagons) that are distributed across the helmet surface. Each bar acts as an independent energy-dissipating element, collectively forming a distributed shock absorption system that breaks up and dissipates shock waves before they reach the rigid shell and padding.
Solution Approach 2:
The bars of the external cage are made from materials with varying degrees of resilience and flexibility. By changing the material parameters (elastic modulus, density, damping characteristics) of different bars or sections, the cage can optimize energy dissipation across different impact conditions while maintaining structural support.
2Reliability
If traditional barriers are used to stop vehicle movement, then the barriers prevent vehicles from entering unwanted areas, but much of the impact energy is transferred to the driver and passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The external cage is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to deform and absorb impact energy during collisions. The bars can flex, bend, and deform elastically or plastically depending on the impact force, transforming the rigid barrier concept into a dynamic energy-absorbing structure that maintains vehicle containment while reducing energy transfer to occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The external cage converts the harmful impact energy from collisions into beneficial deformation work. By allowing the bars to deform and absorb energy, the system transforms the harmful kinetic energy that would otherwise be transferred to the driver and passengers into energy dissipated through material deformation, thereby protecting occupants while maintaining barrier effectiveness.
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 flex cells effectively absorb and disperse impact energy, reducing the acceleration and force transmitted to the wearer or object, thereby minimizing the risk of injury and damage.
Implementation Method 1
The flex cage is made from a resilient material that allows deformation of the flex cage when a force is applied to the flex cell. The deformation of the flex cage absorbs at least a portion of the energy from the force applied to flex cell
Implementation Method 2
The flex cage is made from a resilient material that allows deformation of the flex cage when a force is applied to the flex cell
Data Source
AI summary
A flex cell for absorbing energy from an applied force includes a panel attached to a flex cage. The flex cage is made from a resilient material that allows deformation of the flex cage when a force is applied to the flex cell. The flex cell is attachable to a support surface. In some instances, the flex cell is detached from the support surface when sufficient force is applied to the flex cell.