Helmet Shock Absorber Using Non-Newtonian Fluid Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmet shock-absorbing devices are ineffective in dissipating and absorbing tangential impacts and are not reversible, failing to return to their original form after impact.
Innovation Solution
A hermetically closed container filled with a shock-absorbing fluid and an interference element that moves within the fluid, allowing for both shear and compression stresses in any direction, using Newtonian or non-Newtonian fluid, preferably dilating or pseudoplastic, to absorb impact energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a layer of liquid or non-Newtonian fluid is used between internal and external parts of the helmet, then friction prevention and free rotation are enabled, but the device is not effective in dissipating shear stresses and cannot absorb significant impact energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible diaphragm membrane that separates the hermetic chamber into two zones while allowing relative movement between the internal and external parts. This flexible film enables free rotation and movement during impact while the fluid between the diaphragm and chamber wall provides shear stress dissipation through viscous forces, resolving the contradiction between maintaining operational freedom and absorbing impact energy.
2Force
If foam containing non-Newtonian materials is used, then perpendicular compression impacts are absorbed effectively, but shear stresses are not dissipated because foam cells work effectively in compression but not in traction or shearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces foam materials with a hermetic chamber filled with fluid (Newtonian or non-Newtonian). The fluid, positioned between the diaphragm and chamber wall, effectively dissipates shear stresses through viscous forces during tangential impacts, while the compressible nature of the fluid and diaphragm maintains effectiveness in perpendicular compression impacts, thus resolving the limitation of foam materials.
3Reliability
If known shock-absorbing devices are used, then some impact protection is provided, but they are not reversible and cannot return to their original form after impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic system where the diaphragm and fluid work together to provide reversible shock absorption. The flexible diaphragm deforms during impact and returns to its original position when the impact force is removed, and the fluid continuously circulates and redistributes, enabling the device to reset and be ready for subsequent impacts without permanent deformation or damage.
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 device effectively absorbs and dissipates impacts in any direction, including tangential ones, by utilizing the fluid's viscosity changes to dampen the interference element's movement, enhancing energy absorption and allowing for reversible operation.
Implementation Method 1
a hermetically closed container (11) filled with a shock-absorbing fluid (13)... the shock-absorbing fluid (13) absorbs part of the energy caused by the movement of the interference element (14), that is, the impact suffered
Implementation Method 2
the shock-absorbing fluid (13) can be of the Newtonian type, but preferably it is of the non-Newtonian type... the non-Newtonian version of the shock-absorbing fluid can be of any type whatsoever, dilating or pseudoplastic
Data Source
Figure 1~9
Figure 4~10
Figure 11~13
AI summary
The shock-absorbing device (10), particularly intended to be installed in protective devices such as helmets of any type whatsoever, comprises a hermetically closed container (11) containing in turn a non-Newtonian shock-absorbing fluid (13). The invention also concerns a helmet (30) comprising an internal component (31) to be placed resting on the head of a user and an external component (32) located mobile around the internal component (31), and at least one shock-absorbing device inserted between the internal (31) and external (32) components.