Helmet Shock Absorber Using Non-Newtonian Fluid for Tangential Impacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock-absorbing devices for helmets are ineffective in dissipating and absorbing tangential impacts, and they are not reversible, failing to return to their original form after an impact.
Innovation Solution
A hermetically closed container filled with a shock-absorbing fluid and an interference element that moves within the fluid, generating shear and compression stresses in any direction, allowing the device to absorb energy from impacts, with a non-Newtonian fluid being the preferred choice for effective energy dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a flat and thin layer of liquid is used in the helmet, then the device structure is simple, but it is not able to absorb and dissipate the energy of tangential impacts effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a flat, two-dimensional liquid layer to a three-dimensional volume by enclosing the liquid in a container with the interference element extending into it. This dimensional change allows the liquid to absorb and dissipate impact energy more effectively throughout a larger volume, particularly for tangential impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the shock-absorbing medium by using a non-Newtonian fluid whose viscosity varies with shear rate. This parameter change enables the fluid to provide different levels of resistance depending on the intensity and type of impact, significantly improving energy dissipation capability.
2Reliability
If known shock-absorbing devices are used, then they provide some cushioning, but they are not reversible and do not return to their original form after impact
Solution Approach 1:
The non-Newtonian fluid in the container provides self-service by automatically returning to its original state after impact without external intervention. The fluid's rheological properties enable it to dissipate impact energy and then naturally recover, allowing the helmet to be reused after impacts without replacing the shock-absorbing medium.
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 energy from impacts in any direction, including tangential ones, providing improved protection by using a non-Newtonian fluid that absorbs energy through shear and compression stresses, and is designed to be reversible.
Implementation Method 1
the non-Newtonian shock-absorbing fluid, which absorbs part of the energy caused by the movement of the interference element, that is, the impact suffered
Implementation Method 2
generates shear and compression stresses in any direction it moves
Implementation Method 3
generates shear and compression stresses in any direction it moves
Implementation Method 4
a hermetically closed container filled with a shock-absorbing fluid and an interference element partly inserted inside the container in a mobile way
Data Source
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.