Non-Newtonian Helmet Insert Composition for Stable Impact Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing helmets do not adequately protect against low and high-speed impacts, and traditional EPS foam liners fail to mitigate brain injuries from rotational forces, while non-Newtonian fluid inserts face issues with sedimentation, freezing, and mold formation.

Innovation Solution

A helmet insert comprising a bladder member filled with a non-Newtonian fluid mixture of oil, settling agent, cornstarch, and water in specific ratios, which provides consistent impact absorption across varying speeds and prevents freezing and mold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a non-Newtonian fluid insert is used for impact absorption, then protection against skull fracture and brain injury is improved, but the fluid experiences sedimentation of cornstarch after prolonged periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact absorptionVSAvoidfluid composition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the fluid composition by replacing water with a hydrocarbon-based solvent (such as mineral oil or silicone oil) and adjusting the ratio of cornstarch to oil. This parameter change prevents sedimentation while maintaining the non-Newtonian shear-thickening properties necessary for impact absorption, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and compositional stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite non-Newtonian fluid consisting of cornstarch particles suspended in a hydrocarbon-based solvent rather than water. This composite formulation maintains the desired impact absorption characteristics while eliminating the sedimentation issue, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If water is added to combat sedimentation, then sedimentation is reduced, but the mixture can cause mold or freeze

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid homogeneityVSAvoidmold and freezing

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the base fluid from water to a hydrocarbon solvent (mineral oil or silicone oil), which has different physical properties including resistance to freezing and mold growth. This parameter substitution eliminates the harmful effects of mold and freezing while maintaining fluid homogeneity, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent acknowledges that water provides good homogeneity but causes mold and freezing issues. By switching to hydrocarbon-based solvents, the patent converts a potentially harmful composition into a beneficial one that resists mold and freezing while still achieving the desired homogeneity and non-Newtonian properties, thus resolving the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Strength

If EPS foam liner is used for skull fracture protection, then skull fracture protection is optimized for high-speed impacts, but protection against low-speed impacts and rotational brain injuries is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskull fracture protectionVSAvoidimpact speed range

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a non-Newtonian fluid that dynamically changes its viscosity based on the applied stress. During low-speed impacts, the fluid remains relatively fluid to allow movement and comfort. During high-speed impacts, the fluid undergoes shear-thickening to become rigid and provide protection. This dynamic response resolves the contradiction between optimized high-speed protection and versatility across impact speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the shear-thickening property of the non-Newtonian fluid to change its mechanical parameters (viscosity and stiffness) in response to impact severity. This parameter change allows the same material to provide adequate protection across a wide range of impact speeds, from low-speed rotational forces to high-speed linear impacts, thereby resolving the contradiction between optimized protection and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 helmet insert offers enhanced protection against skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries by maintaining consistent force absorption, extending the fluid's lifespan, and ensuring reliable performance under different impact conditions.

Implementation Method 1

non-Newtonian fluid insert. Cornstarch and water can be combined to create a non-Newtonian fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear thickening: Shear Thickening

Implementation Method 2

this mixture can experience sedimentation of the cornstarch after prolonged periods of little or no agitation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSedimentation prevention: Sedimentation

Data Source

PatentUS12532935B2Non-Newtonian helmet insert

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 MCHUGH BENJAMIN

AI summary

A helmet insert, comprising a bladder member and a non-Newtonian fluid disposed within the bladder member. The non-Newtonian fluid has an oil, a settling agent, cornstarch, and water in a preselected ratio. The ratio of the oil, the settling agent, the cornstarch and the water is in a weight range between 50-75% oil, 1-10% settling agent, 15-30% cornstarch, and 1-20% water.