Helmet Interior Fitting with Elastic Cage for Shock Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective helmets transmit external forces directly to the wearer's head due to the limited shock absorption capability of traditional interior fittings, such as crossed straps, which also serve to retain the helmet firmly on the head.

Innovation Solution

A supporting cage made of stiff, elastically flexible material with obliquely protruding support arms in temple and back areas for a three-point attachment to the helmet shell, combining shock absorption and support functions, and featuring a design that allows for improved ventilation and a comfortable fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional crossed straps are used to retain the helmet firmly on the head, then the helmet retention is improved, but the shock absorption capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehelmet retentionVSAvoidshock absorption capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The interior fitting is segmented into multiple functional components: a supporting cage made of stiff material for structural support and shock absorption, and flexible headband/neckband elements for retention. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its primary function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting cage is made from material with specific mechanical parameters (stiffness, elasticity) that differ from traditional strap materials. The cage's elastic flexibility parameter allows it to deform under impact while maintaining structural integrity, providing shock absorption that crossed straps cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the supporting cage is made of stiff material, then the shock absorption capability is improved, but the adaptability to different head sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock absorption capabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different head sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The interior fitting combines stiff shock-absorbing material for the supporting cage with flexible, adjustable materials for the headband and neckband. This composite approach allows the rigid cage to provide shock absorption while the flexible components adapt to different head sizes and shapes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The headband and neckband are designed as dynamic, adjustable components that can be modified to fit different head sizes. This dynamic adjustability compensates for the fixed, stiff structure of the supporting cage, maintaining adaptability while preserving shock absorption capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the interior fittings are designed for firm retention, then the helmet stability is improved, but the ventilation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehelmet stabilityVSAvoidventilation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The interior fitting is segmented into a rigid supporting cage structure and flexible retention bands, allowing the cage to provide structural stability and shock absorption while the flexible bands can be configured to allow ventilation channels, thus resolving the conflict between stability and ventilation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enhances the overall shock absorption capability of the helmet, reducing the force transmitted to the wearer's head by allowing the helmet shell to deform internally under external pressure, thereby improving safety and comfort.

Implementation Method 1

The supporting cage is made of a stiff, elastically flexible material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

enhances the overall shock absorption capability of the helmet, reducing the force transmitted to the wearer's head by allowing the helmet shell to deform internally under external pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS9526288B2Interior fitting for a protective helmet, in particular for forestry workers
Publication Date: 2016.12.27 PFANNER SCHUTZBEKLEIDUNG
  • US9526288B2 patent drawing
  • US9526288B2 patent drawing
  • US9526288B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An interior fitting subassembly is described at least consisting of a supporting cage, a head band and a neck band for a protective helmet. Three support arms serve to fasten the subassembly on a helmet shell with a spacing. Although the support arms conduct a force acting on the helmet into the supporting cage said support arms endeavour to deform the helmet shell. The helmet therefore has an improved shock absorption capability. In addition, the support arms create a clearance between the interior fitting subassembly and the helmet shell or receiving ear protection capsules and supporting brackets of an ear protection and other helmet accessories.