Motorsports Helmet Isolation Mount for Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Motorcyclists face impaired hearing and increased fatigue due to high noise levels from engine and wind noise, which existing helmets fail to adequately address, as they primarily rely on sound suppression rather than vibration isolation, leading to continued noise transmission through vibrational coupling.

Innovation Solution

A motorcycle helmet design featuring an isolation mount with a receptacle and adjustment plate, coupled with a vibration-dampening material, decouples the ear-cup from the helmet shell, allowing for adjustable positioning and reducing noise transmission through vibration isolation, combined with an optional active noise cancellation system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If sound deadening material or earplugs are used to reduce noise, then noise levels are reduced, but the motorcyclist's hearing is impaired such that they cannot hear other cars, people, sirens, etc.

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise levelsVSAvoidhearing ability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The helmet audio system segments the audio spectrum by providing selective noise reduction. The active noise cancellation targets low-frequency engine noises while allowing high-frequency environmental sounds to pass through, effectively separating harmful noise from important auditory information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different noise reduction characteristics to different audio frequencies. Low-frequency engine noises receive active cancellation treatment, while high-frequency sounds maintain their transmission properties, creating localized quality differences in the audio processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If traditional helmets are used, then the motorcyclist is protected, but noise levels exceed 100 dB which increases fatigue and impairs reaction times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety protectionVSAvoidnoise levels

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The active noise cancellation system acts as an intermediary between the external noise environment and the motorcyclist's ear. It processes and modifies the audio signals before they reach the ear, reducing harmful noise levels while maintaining safety protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces passive mechanical noise reduction (sound deadening material, earplugs) with an active electronic system that uses microphones, processors, and speakers to dynamically cancel noise, substituting mechanical approaches with electronic signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If high intensity noise is exposed to the motorcyclist over long periods, then the motorcyclist can hear environmental sounds, but long-term consequences on hearing ability occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehearing functionVSAvoidexposure duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The active noise cancellation system continuously monitors the noise environment through microphones and adjusts its cancellation signals in real-time feedback, maintaining optimal noise reduction over extended periods without compromising hearing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the audio parameters by adjusting the level and characteristics of noise cancellation based on the operating conditions, allowing the motorcyclist to maintain hearing function during long exposure periods.

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

Effectively reduces perceived noise levels without impairing the motorcyclist's ability to hear important sounds, enhancing safety and comfort by isolating vibrations and providing adjustable fit for improved noise reduction.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS8931118B2Motorsports helmet with noise reduction elements

Publication Date: 2015.01.13 HEIN STEVEN A

AI summary

A motorsports helmet having an isolation mount defining a receptacle is provided. An adjustment plate is selectively disposed within the receptacle at different depths and includes an ear-cup. The ear-cup is secured relative to the adjustment plate and includes at least two degrees of freedom of movement.