Helmet Leaf Spring Impact Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head protection equipment, such as helmets, fail to effectively mitigate the impact of routine hits in contact sports, leading to potential long-term brain injuries like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), as they either increase axial loading forces or bulk up the helmet, making it unwieldy and interfering with athletic movements.
Innovation Solution
The use of leaf springs integrated into the helmet design to dissipate impact forces, providing a resilient and lightweight solution that increases the distance for force absorption and maintains the helmet's aesthetic appeal and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If soft-shell covers are used to cushion the head from impact, then the overall force of a hit is reduced, but axial loading forces increase and momentum transfers to the spinal cord
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from soft/compliant to hard/rigid for the helmet shell. This rigid shell prevents the shell from giving in on impact, thereby maintaining the ability to glance off impacts rather than transferring momentum to the spinal cord, while still protecting against axial loading forces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials combining a rigid outer shell with an inner cushioning system. The rigid shell (polycarbonate, polyethylene, or composite materials) provides structural integrity and glancing capability, while the inner cushioning material absorbs impact forces without increasing axial loading
2Force
If shock strips are added as cushions to impacts, then impact cushioning is provided, but the glancing effect of helmets is reduced and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cushioning function directly into the helmet shell structure itself. The cushioning material is integrated within the shell or as an inner liner, eliminating the need for separate shock strips attachments. This integration maintains the glancing effect while providing impact cushioning, and reduces device complexity by combining multiple functions into a unified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet shell is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural integrity, enabling glancing off impacts, and cushioning impact forces. The integrated cushioning system serves both protective and structural roles, reducing the need for additional separate components
3Force
If thicker cushioning layers are added to reduce impact force, then force absorption is improved, but helmet bulk increases and interferes with athletic movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin film or layer cushioning materials that provide effective force absorption without adding significant bulk. The cushioning layers are designed to be thin yet highly effective at dissipating impact forces through their material properties rather than thickness, maintaining helmet sleekness and athletic mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the density and material properties of the cushioning layers rather than increasing thickness. By using materials with optimized density and energy absorption characteristics, the helmet achieves effective force absorption with minimal added volume, preventing interference with athletic movements
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 leaf spring system effectively reduces the impact force on the head by increasing the distance for force absorption, minimizing the risk of long-term brain injuries while maintaining the helmet's functionality and comfort during athletic activities.
Implementation Method 1
a leaf spring coupled with the shell portion and configured to dissipate forces on the shell portion
Data Source
AI summary
A device for fixing to a helmet is described. The helmet includes a shell portion configured to receive a user's head, and the device includes a leaf spring for coupling to the shell portion and configured to dissipate impact forces. A helmet including such device is further described.