Composite Helmet Liner Mitigating Blast Shockwave Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current combat helmets fail to provide adequate protection against concussive and blast forces, which can cause Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), as they lack effective mechanisms for ballistic energy dissipation and are not designed to mitigate shockwave energy within the necessary time frame.
Innovation Solution
A protective liner composed of multiple layers, including a shear thickening fluid (STF)-impregnated rubber outer layer, a soft polyurethane foam inner layer, and an intermediate polyethylene plastic layer, designed to absorb and dissipate blast shockwave energy effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel is used for combat helmet, then puncture resistance is improved, but energy absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining steel outer shell with energy-absorbing materials (foam, rubber, or viscoelastic polymer) in an inner layer. This composite design allows the steel to provide puncture resistance while the inner materials absorb impact energy, resolving the contradiction between strength and energy absorption capability.
2Strength
If steel helmet thickness is increased, then ballistic protection is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces solid steel construction with a composite design where a thinner steel shell works in conjunction with lightweight energy-absorbing materials. This achieves adequate ballistic protection without the excessive weight of a thicker solid steel helmet, as the inner foam/rubber/viscoelastic layer provides both protection and weight reduction.
3Strength
If traditional combat helmet design is used, then ballistic impact protection is provided, but concussive and blast force protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the traditional helmet design by changing the material parameters of the inner lining from hard protective materials to soft energy-absorbing materials (foam, rubber, or viscoelastic polymer). This parameter change enables the helmet to absorb and dissipate concussive and blast forces while maintaining ballistic impact protection through the outer shell.
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 layered composite material achieves significant attenuation of blast shockwave energy, reducing the risk of TBIs by dissipating at least 62% of an incident blast shockwave impulse, and providing enhanced wear comfort and full coverage of the protected area.
Implementation Method 1
a shear thickening fluid (STF)-impregnated rubber outer layer
Implementation Method 2
a soft polyurethane foam inner layer
Data Source
AI summary
A composite material for mitigating blast shockwave energy, comprising a rubber compound layer impregnated with a shear thickening fluid. The layered composite material comprises a first layer of soft foam, a second layer of hard foam, a third layer of thermoset or thermoplastic compound, and a fourth layer of the rubber compound. The layered composite material does not comprise any fibers or yarns. The layers are bound together and have a total height of less than 0.85 inches. It attenuates up to 80% of an incident blast shockwave impulse and up to 61% of an incident blast shockwave pressure for an incident blast shockwave of 50 psi. A helmet liner made of the layered composite material and capable of fitting a helmet such there are no gaps between the user's head and the helmet during use. The helmet liner may be a flat headband that folds into a helmet's edges.