Motorcycle Helmet Movable Aerodynamic Stabilizer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorcycle helmets with static aerodynamic elements fail to provide sufficient stabilization during rapid driving maneuvers, leading to excessive stress on the motorcyclist's musculature, particularly in the neck area.

Innovation Solution

A safety helmet equipped with a movable aerodynamic stabilizing element controlled by sensor elements, such as inertial sensors and actuators, that adjusts its position based on current driving state variables like speed and acceleration to enhance stabilization and airflow management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If static aerodynamic elements are used in the helmet, then the helmet structure remains simple and manufacturing is easier, but the helmet cannot provide sufficient stabilization during rapid maneuvers and cannot adapt to different driving conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to driving conditionsVSAvoidhelmet structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static aerodynamic elements with movable ones that can change position based on driving conditions. The aerodynamic element is coupled with a drive mechanism that adjusts its position in response to sensor inputs detecting maneuvers such as braking, accelerating, or cornering, allowing the helmet to adapt dynamically to different riding scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using sensor elements to detect current driving state variables and feed this information to a control unit, which then actuates the drive mechanism to adjust the aerodynamic element's position. This closed-loop feedback system enables the helmet to respond automatically to changing driving conditions, improving adaptability while managing complexity through automated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If the aerodynamic element is made movable and controlled by sensors and actuators, then the helmet can stabilize the motorcyclist's head during rapid maneuvers, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehead stabilizationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing a system where the aerodynamic element automatically adjusts its own position in response to detected driving maneuvers without requiring manual intervention. The sensor-driven control system enables the element to self-regulate its orientation to provide stabilization during braking, acceleration, or cornering, reducing the need for complex manual control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the position and orientation of the aerodynamic element based on detected driving state variables. The control system adjusts physical parameters such as the element's angular position and spatial orientation in response to sensor data, enabling dynamic stabilization while managing system complexity through parameter-based control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of aerodynamic elements is required, then the helmet structure remains relatively simple, but the motorcyclist's attention is diverted from the road and adjustment cannot occur during rapid maneuvers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic element adjustmentVSAvoidtime for manual adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the aerodynamic element to adjust automatically based on sensor-detect ed maneuvers without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors driving state variables and autonomously actuates the drive mechanism to optimize the element's position, freeing the motorcyclist to focus on the road while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency during rapid maneuvers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the sensor system continuously monitor driving conditions and prepare for upcoming maneuvers. The control system anticipates required adjustments and actuates the aerodynamic element in advance of the maneuver, ensuring optimal positioning is achieved before the motorcyclist needs to react, thereby eliminating manual adjustment delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11166509B2Safety helmet with an aerodynamic stabilizing element
Publication Date: 2021.11.09 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • US11166509B2 patent drawing
  • US11166509B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A safety helmet, in particular a safety helmet for drivers of single-track motorcycles, is provided. The safety helmet includes at least one movable aerodynamic stabilizing element and at least one sensor element for detecting one or more current driving state variables. The aerodynamic stabilizing element is controlled depending on at least one current driving state variable detected by the sensor element. An actuator element for moving the aerodynamic stabilizing element may be provided, and may be controlled by a control unit depending on at least one current driving state variable detected by the sensor element. One or more of the sensor element, actuator element and the controller may be supplied with electrical energy from an energy supply unit.