Military Helmet Neck Shield Extension with Flexible Straps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern military helmets provide inadequate protection for the sides and nape of the neck, limiting head mobility and exposing the wearer to potential injuries from ballistic impacts, as existing extensions either hinder movement or offer insufficient protection.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped, rigid helmet extension made of Kevlar-based composite material, coupled to the helmet with flexible high-tensile strength straps, allows for free head movement while providing additional ballistic protection by overlapping the helmet rim and extending downwardly to cover the neck, with ridges on the interior surface to dissipate impact energy and prevent inward movement during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the helmet is extended to provide greater neck protection, then ballistic protection is improved, but head mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The extension is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on head movement. The extension can tilt upward when the head tilts back and retract when the head moves to the side, providing ballistic protection when needed while maintaining mobility when required
Solution Approach 2:
The extension is divided into multiple segments or sections that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows different portions of the extension to respond differently to various head movements, providing both protection and mobility benefits
2Ease of operation
If the extension is made extremely flexible to allow head movement, then head mobility is improved, but ballistic protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the extension have different flexibility characteristics. The upper portion near the helmet body is more rigid to provide ballistic protection, while the lower portion is more flexible to allow head movement. This gradient in rigidity allows the extension to simultaneously provide protection and mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The extension is constructed from composite materials that combine rigid and flexible properties within the same structure. This allows the extension to be rigid enough to deflect ballistic projectiles while remaining flexible enough to move with head movements without causing injury
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the extension is made rigid to improve ballistic protection, then ballistic protection is improved, but head mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The extension incorporates dynamic elements such as hinges, joints, or flexible connections that allow a rigid structure to move in response to head movements. This enables the rigid extension to provide ballistic protection while still permitting necessary head mobility through controlled movement mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the present invention, a military helmet incorporating a neck shield extension is described. The neck shield extension is coupled to the body of the helmet using a plurality of elongated flexible straps. Accordingly, the neck extension moves upwardly whenever the wearer tilts his/her head back or to the side so that the wearer's head mobility is not hindered. The straps are comprised of a material having both a high tensile strength and tensile modulus that helps firmly hold the extension in place relative to the helmet when the extension is impacted with a ballistic projectile or other shrapnel.