Helmet Inner Cap Padding with Temporal Relief Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety helmets cause discomfort and potential growth deformities due to pressure on the temporal and masseter areas, disrupting proprioceptive and exteroceptive functions, and cranial respiration, and can inhibit muscle contraction and jaw growth.
Innovation Solution
The inner cap padding is designed with strategically removed material areas corresponding to the temporal, masseter, and nape regions, allowing the semi-rigid shell to cover these areas without direct contact, ensuring proper muscle contraction and cranial expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the padding is made to fit closely to the head to prevent helmet slippage, then the helmet stability is improved, but pressure is exerted on the temporal and masseter areas causing discomfort and disrupting proprioceptive and exteroceptive functions
Solution Approach 1:
The padding is designed with differentiated local properties: it provides close contact and support in most areas of the head while specifically excluding contact with the temporal and masseter regions. This localized variation in padding presence allows the helmet to remain stable without exerting harmful pressure on sensitive areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Material is strategically removed from the padding in the temporal and masseter areas, creating relief zones. This extraction of padding material eliminates the source of harmful pressure while preserving the overall fit and stability of the helmet through the remaining padding structure.
2Force
If the padding compresses the temporal area to provide support, then the helmet support function is improved, but the Golgi tendon organs are activated causing involuntary relaxation of muscles and reducing safety
Solution Approach 1:
Padding material is removed from the temporal and masseter areas to prevent compression of these regions. This extraction eliminates the activating stimulus for Golgi tendon organs, thereby preventing involuntary muscle relaxation and maintaining optimal muscle contraction force for safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The padding design incorporates localized relief zones in the temporal and masseter areas where no contact pressure is applied. This local modification prevents harmful physiological responses while maintaining support functions in other regions of the head.
3Strength
If the padding applies pressure on the temporal area during growth age, then the helmet provides adequate protection, but it may influence or alter the person's growth causing deformations of the jaw
Solution Approach 1:
Padding material is strategically removed from areas that may interfere with growth, specifically the temporal and masseter regions. This creates pressure-free zones that allow normal growth and development while the remaining padding structure maintains protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The padding design applies the principle of local quality by having different contact characteristics in different regions: full contact in protective areas and no contact in growth-sensitive areas. This allows the helmet to provide protection without causing growth deformations.
4Strength
If the padding compresses the temporal area, then the helmet provides structural support, but primary cranial respiration is disturbed due to restricted skull expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
Padding material is removed from the temporal areas to create relief zones that allow the skull to expand and contract freely during primary cranial respiration. This extraction eliminates the restriction on cranial breathing while the remaining padding maintains structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The padding design incorporates local relief zones in the temporal regions where skull expansion and contraction occur during cranial respiration. These localized modifications allow breathing motion while maintaining overall structural support from the remaining padding.
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
This design enhances muscle contraction force, promotes healthy jaw and skull growth, and maintains primary cranial respiration, thereby improving safety and physical performance.
Implementation Method 1
The padding, made of resilient material, for example sponge rubber, must fit closely to the head of the person wearing the helmet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Described is a padding (4) of the inner cap of a protective helmet, which has material removed in its areas (6) corresponding to the temporal muscles (MT), defined by through holes (9).