Helmet Pouches for Impact Detection and Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective helmets lack effective systems for detecting, locating, and mitigating concussive impact forces, which can lead to inadequate alerting of wearers and others about potential concussion injuries, increasing the risk of serious head and brain injuries.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a base with pouches on its outer surface that absorb impact forces, provide an indication when the force exceeds a concussion-indicating level, and transmit data on impact direction and magnitude to an external device, using a processor, accelerometer, and transmitter to alert others and prevent further injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing protective helmets use traditional shock-absorbing inner liners, then some impact force is absorbed, but the ability to detect, locate and provide real-time alerting of concussive impacts is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (impact absorption, detection, location, and alerting) into a single integrated helmet system. The inner liner incorporates both shock-absorbing materials and embedded sensors, merging protective and diagnostic functions into one unified device that reliably detects and communicates concussive impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it absorbs impact forces through the inner liner, detects impact magnitude and location via embedded sensors, transmits location data to external devices, and provides real-time alerting. This multi-functional approach enhances reliability without requiring separate standalone systems.
2Loss of information
If existing protective helmets lack impact detection systems, then the helmet structure remains simple, but the ability to alert wearers and others of potential concussion injuries is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system that bridges the helmet and external devices (smartphones, tablets, or computer monitors). Sensors embedded in the helmet detect impact information and transmit it through wireless communication to external displays, enabling real-time alerting without requiring complex internal processing within the helmet itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical impact indicators with electronic sensors and wireless communication systems. Instead of relying on mechanical deformation or visual cues that require physical inspection, the system uses electronic accelerometers and transmitters to automatically detect, locate, and communicate impact information digitally.
3Measurement precision
If existing protective helmets do not provide impact location data, then the device structure remains simpler, but the precision of injury assessment and medical response is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inner liner into multiple discrete impactor elements, each equipped with its own sensor. This segmentation allows the system to precisely locate impacts by identifying which specific element experienced the force, providing detailed spatial information about impact location and magnitude without requiring complex continuous sensing systems.
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 system effectively detects and mitigates concussive impact forces by providing real-time alerts and data for medical attention, reducing the risk of second impact syndrome and improving diagnostic and treatment protocols for head injuries.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of pouches are configured to absorb at least a portion of an impact force directed towards the outer surface of the base
Implementation Method 2
an accelerometer coupled to the base and communicatively coupled to the processor, the accelerometer configured to measure a direction and the magnitude of the impact force
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for detecting, locating and mitigating impact forces directed towards a person's head are described herein. The systems include devices for wearing on a wearer's head. The devices include a base configured to conform to the wearer's head and retain a plurality of pouches on an outer surface of the base. The plurality of pouches are configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact force directed towards the outer surface of the base, provide an indication when the impact force directed towards the outer surface of the base has a magnitude exceeding a concussion-indicating level of force, and provide a location of impact when the impact force directed towards the outer surface of the base has a magnitude exceeding the concussion-indicating level of force.