Helmet Retainer Structure for Secure Cellular Impact Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmets with cellular energy-absorbing structures fail to provide a firm connection between the shell and inserts during impacts, especially oblique impacts, leading to potential disconnection and reduced ventilation, while also being costly and complex to construct.
Innovation Solution
A helmet design featuring retainers that cross cellular energy-absorbing inserts from side to side, fixed to the shell at opposing sides, ensuring stable attachment and allowing vents to remain unobstructed, combined with deformable materials and low-friction layers to enhance impact absorption and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a helmet liner is designed to be removable and washable, then hygiene and maintenance are improved, but the structural integrity and fit may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet liner is divided into multiple separate washable components (front panel, rear panel, ear covers, cheek pads) that can be removed and washed independently, while the foam padding remains integrated to maintain structural integrity. This segmentation allows easy maintenance of fabric parts without compromising the overall liner structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The washable fabric components are designed to be nested within or attached to the foam padding structure. The fabric panels can be inserted into pockets or attached to the foam core, allowing them to be removed for washing while maintaining their positional relationship and the overall liner integrity when reassembled.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are integrated into the helmet liner, then functionality and comfort are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet liner integrates multiple functions into a single assembly: impact absorption (foam padding), hygiene (washable fabric covers), ventilation (mesh panels), and comfort adjustment (adjustable straps and padding). This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified design where all components work together as one integrated system rather than separate add-ons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the foam padding, fabric covers, mesh ventilation panels, and adjustment mechanisms into a single integrated liner assembly. The fabric components are permanently attached to the foam structure, creating a unified unit that provides multiple functions simultaneously while simplifying installation and removal as one complete liner unit.
3Reliability
If the helmet uses a six-point harness system, then safety and head positioning are improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The harness adjustment mechanisms are extracted and integrated into the liner itself rather than the helmet shell. The six-point harness system is built into the liner structure with adjustment features accessible from inside the helmet, allowing the user to adjust straps without removing the entire harness system or dealing with complex external mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The harness system is designed with self-adjusting features including quick-release buckles and sliding adjusters that allow the user to easily modify the fit without assistance. The liner integrates the attachment points and routing channels, enabling the harness to self-align and simplify the donning and adjustment process.
Data Source
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AI summary
Helmet (1) comprising: a shell (2); one or more inserts (3) of a cellular energy-absorbing material; one or more retainers (4) crossing the one or more inserts (3) from side to side and fixed to the shell (2) at opposing sides of each insert (3) for constraining it to the shell (2), the one or more retainers (4) are shaped so laterally and inwardly trap the one or more inserts (3).