Helmet Shock Absorber Assembly With Strap-Driven Deformable Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal protective equipment, particularly helmets, lack sufficient impact protection mechanisms that effectively absorb kinetic energy from external impacts without increasing bulkiness or compromising fit.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber assembly with a deformable element and flexible straps that absorb kinetic energy by deforming, reducing the impact force transmitted to the user's head, integrated into helmets and other protective gear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a foam liner is added between the inner shell and suspension to provide additional impact protection, then impact protection is improved, but the helmet becomes bulky and fit is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber assembly is nested within the existing helmet suspension system by integrating it with the crown straps. The deformable element is positioned between the suspension straps and the crown pad, utilizing the existing helmet structure rather than adding external bulk. This nesting approach allows impact protection to be incorporated without significantly increasing helmet volume or compromising fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber uses a deformable element made of flexible material that can compress and deform during impact. This thin, flexible component provides impact absorption without the bulk of traditional foam liners. The flexible nature of the deformable element allows it to integrate seamlessly within the existing helmet structure while maintaining protection effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If traditional suspension systems are used, then the helmet provides basic shock absorption and proper fit, but additional impact protection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber assembly merges the impact protection function with the existing suspension system by integrating the deformable element into the crown straps. The assembly combines the weight distribution and fit functions of the suspension with the impact absorption function of the deformable element, creating a multi-functional component that addresses both ease of operation and reliability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber assembly serves multiple functions: it provides impact protection through the deformable element, maintains proper helmet fit through the strap structure, and distributes weight across the crown. This multi-functionality allows the assembly to improve impact protection without compromising the existing benefits of the suspension system.
3Reliability
If the deformable element is tightly wrapped with straps, then the shock absorption function is activated, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber assembly is designed to be self-activating through the natural tension of the helmet straps. When the helmet is worn, the straps automatically wrap around the deformable element with sufficient tension to engage the shock absorption function. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional activation systems, sensors, or complex control mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring reliability.
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
Provides a space-saving solution for enhanced impact protection by absorbing kinetic energy through deformation, improving safety without bulkiness and maintaining a secure fit.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable element exhibiting a mechanical resistance against deformation... pulling the free end portions away from each other deforms the deformable element... the kinetic energy is introduced to the personal protective equipment and is further being transmitted to the straps... the impact of the falling object onto the personal protective equipment causes pulling away of the free end portions of the straps. The kinetic energy would normally be transmitted to the user's or worker's head... With the shock absorber according to the present disclosure, this energy is being absorbed by the deformation of the deformable element
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber assembly (10, 10′, 10″) for a personal protective equipment and a deformable element (10a, 10a′, 10a″) for such a shock absorber assembly (10, 10′, 10″). The shock absorber assembly (10, 10′, 10″) comprises a deformable element; (10a, 10a′, 10a″) exhibiting a mechanical resistance against deformation and a flexible strap (16, 17) comprising a middle portion (16b) and two free end portions (16a) facing away from each other. The middle portion (16b) is tightly wrapped around the deformable element (10a, 10a′, 10a″) such that pulling the free end portions (16a) away from each other deforms the deformable element (10a, 10a′, 10a″). A protective helmet (100), a welding helmet (200), a face shield (400) or a respiratory device (300) comprising a hard shell (110, 210, 310, 410) and a shock absorber assembly (10, 10′, 10″) according to the present disclosure, wherein the hard shell (110, 210, 310, 410) of the protective helmet (100) comprises attachment means (130) for connecting the strap (16, 17) of the shock absorber assembly (10, 10′, 10″) to the hard shell (110, 210, 310, 410).