Helmet Sliding Interface for Rotational Impact Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmets do not adequately address rotational injuries from oblique impacts, such as concussions and subdural hematomas, due to insufficient reduction of rotational energy transmission to the brain.
Innovation Solution
A helmet design featuring a sliding interface between two components, comprising an outer shell and an inner energy-absorbing layer, with a mixture of olefin polymer and lubricant, allowing tangential movement to dissipate rotational energy through sliding motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-size helmet design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different head sizes and shapes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet is divided into multiple components including an outer shell, energy-absorbing liner, and adjustable attachment device with separate parts. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with simple processes while enabling assembly configurations that adapt to different head sizes and shapes through the movable parts and adjustable attachment device.
2Strength
If a hard outer shell is used, then protection against radial blows is improved, but protection against oblique impacts causing rotational injuries is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet employs a composite structure combining a hard outer shell made of plastic or composite material with an energy-absorbing liner layer. This composite design allows the outer shell to resist radial blows while the liner and sliding interface between components absorb and dissipate rotational energy from oblique impacts, reducing transmission to the brain.
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet incorporates movable parts including a sliding interface between the outer shell and energy-absorbing liner, allowing the components to move relative to each other during impact. This dynamic response enables the helmet to adapt to different impact types, maintaining structural integrity against radial blows while dissipating rotational energy through controlled movement and deformation.
3Device complexity
If traditional helmet structures are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but reduction of rotational energy transmission is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet introduces an energy-absorbing liner as an intermediary layer between the outer shell and the wearer's head. This liner, combined with the sliding interface, acts as a mediator that absorbs and dissipates rotational energy from oblique impacts before it reaches the brain, reducing rotational energy transmission while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
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
Significant reduction in rotational acceleration, potentially up to 90%, thereby minimizing the risk of rotational injuries like concussions and subdural hematomas by effectively dissipating rotational energy.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding interface between an outer shell and an inner energy-absorbing layer. The sliding interface may be provided by a mixture of an olefin polymer and a lubricant
Data Source
Figure 1~3C
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention provides a helmet, comprising first and second components having a sliding interface between them, wherein the sliding interface is provided between respective sliding surfaces of the first and second components, and the first component comprises (a) a mixture of (i) an olefin polymer, (ii) a lubricant, and optionally one or more further agents; or (b) an ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) polymer having a density of ≤ 960 kg/m3, which UHMW polymer is preferably an olefin polymer.