Helmet Inner Outer Shell Spring System Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmets are inadequate in reducing brain trauma caused by impact forces, as they do not effectively absorb and distribute forces to minimize head injury.
Innovation Solution
The helmet design features an inner and outer shell with resilient thermoplastic polymer materials, coupled with a system of springs and pads to absorb and distribute impact forces, including a grate, cylinders, rods, and springs to further reduce force transfer, and silicone pads for additional cushioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional single-shell helmet design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but impact force absorption is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet is divided into multiple functional components: outer shell, inner shell, springs, and pads. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function in the impact absorption process, transforming a single rigid structure into a multi-stage energy dissipation system that effectively reduces brain trauma while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet combines different materials with complementary properties: resilient thermoplastic polymer for the shells (providing structural integrity and elasticity), metal springs (providing mechanical energy storage and release), and silicone pads (providing additional cushioning). This composite approach creates a synergistic system that absorbs and distributes impact forces more effectively than any single material could alone
2Strength
If rigid helmet shell is used, then structural strength is high, but force transfer to head is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet shells are made from resilient thermoplastic polymer that combines structural strength with flexibility. This material allows the shells to deform elastically during impact, absorbing energy while maintaining overall structural integrity, thereby reducing the peak force transferred to the head compared to a completely rigid shell
Solution Approach 2:
The springs and silicone pads act as intermediary elements between the outer shell and the inner shell/head. These intermediaries absorb and dissipate impact energy through deformation and elastic recovery, preventing direct force transmission from the outer shell to the head while the shells themselves maintain their structural strength
3Force
If multiple spring systems are added, then force distribution improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system is segmented into multiple individual springs distributed between the inner and outer shells. This segmentation allows force to be distributed across multiple independent elements, preventing stress concentration and improving overall force distribution. The modular nature of individual springs also makes the complex system more manageable in terms of assembly and maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The spring system is combined with the shell structure and padding in an integrated manner. The springs are positioned within the helmet structure and work in conjunction with the resilient shells and silicone pads to create a unified force distribution system, reducing the need for additional separate components and simplifying the overall device architecture
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 design significantly reduces the transfer of impact forces to the head, thereby minimizing brain trauma and providing enhanced protection during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
Each first spring is coupled to and extends between the inner shell and the outer shell. The first springs are configured to reduce transfer to the inner shell of a force applied to the outer shell.
Implementation Method 2
The outer shell and the inner shell comprise thermoplastic polymer so that the outer shell and the inner shell are resiliently deformable.
Implementation Method 3
silicone pads for additional cushioning
Data Source
AI summary
An impact-absorbing helmet for reducing brain trauma includes an inner shell and an outer shell. The inner shell has a bottom and a front that are open. The bottom is configured to insert a head of a user, positioning the front proximate to a face of the user. The outer shell is complementary to and positioned around the inner shell. The outer shell has an edge that is coupled to a rim of the inner shell so that the inner shell and the outer shell define an interior space. A plurality of first springs is positioned in the interior space. Each first spring is coupled to and extends between the inner shell and the outer shell. The first springs are configured to reduce transfer to the inner shell of a force applied to the outer shell.