Helmet Suspension System for Cervical Load Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Helicopter pilots face significant strain and cervical pathologies due to the weight of helmets and night vision goggles, combined with vibrations, which existing counter-balancing solutions fail to adequately address, particularly in maintaining head balance and allowing for necessary freedom of movement.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising suspension means with a telescopic arm and arched element, connected to the vehicle and helmet, allowing for adjustable balancing and rotation, reducing the effort on cervical muscles by distributing the load and accommodating individual physical characteristics and comfort needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a heavy helmet and night vision goggles are worn for safety and operational requirements, then protection and night vision capability are improved, but the weight on the head-neck system increases causing cervical strain and pathologies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety protectionVSAvoidhelmet weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies counterweight principle by positioning weights at the front of the helmet to balance the rearward weight of night vision goggles and other equipment. This creates a counterbalancing moment that reduces the net torque on the cervical spine, thereby maintaining head stability without compromising the protective function of the helmet or the night vision capability of the goggles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Illumination intensity

If night vision goggles are added to the helmet for night operations, then night vision capability is improved, but the additional weight and protrusion increase stress on the head-neck system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenight vision capabilityVSAvoidnight vision goggle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifically addresses the weight imbalance caused by night vision goggles by introducing adjustable counterweights at the front of the helmet. These counterweights are positioned to create a balancing moment against the rearward weight of the goggles, reducing the cervical load while preserving the enhanced night vision capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustability allowing pilots to modify the counterweight positioning and magnitude based on specific operational requirements and personal comfort needs. This dynamic configuration enables optimization of the head-neck system balance for different night vision goggle models and operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the head is constrained to maintain horizontal position for sustained periods, then operational stability is improved, but cervical muscle fatigue and pathologies increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead position stabilityVSAvoidduration of head fixation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces cervical muscle effort by introducing counterbalancing weights that offset the torque generated by the head-helmet-goggle system. This decreases the isometric force requirement from 25-35 kg to a significantly lower level, enabling sustained head positioning without excessive muscle fatigue or pathology development.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow pilots to optimize the counterbalancing configuration for different operational scenarios and duration requirements, thereby maintaining head stability comfortably over extended periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Force

If existing counter-balancing solutions are used to reduce cervical muscle effort, then some weight compensation is achieved, but they fail to adequately address head balance and freedom of movement requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecervical muscle effortVSAvoidhead freedom of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic counterbalancing system with multiple adjustment parameters including counterweight magnitude, positioning, and distribution. This allows pilots to optimize the balance between cervical load reduction and head mobility requirements for different operational contexts, achieving both force reduction and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by allowing adjustment of counterweight characteristics (mass, position, distribution) to optimize the system performance. This enables adaptation to different helmet-goggle configurations and operational requirements while maintaining adequate head freedom of movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10524528B2System for supporting the head-helmet unit of a passenger inside a vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.01.07 B M A BUIZZA MAZZEI AGENCY

AI summary

A system for lifting the head of an individual in a vehicle who is wearing a helmet, the system comprising suspension means for suspending the helmet and adjustment means for balancing the head of the individual as a function of the center of mass of the head of the individual, of the helmet and of any further equipment.