Sport Helmet Tangential Shock Absorber Rotational Impact Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sport helmets lack effective impact mitigation, particularly in the occipital region, and fail to adequately address rotational and linear impacts, which can lead to concussions.
Innovation Solution
The sport helmet features an outer shell with an inner padding system that includes tangential shock absorbers with shearable members, specifically designed to mitigate rotational and linear impacts by allowing the helmet to rotate relative to the head, thereby reducing the transmission of rotational forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional inner padding is used in the occipital region, then the helmet structure is simple, but the impact mitigation capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The inner padding is divided into multiple independent padding portions (front, rear, left, right, and occipital regions), each with specific structural features tailored to its location. The occipital region padding includes an occipital portion with specific geometric features that engage with the head, separating this critical region from other padding areas to provide specialized impact mitigation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different padding portions are provided with different structural characteristics optimized for their specific locations and impact scenarios. The occipital region padding includes an occipital portion with engagement features specifically designed for the back of the head, while other regions have different configurations, allowing each area to address its specific impact mitigation needs.
2Reliability
If the helmet is designed to prevent head rotation during impact, then linear impact protection is improved, but rotational impact mitigation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet padding system is designed to be deformable under impact forces, allowing the structure to dynamically adjust during impact events. The padding portions compress and deform to accommodate both linear and rotational forces, providing adaptive protection rather than rigid resistance that would exacerbate rotational impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner padding acts as an intermediary layer between the outer shell and the wearer's head, absorbing and distributing impact forces. The padding portions, particularly in the occipital region, are designed to engage with the head and provide a cushioning interface that mitigates both linear and rotational forces before they reach the skull.
3Reliability
If the occipital inner pad is fixed in position, then manufacturing is simplified, but impact protection effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The occipital inner pad is pre-formed with specific engagement features and geometric characteristics during manufacturing that enable it to automatically engage with the occipital region of the head when the helmet is worn. This preliminary configuration ensures proper positioning and impact protection without requiring complex assembly mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The occipital inner pad is designed to self-position and self-adjust within the helmet structure through its engagement features. When the helmet is placed on the head, the occipital portion automatically engages with the occipital region, providing proper alignment and protection without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or complex assembly procedures.
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 helmet effectively reduces rotational and linear acceleration of the wearer's head upon impact, enhancing protection against concussions and improving overall impact resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the shearable member deformable such that the first face is movable relative to the second face in a direction having a radial component relative to an axis normal to the pedestal face
Implementation Method 2
The at least one tangential shock absorber is a bladder and wherein the shearable member is at least one fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A protective sport helmet includes an outer shell, and an inner padding mounted within the outer shell for at least partially covering the wearer's head, the inner padding defining a base face oriented toward the wearer's head and at least one pedestal extending from the base face away from the outer shell, the pedestal defining a pedestal face facing the wearer's head. At least one tangential shock absorber has a first face at least partially covering the pedestal face and a second face opposed the first face and configured for contacting the wearer's head. The tangential shock absorber includes a shearable member that is deformable such that the first face is movable relative to the second face in a direction having a radial component relative to an axis normal to the pedestal face.