Helmet Tether Spool System for Rotational Injury Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head and neck restraint systems fail to effectively prevent rotational acceleration or deceleration-induced brain and cervical spine injuries, as they do not detect or mitigate rotational movements, and restrict normal head motion.
Innovation Solution
A system of tethers and spools attached between a helmet and a collar or shoulder reference plate, with sensors to detect dangerous accelerations, which can lock or slow head movement in three rotational planes, allowing unencumbered motion at lower accelerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a head restraint system is implemented to prevent rotational acceleration, then brain and cervical spine injury is reduced, but normal head motion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that adapts its characteristics based on operating conditions. The spool mechanism allows free rotation during normal motion but engages to provide rotational restraint when acceleration exceeds safe thresholds, resolving the contradiction between freedom of motion and injury prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its mechanical parameters (from flexible to rigid restraint) based on the acceleration parameter. During normal conditions, the tether remains loose allowing full range of motion; during dangerous acceleration, the spool mechanism locks or winds the tether to provide rotational constraint, thus protecting against injury while maintaining normal motion freedom
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed strap system is used to restrain head movement, then head position is controlled, but rotational acceleration damage is not prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint function is segmented into two independent components: a fixed strap system for positional stability and a spool-tether mechanism for rotational acceleration protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function effectively, with the spool mechanism specifically addressing rotational forces that the fixed straps cannot prevent
3Reliability
If rotational movement is completely prevented, then brain and cervical spine injury is reduced, but normal head motion is encumbered
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial restraint only when necessary - during dangerous rotational acceleration events. During normal activities, the spool mechanism allows complete freedom of head motion. This partial action approach provides adequate protection against injury while minimizing encumbrance to normal motion, avoiding the need for continuous rigid restraint
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
Effectively reduces the incidence of brain and cervical spine injuries by dampening rotational accelerations while allowing free head motion during normal activities, providing a convenient and widely applicable solution.
Implementation Method 1
A spool is mounted to rotate on an axis that is fixed to the reference plate. A tether is attached to the spool and the helmet. The spool and tether are arranged to dampen acceleration of the head in a crash
Implementation Method 2
An accelerometer may be used to detect an impact or dangerously large accelerations
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention may comprise a helmet worn by a person, with additional elements to dampen, restrain or totally block rotational movement upon the sensing of severe rotational movement of the head. This device prevents serious brain and cervical spine injury by restraining or totally blocking rotational movement of the head in response to severe acceleration/deceleration.