Helmet Tilt Resistor for Neck Injury Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries continue to occur despite the use of protective helmets in sports and other activities, as existing helmets are not effective in mitigating the forces transmitted to the cranial structures during impacts, and neck injuries can be exacerbated by helmet movement.
Innovation Solution
A helmet and shoulder pad system that includes a tilt resistor and rotation resistor to limit helmet motion, reducing acceleration and forces experienced by the head and neck, featuring a lock wheel mechanism with a sensor ball and claw to prevent excessive tilting and rotation, and adjustable stops to manage safe motion ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional helmets with padding and absorbing layers are used, then some force absorption is achieved, but concussions and traumatic brain injuries still occur due to insufficient mitigation of forces transmitted to cranial structures
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet system incorporates dynamic restriction mechanisms including a tilt resistor that selectively resists tilting motion when acceleration exceeds a threshold, and a rotation resistor that limits rotational movement. These dynamic components adjust their resistance based on real-time acceleration conditions, transitioning from permissive to restrictive mode during high-impact events to control head motion and reduce forces transmitted to the brain.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the motion parameters of the helmet relative to the head by introducing restriction mechanisms that modify tilting and rotational angles. The tilt resistor and rotation resistor alter the degrees of freedom of the helmet-head system, converting unrestricted motion into controlled motion within safe parameters during impact events.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the helmet is made more restrictive to limit head motion, then acceleration and forces are reduced, but normal head movement and neck flexibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction mechanisms are designed to be dynamically activated only when necessary. The tilt resistor and rotation resistor remain in a permissive state during normal movement, allowing natural head motion. During high-impact events with excessive acceleration, the same mechanisms automatically engage to restrict motion, providing protection only when needed rather than continuously limiting movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary restriction only when acceleration thresholds indicate impending harm. The accelerometer continuously monitors conditions, and the restriction mechanisms are activated in advance of significant injury by detecting excessive acceleration patterns, thereby preventing harm while maintaining normal movement during safe conditions.
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
Significantly reduces the acceleration and forces experienced by the head and neck during impacts, thereby decreasing the likelihood of concussions and other head/neck injuries by immobilizing the head and neck during high acceleration events.
Implementation Method 1
When acceleration above this threshold level is encountered, the tilt resistor locks the helmet to the shoulder pads so that tilt of the helmet relative to the shoulder pads is prevented
Implementation Method 2
A bearing is provided which allows free tilting unless excessive acceleration is sensed
Data Source
AI summary
A tilt resistor is interposed between shoulder pads or other torso support structures and a helmet. The helmet is coupled to one side of the tilt resistor and the torso support is coupled to another side of the tilt resistor. The tilt resistor acts as a pivot joint allowing the helmet to tilt about a horizontal lateral axis relative to the torso support. An acceleration sensor associated with the tilt resistor locks the tilt resistor so that the helmet stops tilting when tilting acceleration sensed by the accelerometer is greater than a desired maximum amount. The tilt resistor is coupled to the torso support, preferably through a collar, which allows rotation of the tilt resistor about a vertical axis. Stops are provided to limit both rotation about a vertical axis and tilting motion within limited ranges that are preferably adjustable.