Hinged Helmet and Shoulder Pad Assembly for Impact Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmet devices are inadequate in preventing concussion injuries during athletic activities, as they fail to effectively transfer and absorb impact energy from the helmet to the body, potentially leading to head trauma.
Innovation Solution
A helmet device is hingedly coupled to wearable shoulder pads, allowing impact energy to be transferred into the pads when the helmet is in a closed position, thereby reducing the risk of concussion by distributing the force across the shoulders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the helmet is rigidly fixed to the body, then head protection is improved, but mobility and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet is hingedly coupled to the shoulder pads, allowing it to move dynamically between closed and open positions while maintaining protective function. This dynamic coupling enables the helmet to adapt to different operational states (wearing/removing) without compromising structural integrity during impact events.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism acts as an intermediary between the helmet and shoulder pads, providing a controlled connection that allows rotational movement while maintaining force transfer capability. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by enabling both mobility (opening/closing) and reliable protection (force transfer during impact).
2Reliability
If the helmet is coupled to the shoulder pads, then impact energy transfer is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge provides a simple yet effective dynamic connection that enables impact energy transfer without requiring complex rigid fixation mechanisms. The hinge's rotational capability allows the system to maintain protection function while avoiding the complexity of multi-component rigid coupling systems.
3Reliability
If the helmet covers the head fully, then protection is improved, but accessibility and ventilation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged coupling enables the helmet to transition between closed (protected) and open (accessible) states, dynamically resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility. When closed, full protection is provided; when opened, accessibility and ventilation are restored without requiring removal of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet assembly is segmented into the helmet portion and the shoulder pad portion connected by a hinge. This segmentation allows independent movement of the helmet relative to the shoulder pads, enabling the helmet to be opened for accessibility while maintaining the protective shoulder pad structure in place.
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 solution effectively inhibits concussion injuries by distributing impact energy across the shoulder pads, providing enhanced protection for the user's head during athletic activities.
Implementation Method 1
the helmet is coupled to the shoulder pads when the helmet is positioned in the closed position thereby facilitating the helmet to transfer impact energy into the shoulder pads
Data Source
AI summary
A helmet and shoulder pad assembly for protecting a user from a concussion injury includes a pair of shoulder pads that is wearable on a user's shoulders during athletic activity. A helmet is hingedly coupled to the shoulder pads and the helmet is positionable in a closed position to cover the user's head. The helmet is coupled to the shoulder pads when the helmet is positioned in the closed position thereby facilitating the helmet to transfer impact energy into the shoulder pads. In this way the helmet inhibits the user from suffering a concussion injury. The helmet is positionable in an open position to expose the user's head.