Honeycomb Impact Absorption Strips for Sports Helmets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports helmets are inadequate in addressing repetitive micro-traumatic brain injuries caused by multiple head impacts during sports, as they primarily focus on single high-energy impacts and do not effectively absorb and deflect cumulative force over time.
Innovation Solution
A flexible impact absorption and deflection device using a matrix of elastomeric synthetic resin compound materials with interlinked honeycomb air cells is affixed to the exterior of helmets, providing enhanced energy absorption and deflection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hard outer casing is used to protect against penetration impact, then protection against single high-energy impacts is improved, but the helmet generates high impact shock waves that can cause micro-traumatic brain injuries from repetitive impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The impact surface is segmented into multiple independent air cells arranged in a matrix pattern. Each cell acts as an independent shock-absorbing unit, breaking up the transmission of impact forces rather than transmitting a single concentrated shock wave. This segmentation allows the helmet to maintain structural integrity while distributing and dissipating impact energy across multiple zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid impact surface is replaced with a porous structure containing multiple air-filled cells. The air cells provide compressibility and energy absorption capabilities, allowing the material to deform under impact and dissipate kinetic energy through cell collapse and air compression, thereby reducing the transmission of shock waves to the head.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If soft pad material is used to absorb impacts, then shock wave generation is reduced, but protection against penetration impact and single high-energy impacts is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet combines two distinct materials with complementary properties: a rigid or semi-rigid insert material providing structural strength and penetration resistance, and soft pad material providing shock absorption. The rigid insert maintains structural integrity against penetration impacts while the soft material layers absorb and dissipate impact energy, reducing shock wave generation. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by allowing each material to perform its optimal function.
Solution Approach 2:
The soft pad material is nested within or around the rigid insert structure, creating a layered configuration where the soft material absorbs initial impact energy and the rigid insert provides structural support. This nested arrangement allows the softer material to be protected by the rigid structure while still performing its shock-absorbing function.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform material density is used throughout the helmet, then manufacturing is simplified, but the helmet cannot optimize energy absorption for different impact zones and angles
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet employs varying material densities and compositions at different locations to optimize performance for specific impact scenarios. The rigid or semi-rigid insert may have varying thickness or density in different zones, and the soft pad material may be distributed non-uniformly to provide enhanced protection in areas more susceptible to impacts. This local differentiation allows the helmet to address the most common and dangerous impact vectors while maintaining overall structural coherence.
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 significantly reduces the transmission of impact forces to the head by utilizing a combination of softer and harder durometer materials within the honeycomb structure, effectively mitigating both initial and repetitive head impacts, thereby reducing the risk of micro-traumatic brain injuries.
Implementation Method 1
The upper engagement portion has a softer durometer than that chosen for the base support portion to allow for required application deflection while conforming to and maintaining adhesion to a sport helmet
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of hexagonal shaped sealed air cells formed therewithin once the upper engaged portion and the support base portion are bonded together
Implementation Method 3
combining elastomeric synthetic resin compound materials of different performance properties forming inter-conforming matrix of energy absorbing air cells therewithin
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated impact energy absorption system application for enhanced safety performance of sports related protective head gear. A multiplicity of pattern positioned energy shock absorption impact strips of high performance dual elastomeric polyurethane resin of the invention are selectively secured in a pattern orientation on a sports helmet to protect critical vulnerable locations on the exterior thereof. Preformed impact absorption strips are of a composite construction having internalized compartment energy attenuating cells in a repetitive matrix construction for enhanced forced absorption and deflection to the helmet surface to which they are so secured.