Inflatable Protective Collar with Dual-Chamber Airbag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bicycle helmets do not adequately protect the jaw, back of the head, neck, and ears, and fail to absorb collision forces optimally, being bulky, impractical, and unflattering, with most users not wearing them due to these drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
A protective collar with an integrated airbag system that inflates in 100 ms upon abnormal movement, featuring a first part for the neck and back and a second part for the skull, with a hybrid inflator, sensors for activation, and a design that is ergonomic, stylish, and easy to wear, similar to a scarf.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional helmets are used, then head protection is provided, but the helmet does not protect the jaw, back of the head, neck and ears, and does not absorb collision forces optimally
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is divided into multiple airbag chambers (first chamber for skull, second chamber for jaw, third chamber for back of head) that inflate independently to provide comprehensive protection across different body regions, addressing the inadequate coverage of traditional single-structure helmets
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic inflatable structure that adapts its shape and volume in response to collision forces, optimizing force absorption and protection coverage at the moment of impact
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional helmets are used, then head protection is provided, but the helmet is bulky and unpractical to bring with you when not biking
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag chambers are folded and nested within the helmet shell in a compact configuration, allowing the helmet to maintain a small, portable form factor when not in use while containing the full protective structure needed for impact protection
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet employs a dynamic transformation from a compact folded state during normal use to a fully inflated protective state during impact, eliminating the need for a permanently bulky structure while maintaining comprehensive protection capability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional helmets are used, then head protection is provided, but the helmet is hard and cold, making it difficult to wear with a cap during cold periods
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag chambers are constructed from flexible textile materials that can conform to the head shape and accommodate additional layers such as caps, replacing the rigid hard shell of traditional helmets while maintaining protective functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet structure dynamically transitions from a rigid form to a flexible inflatable form, allowing it to adapt to different wearing conditions and accommodate headwear like caps during cold periods while still providing impact protection
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
Provides enhanced protection for the head and neck by inflating quickly and efficiently, addressing the limitations of existing helmets in terms of coverage and practicality, while being stylish and user-friendly.
Implementation Method 1
The airbag comprises a first part suitable for surrounding a neck portion and back head portion of a user after inflation; and a second part suitable for forming a hood surrounding a skull of a user after inflation
Implementation Method 2
they do not absorb the force of the collision in an optimal manner since both the cover and the body of the helmet is made of an inelastic hard material
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for protecting the head of a user in case of an abnormal movement, such as a fall or a collision. The system comprises an apparel (1), an airbag (2), an inflator (3), and a trigger. The airbag includes a first part (7) for surrounding the neck and back head portion of the user after inflation, and a second part (8) for forming a hood surrounding the skull of the user after inflation. The first part (7) and second part (8) are folded and arranged in the apparel (1) before inflation. The apparel is arranged around the neck of the user, like for example a collar or a scarf.