Biomimetic Inflatable Helmet Fluid Cavity for Concussion Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current helmets are ineffective in preventing concussion-related injuries in contact sports, as they fail to adequately absorb the impact energy, leading to potential brain damage and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Innovation Solution
A helmet design featuring a shock-absorbing cavity filled with fluid and resilient strands between the outer and inner shells, where compression of the cavity increases fluid friction and reduces the force transferred to the head by altering fluid velocity, mimicking the brain's natural protective mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional padding is added to the inside of the helmet, then skull fracture protection is improved, but concussion protection remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet is divided into functional zones: an outer shell for skull protection, an inner shell with padding, and a fluid-filled cavity with resilient strands for concussion protection. This segmentation allows each layer to address specific protection needs independently.
Solution Approach 2:
A cavity between the inner and outer shells is filled with fluid that can move and compress. The fluid dynamics create variable resistance during impact, absorbing concussion forces through hydraulic damping while maintaining skull protection from the outer shell.
2Loss of energy
If more padding is added to absorb impact, then impact energy absorption is improved, but the helmet complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid in the cavity changes its effective parameters during impact - transitioning from a static fluid to a dynamic damping medium. The resilient strands change from a relaxed state to an engaged state, altering the cavity's mechanical properties in real-time during impact events.
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet combines multiple materials and mechanisms: rigid outer shell material, soft padding material, fluid damping medium, and resilient strand material. This composite approach achieves superior energy absorption without requiring excessive thickness or complexity in any single component.
3Strength
If the helmet structure is made more rigid to prevent skull fracture, then skull protection is improved, but concussion energy dissipation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet is divided into functional zones: an outer shell for skull protection, an inner shell with padding, and a fluid-filled cavity with resilient strands for concussion protection. This segmentation allows each layer to address specific protection needs independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid-filled cavity acts as an intermediary layer between the rigid outer shell and the inner padding. During concussion impacts, this fluid medium absorbs and dissipates energy through compression and fluid movement, protecting the brain while the outer shell maintains skull 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
The helmet effectively reduces the risk of concussion injuries by dissipating impact energy through fluid friction, providing a biomimetic solution that mimics the brain's subarachnoid space and trabeculae, thereby minimizing the force transmitted to the head.
Implementation Method 1
Compression of the cavity pushes fluid through the strands to increase fluid friction and reduce overall velocity of the fluid and thereby an amount of force transferred to the head
Data Source
AI summary
A helmet for protecting the head of a user. The helmet includes an outer shell, an inner shell having padding that contacts the head and a cavity formed between the inner and the outer shells, wherein the cavity is filled with a fluid such as air. The helmet also includes a plurality of resilient strands located in the cavity and affixed between the outer and inner shells, wherein an impact force on the outer shell causes the head to impact the padding with a reaction force that compresses the cavity. Compression of the cavity pushes fluid through the strands to increase fluid friction and alter a velocity of the fluid. This decreases the energy of impact and consequently reduces an amount of force transferred to the head thereby protecting the head from normal and shear force.