Inflatable Helmet Inner Layer for Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports helmets, such as those for cricket, can cause secondary injuries due to impact with the helmet or faceguard, and there is a need for improved designs that minimize such risks while maintaining lightweight and comfortable wear.
Innovation Solution
A helmet with an inflatable inner layer comprising individual cells or pockets made of fluid-impermeable plastics membrane material, combined with high-density and low-density foam layers, which can be inflated for enhanced impact absorption and comfort, and features a pressure relief valve for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid outer shell is used to spread impact forces, then head protection is improved, but the risk of secondary impact injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a compliant inner layer that can deform and absorb impact energy before it reaches the wearer's head. This inner layer acts as a pre-positioned cushion that reduces the transmission of impact forces from the rigid outer shell to the head, thereby preventing secondary impact injuries while maintaining the protective function of the rigid shell.
2Ease of operation
If traditional foam layers are used for impact absorption, then comfort is improved, but the ability to adjust to different head shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using an inflatable inner layer that can change its volume and shape characteristics. The layer can be inflated to different degrees to accommodate different head sizes and shapes, providing dynamic adaptability. This allows the same helmet to comfortably fit various head shapes while maintaining impact absorption properties, overcoming the limitation of fixed foam layers.
3Reliability
If the helmet is designed for secure fit, then protection is improved, but removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating an inflatable layer that can be deflated on demand. When secure fit is needed, the layer is inflated to conform to the head shape and provide a snug fit. When removal is required, the layer can be quickly deflated, reducing the friction and grip between the helmet and head, thereby facilitating easy removal while maintaining secure fit during use.
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 risk of injury from helmet impacts by achieving lower deceleration values during impact tests and providing improved comfort through effective force dissipation and sweat absorption.
Implementation Method 1
The high-density material is intended to absorb the initial impact of the helmet with a ball or other object and will dissipate the impact force
Implementation Method 2
The combination of high-density and low-density layers in such an arrangement provides exceptional protection as measured in terms of deceleration of a simulated cricket ball on impact with the shell of the helmet
Implementation Method 3
The inflation means allows the inflatable element to be inflated and, thus, volumetrically expanded after the helmet has been placed on the wearer's head
Data Source
AI summary
A helmet, especially a cricket or other sports helmet, comprises an outer shell member and, disposed adjacent its inner surface, a layer comprising an inflatable element operatively connected with inflation mechanism. The layer comprising the inflatable element preferably comprises a plurality of individual cells or pockets defined by a fluid-impermeable plastics membrane material, the individual cells or pockets being mutually in communication for pressurization and pressure-release purposes and connected to the inflation mechanism. The cells or pockets may contain impact-absorption or cushioning materials which are preferably porous to allow absorption and desorption of the inflation fluid.