Modular Cervical Spine Protection System with Elastic Head-Neck Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protection systems for sports and extreme activities often restrict movement, offer poor wearing comfort, and are not adaptable for everyday use, failing to provide adequate protection for the cervical spine and neck area.
Innovation Solution
A modular body protection system comprising a half-shell helmet, neck support, and elastic connection, allowing for freedom of movement while preventing extreme compression and acceleration, with a back protector option for additional spine protection, designed to be lightweight and versatile for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional protection systems are used, then protection function is provided, but freedom of movement is restricted and wearing comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is divided into separate modular components: a helmet, a neck support with collar element, and a back protector that can be worn independently or in combination. This segmentation allows users to select appropriate protection levels for different activities while maintaining freedom of movement in unprotected areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The neck support incorporates an elastic connection between the helmet and collar element that allows dynamic movement within safe limits. The elastic strap provides continuous protection while accommodating natural head movements, twisting, and pitching motions during normal activities and sports.
2Reliability
If conventional protection systems are used, then protection function is provided, but wearing comfort deteriorates due to large volume and bulk
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the protection system into discrete components (helmet, neck support, back protector), each element can be minimized in size for its specific function. The collar element wraps around the neck in a compact manner, and the back protector can be integrated into clothing, reducing overall system volume compared to bulky conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The neck support utilizes a flexible collar element that conforms to the neck's natural shape and movement. The elastic connection allows the system to flex and move with the user rather than resisting movement, maintaining comfort while providing protection.
3Reliability
If conventional protection systems are used, then protection function is provided, but adaptability across different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The modular protection system is designed to be universally applicable across multiple activities including extreme sports, everyday use, and work environments. Users can wear the components individually or in combination based on activity requirements, and the system can be integrated with various types of clothing and equipment, making it adaptable to diverse applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic connection with controlled play allows the system to adapt to different movement patterns and activity intensities. The same neck support provides appropriate protection whether the user is engaged in high-impact sports or normal daily activities, automatically adjusting to the required level of freedom and protection.
4Reliability
If the neck support covers the neck completely, then impact protection is improved, but freedom of movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic connection between the helmet and collar element provides continuous protection while allowing dynamic movement. The elastic strap maintains contact and protection during normal activities while accommodating natural head movements, twisting, and pitching motions without restricting freedom of movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar element is designed with specific dimensional parameters including a predetermined distance between edges that allows controlled movement. The elastic connection has optimized stretch characteristics that provide protection within normal movement ranges while permitting freedom of movement during normal activities.
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 system provides effective impact protection, stabilizes the cervical spine, and enhances wearing comfort by allowing unhindered movement, making it suitable for both extreme sports and everyday use without compromising freedom of action.
Implementation Method 1
Forward pitching movements are first dampened and finally stopped by the elastic connection between the helmet and the neck support
Implementation Method 2
Backward pitching movements are mechanically limited by a pitch end stop
Implementation Method 3
The introduction or redirection of force takes place exclusively in the back and/or shoulders, where there is sufficient muscle to absorb and dissipate the energy acting on the helmet
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3
AI summary
Modular body protection system (10) designed in particular to protect the cervical vertebrae region and the brain of a user (M), comprising: a helmet (12) which, when worn, covers at least the upper half of the head and the back of the head of the user (M), wherein the helmet (12) comprises a circumferential lower edge (50); a neck support (14) to cover the neck of the user (M); wherein the neck protection (14) comprises an arc-shaped shoulder/back element (40) and a collar element (38), wherein the shoulder/back element (40) is open at the front and further is adapted so as to be supported on the shoulders of the user (M), wherein the collar element (38) is open at the front and is adapted to cover and support the neck of the user (M), wherein the collar element (38) is, preferably rigidly, connected to the shoulder/back element (40), wherein the collar element (38) has an upper edge (52) which is designed to define, together with the bottom edge (50) of the helmet (12), a form fitting nod end-stop in a rear extreme position of the head in the event of a backward directed nodding movement of the head of the user (M); and an elastic connection (24) which connects the helmet (12) in a manually detachable manner to the neck protection (14) and is arranged and designed such that a forward-directed nodding movement (62) of the head is first damped and then stopped in a front extreme position of the head.