Modular Helmet Liner Segmentation for Precise Fit and Impact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional helmet sizing and fitting methods are inaccurate and cumbersome, often leading to improper fitting, increased force transmission to the wearer's head, and inadequate protection against impact forces, particularly rotational forces, due to the failure to account for the unique shape and size of each wearer's skull.
Innovation Solution
A modular impact liner system with customizable segments and layers, including deformable materials and attachment mechanisms, that can be mixed and matched to fit the wearer's head anatomy, optimizing comfort and impact force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional helmet sizing and fitting methods are used, then the helmet can be manufactured and distributed easily, but the fit is inaccurate and leads to increased force transmission to the wearer's head
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet liner is divided into multiple removable and reconfigurable segments or layers that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows precise customization of the liner's thickness and configuration in different regions of the helmet, enabling accurate fit for various head shapes and sizes without requiring completely different helmet shells.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow the liner to be dynamically modified after helmet manufacture. Users can add, remove, or reposition liner segments based on their specific head anatomy, transforming a static helmet into a dynamically adaptable protective system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized helmet design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but it fails to account for unique wearer skull shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The liner system is segmented into multiple standardized components that can be combined in various configurations. Each segment is manufactured using standard processes, but their combinatorial arrangement allows customization for unique skull shapes and sizes, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the liner can be customized with varying thicknesses, materials, or configurations to match local anatomical features of the wearer's skull. This local quality approach allows the standardized helmet to adapt to unique individual characteristics without requiring complete customization of the entire helmet.
3Reliability
If impact forces are reduced through better fitting, then protection against brain injuries is improved, but the helmet structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is segmented into multiple layers or zones that can be independently optimized for impact protection. Each segment can be tailored to provide appropriate cushioning and force distribution for specific impact scenarios, improving overall protection effectiveness while using modular components that simplify the design process.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable liner segments are positioned and configured before impact occurs, creating a customized cushioning system that is pre-adapted to the wearer's head shape. This beforehand cushioning ensures optimal force distribution and protection effectiveness from the first impact, without requiring complex active adjustment mechanisms during impact events.
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 improved fit and reduced impact forces by up to 50%, enhancing protection against both linear and angular acceleration, thereby reducing the risk of concussions and other brain injuries.
Implementation Method 1
the impact absorbing structures between the helmet and the wearer's head (which typically contact both the inner surface of the helmet shell and an outer surface of the wearer's head) then transmit this impact force (at varying levels) to the wearer's head, which typically includes some level of deformation of the impact absorbing structures
Implementation Method 2
A helmet or other protective headgear will typically include a hard or semi-hard, rounded shell with cushioning inside the shell
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods, devices, and systems for improved protective clothing such as helmets and protective headgear, including improvements in modular, semi-custom or customized helmet liners and/or inserts to enhance wearer comfort and reduce the deleterious effects of impacts between the wearer and other players and/or objects in all types of wearer activities (i.e., sports, military, equestrian, etc.).