Modular Football Helmet Shell Energy Diffusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing football helmets fail to effectively absorb impact energy, transferring it to the inner cushioning and leading to increased severe brain and other injuries due to their rigid outer shells, which do not provide meaningful energy transfer solutions while maintaining structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

A modular helmet design featuring a frame with frontal and rear diffusion zones and a removable outer shell made of deformable materials, allowing for enhanced energy diffusion at the point of impact before it reaches the interior padding, while maintaining structural integrity and enabling easy replacement of the outer shell.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid outer shell is used in existing helmets, then structural integrity is maintained, but impact energy is transferred to the inner cushioning, failing to absorb initial impact forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidimpact energy absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The outer shell is divided into multiple segments or sections that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the shell to deform and absorb impact energy through relative motion between segments while maintaining overall structural integrity. The segments are connected by joints or hinges that enable controlled deformation during impact events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer shell transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure capable of controlled deformation. The shell incorporates movable elements such as hinges, joints, or flexible connections that allow it to adapt its rigidity based on impact conditions. During normal use, the shell maintains structural integrity, but during impact, it can deform to absorb energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If the outer shell is made deformable to absorb impact energy, then energy absorption improves, but structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact energy absorptionVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the outer shell have different mechanical properties. Areas subject to frequent impact are made more deformable for energy absorption, while areas requiring high structural integrity maintain rigidity. This local differentiation allows the shell to optimize both energy absorption and structural strength in different regions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The outer shell utilizes composite material construction combining rigid and deformable materials. The composite structure allows certain layers or components to be rigid for structural integrity while other layers are deformable for energy absorption. The materials work together synergistically to achieve both objectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of repair

If a modular design with removable shell is implemented, then ease of repair and customization improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshell replacementVSAvoidmodular coupling mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outer shell is extracted as a separate, removable component from the helmet system. This allows the shell to be easily removed and replaced without affecting the internal cushioning or frame structures. The coupling mechanism between shell and frame is simplified to enable quick removal and reattachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The modular coupling mechanism serves multiple functions: it secures the shell during normal use, enables easy removal for replacement or repair, and allows customization with different shell types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 modular helmet design significantly improves energy diffusion at the helmet's exterior, reducing the transfer of impact force to the interior padding, thereby enhancing safety and allowing for customizable protection levels by swapping out shells with different materials and characteristics based on player needs.

Implementation Method 1

a shell being configured to be removably coupled to the frame, the shell being configured to house the frame in an interior portion of the shell, the shell comprising a first deformable area disposed on a forward portion of the shell, and a second deformable area disposed on a rear portion of the shell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS10426212B1Modular football helmet apparatus and system

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 RATLIFF DANA

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a modular helmet apparatus and system comprised of a removable outer shell disposed on an inner frame. The disclosed football helmet provides for enhanced energy diffusion through the use of one or more energy diffusion areas disposed on an outer shell of the helmet, the one or more energy diffusion areas being configured to align with the energy diffusion zones of the frame. Embodiments of the present disclosure enables a user to quickly and easily replace or swap the outer shell of the helmet with a second or replacement shell by selectively coupling the desired outer shell with the frame.