Multi-Directional Helmet Suspension for Rotational Impact Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmets fail to effectively dissipate both rotational and linear forces during impacts, particularly in low-energy collisions, and do not provide sufficient comfort and compliance with new safety standards that include rotational force measurements.
Innovation Solution
A helmet with a multi-directional suspension system using tensegrity connectors, comprising an outer and inner shell connected by flexible suspensions, allowing relative movement and balanced force absorption through a combination of tension and elasticity, with a central soft layer for additional impact dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional EPS layer is used for impact absorption, then linear impacts can be dispersed, but rotational forces cannot be effectively absorbed and the EPS layer cannot deform properly in low-energy impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet is divided into multiple functional layers: an outer shell, a central layer with honeycomb material for rotational force absorption, and an inner shell with EPS material for linear impact dispersion. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in handling specific types of forces, resolving the contradiction between handling different impact energies effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet combines different materials with complementary properties: the honeycomb material (capable of absorbing rotational forces through deformation), EPS material (for linear impact absorption), and flexible connectors (for rotational movement). This composite structure enables the helmet to respond appropriately to both low-energy and high-energy impacts across different directions.
2Force
If elastic connectors with soft absorbers are used between inner and outer layers, then impact force is absorbed by deforming the material, but the connector transmits shear stress and only allows limited movement during oblique impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connectors act as intermediaries between the inner and outer shells, allowing controlled relative movement while transmitting forces. These connectors enable the inner shell to move independently during oblique impacts, increasing the range of motion from 10-15mm to significantly greater amounts, while still providing effective force absorption through their elastic properties.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a plastic insert acts as a shear plane between head and helmet, then rotational movement is restricted, but the layer only allows 10-15 mm movement during oblique impacts and does not mitigate linear impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system transitions from a static plastic insert to a dynamic flexible connector system that allows controlled movement. The connectors can dynamically adjust their stiffness and movement range based on the impact forces applied, enabling greater movement during oblique impacts while still providing rotational force mitigation through their elastic properties.
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 angular acceleration and linear impacts, meeting new safety standards while providing enhanced comfort and versatility across various helmet types.
Implementation Method 1
each part of the suspension connector comprises a base and at least one bracket extending therefrom... the bases are connected by at least three flexible suspensions... The length of the flexible suspensions is adapted such that the flexible suspensions are in a tensioned state
Implementation Method 2
A helmet with a multi-directional suspension system using tensegrity connectors, comprising an outer and inner shell connected by flexible suspensions, allowing relative movement and balanced force absorption through a combination of tension and elasticity
Implementation Method 3
EP2854584 A1, on the other hand, describes a helmet with a central layer of honeycomb material which, in the event of an impact, is capable of absorbing both linear and rotational forces, but only through deformation of the material
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The object of the invention is a helmet with a multi-directional suspension system and a procedure for assembling a connection between an outer shell (1) and an inner shell (4) of such a helmet. The helmet comprises the inner shell (4) of the helmet and the outer shell (1) of the helmet, which are movably connected to each other using suspension connectors (8). The suspension connector (8) comprises two opposite parts, each of which comprises a base (5) and a bracket (6) extending therefrom, wherein the top of the bracket (6) of the first part is closer to the base (5) of the second part than the top of the bracket (6) of the second part. The parts of the suspension connector (8) are connected by flexible suspensions (7). The tops of the brackets (6) are connected by at least one flexible suspension (7) and the edge parts of the bases (5) by at least three flexible suspensions (7).