Multi-Point Tethering System for Head and Neck Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head and neck restraint devices for high-performance vehicle drivers are inadequate in controlling head and neck movement during high acceleration and deceleration forces, particularly in drag racing, where they fail to provide sufficient resistance against side-to-side vibrations and impacts.
Innovation Solution
A multi-point tethering system that includes rear, side, and front tethers attaching a helmet to a head and neck restraint device, anchored to the vehicle's seat belt assembly, providing comprehensive control and resistance against various directional forces and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single point attachment strap is used to restrain the driver's head during launch, then the driver's head is restrained from snapping backwards during initial acceleration, but the driver's head experiences severe side-to-side oscillation during vehicle vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The single point attachment strap is segmented into multiple tethers (front, rear, and side tethers) that attach at multiple points on the helmet. This segmentation allows each tether to independently resist forces from different directions, providing comprehensive head restraint during launch while stabilizing the head against side-to-side oscillations during vehicle vibration.
2Force
If standard five or six point seat belt assemblies are used to restrain the driver, then the driver's torso is constrained to the seat assembly during collision, but the driver's head and neck remain unrestrained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the torso restraint function of standard seat belts with the head and neck restraint function of dedicated tethers. The multi-point tethering system is integrated with the existing seat belt assembly, combining these functions into a comprehensive restraint system that simultaneously protects both the torso and head/neck during collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tethering system serves multiple functions: it restrains the head during launch, stabilizes the head during vibration, and provides head and neck protection during collisions from various directions. This multi-functional design makes the system universally effective across different racing venues and operating conditions.
3Force
If head and neck restraint devices are designed for frontal and downward motion control, then forward and downward head motion is controlled during collision, but side-to-side vibration resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different tethers are positioned at specific locations on the helmet to address specific directional forces. Front tethers resist forward motion during collision, rear tethers resist backward motion during launch, and side tethers resist side-to-side oscillations during vibration. This localized positioning of tether attachment points provides targeted protection for different movement directions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of tethers and a helmet cooperating with the tethers for controlling a driver's head during operation of a vehicle. The system of tethers includes a pair of side tethers for attachment to the sides of the helmet and to a head and neck restraint device and either at least two rear tethers having first ends for attachment to the helmet and second ends for attachment to shoulder straps or a support member or a single rear tether having an intermediate portion attached to a support member and opposed end portions for attachment to the helmet.