Neck Support System with Strap Retraction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neck and spine protection devices for contact sports, such as football, are bulky, uncomfortable, and impractical, and pose safety risks due to their weight and potential disengagement during impacts, which can lead to injuries to the user and others.
Innovation Solution
A neck support system that detachably couples with a helmet and shoulder pads, featuring a strap retractor mechanism that locks when a predetermined force is exceeded, preventing hyperflexion and hyperextension of the spinal cord, while allowing free movement and incorporating a visual indicator for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic cylinder assembly is used to protect the neck and spine, then protection effectiveness is improved, but device weight and bulk increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is divided into separate functional components: a lightweight housing unit containing the strap retractor mechanism, detachable fastening components, and a flexible strap. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single heavy hydraulic cylinder assembly while distributing protection functions across multiple lightweight elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex hydraulic cylinder assembly is replaced with a simpler mechanical strap retractor mechanism that uses elastic recovery and friction-based locking. This substitution dramatically reduces weight and bulk while maintaining protection effectiveness through the locking action during impact.
2Reliability
If a rigid hydraulic cylinder assembly is used, then spinal protection is improved, but range of motion of head and neck is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The strap retractor mechanism dynamically adapts to the user's movements by allowing free motion during normal activity and automatically locking when impact forces are detected. The elastic strap provides continuous support without rigidly constraining the neck, enabling full range of motion during non-impact activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its mechanical parameters based on applied force: under normal conditions, the strap remains flexible and compliant, but when impact force exceeds a threshold, the retractor mechanism engages a locking state that prevents hyperflexion and hyperextension. This parameter change allows the system to provide protection only when needed.
3Reliability
If a hydraulic cylinder assembly is used, then protection capability is improved, but safety risks from disengagement and penetration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a disposable or replaceable strap rather than a permanent rigid connection. If the strap becomes damaged or disengaged, it can be easily replaced without causing harm. The flexible nature of the strap ensures that even if it fails, it will not penetrate or stab other players like rigid cylinder ends might.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harm of strap disengagement is converted into a benefit by designing the strap ends to be flexible and non-penetrating. The elastic material ensures that even if the strap detaches, it cannot cause the stabbing injuries that rigid components could cause, thus converting a potential safety hazard into a safe failure mode.
4Reliability
If a bulky protection device is used, then spinal support is improved, but comfort and practicality decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system uses a thin, flexible strap instead of a bulky rigid structure. The strap can conform to the contours of the user's neck and head, providing spinal support without adding significant bulk or discomfort. The flexibility of the strap allows it to move with the user's head and neck during normal activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static bulky structure to a dynamic flexible system that adapts to the user's movements. The strap retractor mechanism allows the strap to extend and retract as needed, maintaining comfort during normal activity while providing automatic protection during impact. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for constant bulk to maintain protection.
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 effectively prevents neck and spinal injuries by providing enhanced safety and mobility, reducing the risk of hyperflexion and hyperextension, and ensuring secure attachment to prevent additional injuries from disengaged components.
Implementation Method 1
a strap retractor mechanism disposed within the housing unit... wherein the retractor mechanism is configured to enable the extension and retraction of the strap through the housing unit opening to permit freedom of movement of the user's neck
Implementation Method 2
wherein the retractor mechanism is configured to lock the strap in a stationary position when a force applied to the strap exceeds a predetermined magnitude of force, thereby preventing thehyperflexion andhyperextension of the user's spinal chord
Data Source
AI summary
A neck support system to prevent hyperflexion and hyperextension of a spinal cord of a user and enhance user safety connects to both a helmet and shoulder pads worn by the user. The system includes a housing unit having an opening and a first fastening component coupled to a second fastening component disposed on the shoulder pads, a strap retractor mechanism disposed within the housing unit, a strap having a first end coupled to the strap retractor mechanism and a second end having a third fastening component coupled to a fourth fastening component disposed on the helmet. The retractor mechanism enables the extension and retraction of the strap through the housing unit opening to permit freedom of movement of the user's neck. The retractor mechanism locks the strap in a stationary position when a force applied to the strap exceeds a predetermined magnitude of force.