Omnidirectional Helmet Liner for Rotational Impact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current helmets are inadequate in managing and reducing both rotational and linear forces from impacts, particularly in action and contact sports, leading to increased risks of brain injuries such as concussions and rotational brain injuries.
Innovation Solution
The development of omnidirectional impact energy management systems for helmets, which enable controlled internal omnidirectional relative displacement, including rotation and translation, between internal components, utilizing a combination of materials like polymer and compressible liners, dampers, and a movable chinstrap to absorb and distribute impact forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional helmet designs are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to reduce both rotational and linear impact forces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet is divided into multiple functional layers including an outer shell, an outer liner, and an omnidirectional liner with independent movement capability. Each layer serves specific functions: the outer shell provides structural integrity, the outer liner absorbs initial impact, and the omnidirectional liner reduces rotational forces through relative movement, collectively enhancing impact force reduction without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The omnidirectional liner is designed with the capability to move relative to the outer liner in response to impact forces. This dynamic movement allows the liner to adjust its position to optimize energy absorption and rotational force reduction, transforming the helmet from a static structure to an adaptive system that responds to impact conditions
2Reliability
If the helmet allows omnidirectional movement to absorb impact energy, then impact protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex omnidirectional movement mechanism is extracted as a separate, dedicated component (the omnidirectional liner) that can be independently designed, tested, and manufactured. This modular approach allows the movement mechanism to be optimized for impact absorption while being easily integrated into the overall helmet structure, reducing the complexity burden on the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The omnidirectional liner's movement parameters (such as friction coefficients, material stiffness, and geometric dimensions) are optimized to provide effective impact energy absorption across a broad spectrum of impact conditions. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves reliable protection without requiring overly complex mechanical structures
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
Significantly reduces both rotational and linear forces during impacts, thereby minimizing the risk of brain injuries by allowing the helmet to move omnidirectionally and absorb energy, providing enhanced protection against a broad spectrum of impact energies.
Implementation Method 1
compressible liners to absorb and distribute impact forces
Implementation Method 2
compressible liners to absorb and distribute impact forces
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a combination of materials like polymer and compressible liners, dampers
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of a safety helmet for protecting the human head against repetitive impacts, moderate impacts and severe impacts so as to significantly reduce the likelihood of both translational and rotational brain injury and concussions can be provided. The helmet can include an outer shell, an omnidirectional liner disposed within and coupled to the outer shell and configured to move relative to the outer shell, and a chinstrap coupled to the omnidirectional liner. The chinstrap coupled to the omnidirectional liner can hold a wearer's head to the omnidirectional liner and prevent the chinstrap from applying forces to the wearer while omnidirectional liner moves relative to outer shell. Other embodiments may include a chinguard with a movable chincup.