Recessed Shock-Absorbing Inserts for Sports Helmet Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sports helmets do not effectively absorb the force of impact, leading to a transmission of force to the brain and an increased risk of concussions despite having internal padding systems.
Innovation Solution
The helmet features recessed insert surfaces on its exterior to accommodate shock-absorbing inserts made of materials like foam, rubber, or gel, which absorb the force of impact, reducing the transmission to the brain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hard external surface helmet is used, then the helmet structure is simple and durable, but the impact force is transmitted directly to the brain without absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating shock-absorbing inserts made of compliant material into recesses on the external surface of the helmet. These inserts are positioned in advance at impact-prone areas (front, back, sides, top) to cushion future impacts before they occur, absorbing impact forces and preventing direct transmission to the brain while maintaining the helmet's overall structural strength
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shock-absorbing inserts are added to the helmet exterior, then impact force absorption is improved, but the helmet structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing shock-absorbing inserts only in specific recesses on the external surface of the helmet rather than throughout the entire structure. The inserts are localized to front, back, side, and top areas where impacts are most likely to occur, providing targeted impact absorption while minimizing the overall structural complexity of the helmet
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by fitting shock-absorbing inserts into recesses that are integrated into the helmet's external surface. The inserts are nested within the helmet structure rather than being separate attachments, allowing the impact absorption function to be incorporated without significantly increasing the overall size or complexity of the helmet
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 solution helps prevent concussions and other brain injuries by absorbing a portion of the impact force, providing improved safety for athletes during sports.
Implementation Method 1
absorbing at least a portion of the head blow with one of the plurality of inserts
Implementation Method 2
The inserts may be made of foam, rubber, gel, plastic, polymer, or light foam
Data Source
AI summary
A sports helmet includes recessed insert surfaces on its exterior to accommodate shock absorbing inserts disposed therein. The helmet may include, for example, five recessed insert surfaces, a front recessed surface, a top recessed surface, a rear recessed surface, and two side recessed surfaces. The inserts may be disposed into the recessed surfaces to create a substantially uniform outer helmet shape. A uniform finish may cover the exterior of the helmet. The shock absorbing inserts, when used on a person receiving a force to the helmet's insert, will absorb at least a portion of the force, limiting the force's impact on the wearer's brain. The helmet may, for example, help prevent concussions and other brain injuries in sport participants.