Rotating Helmet Liner for Impact Energy Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmet systems fail to effectively absorb and redirect impact energy, leading to potential head trauma due to the rigid transfer of force from the helmet to the wearer's head during impacts.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a low-friction liner or shell within the helmet, coupled with a reel-based closure device that tensions a lace or tension member, allowing relative motion between the helmet and the head, thereby redirecting and absorbing impact energy through a dynamic fit system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid helmet structure is used to provide strong protection, then strength is improved, but impact energy is rigidly transferred to the wearer's head causing potential head trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the liner rotatable relative to the helmet shell through a reel-based closure system. This allows the liner to dynamically adjust its position and absorb impact energy through rotation, transforming the rigid impact transfer into a dynamic energy absorption mechanism that reduces harmful forces on the wearer's head
2Reliability
If a fixed helmet fit is used to ensure secure protection, then reliability is improved, but adaptability to different head shapes and sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reel-based closure system enables dynamic adjustment of the liner's position and tension, allowing the helmet to adapt to different head shapes and sizes while maintaining a secure fit. The rotatable liner can be repositioned and retensioned to ensure optimal fit for various wearers
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system allows change in the physical parameters of the liner's position, tension, and rotation angle. By adjusting these parameters through the reel mechanism, the helmet can accommodate different head geometries while maintaining reliable securing
3Ease of operation
If traditional closure systems are used to secure the helmet, then ease of operation is improved, but energy absorption capability during impact is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reel-based closure system combines ease of operation with energy absorption by allowing the liner to rotate dynamically during impact. The reel mechanism is simple to operate for securing the helmet but enables complex rotational movement during impact to absorb energy, bridging the gap between operational simplicity and energy absorption capability
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 provides enhanced protection by reducing the force of impacts on the wearer's head through energy absorption and redirection, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit while allowing quick adjustment for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
The liner or shell is made of a low-friction material
Implementation Method 2
Rotation of the spool in a tightening direction winds the tension member about the spool to tension the tension member and thereby tighten the liner or shell about the wearer's head
Data Source
AI summary
A protective component for a helmet includes a liner or shell that is coupleable with the helmet so that the liner or shell is positioned on an interior surface of the helmet. The liner or shell is made of a low-friction material and is coupled with the helmet so that the liner or shell is moveable relative to the helmet in response to a force being exerted on the helmet. A rear support member is removably coupled with the liner or shell and a tightening mechanism is attached to the rear support member. The tightening mechanism is configured to tension a tension member and thereby tighten the liner or shell, and the helmet, about the wearer's head.