Segmented Helmet Cap Reducing Rotational Forces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current protective helmets are insufficient in reducing the severity of concussions and rotational forces during head impacts in sporting activities, leading to potential long-term cognitive impairments and increased risk of second impact syndrome.

Innovation Solution

A helmet cap with an outer shell made of energy-absorbing polyurethane material, configured into padded segments with low friction and adjustable fasteners, designed to attach to existing helmets, which dissipates impact forces by deforming upon collision and reducing momentum transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional protective helmets are used, then head protection is provided, but rotational forces and impact severity are not sufficiently reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational forcesVSAvoidprotection effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The helmet cap is divided into multiple padded segments that can independently deform during impact. This segmentation allows each segment to absorb and dissipate rotational forces separately, significantly reducing the overall rotational acceleration transmitted to the head compared to a rigid single-piece structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The helmet cap uses energy-absorbing polyurethane material with specific mechanical properties that change during impact. The material's ability to deform and absorb energy transforms the rigid protection approach into a dynamic energy-dissipating system, reducing both linear and rotational impact forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional protective helmets are used, then basic impact protection is provided, but concussion severity is not sufficiently reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcussion severityVSAvoidprotection effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The helmet cap incorporates energy-absorbing polyurethane material that is pre-configured to deform during impact. This beforehand cushioning allows the cap to absorb impact energy before it reaches the head, significantly reducing the severity of concussions compared to traditional hard-shell helmets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The helmet cap combines energy-absorbing polyurethane material with a structured segmented design. This composite approach integrates both material properties and structural configuration to maximize energy absorption and concussion protection while maintaining wearability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If a rigid helmet structure is used, then structural strength is maintained, but impact energy is not sufficiently dissipated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidimpact energy dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The helmet cap transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where padded segments can independently deform during impact. This dynamic response allows the cap to adapt to impact forces, absorbing energy through controlled deformation while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The helmet cap uses flexible padded segments made of energy-absorbing polyurethane material that can deform under impact loads. These flexible elements dissipate impact energy through controlled deformation, reducing the transmission of forces to the head while maintaining overall structural strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 helmet cap significantly reduces the Head Injury Criterion by up to 33% and minimizes rotational forces, providing enhanced protection against concussions and vibrations, thereby reducing the risk of long-term brain damage.

Implementation Method 1

designed to attach to existing helmets, which dissipates impact forces by deforming upon collision and reducing momentum transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption through deformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

configured into padded segments with low friction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9314061B2Protective helmet cap

Publication Date: 2016.04.19 GUARDIAN INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an apparatus for use in reducing the impact to the head during sporting activities. The present disclosure provides a helmet cap that covers an underlying hard shell helmet. The helmet cap has a durable, energy absorbing outer shell, which lessens the initial impact to the helmet. The outer shell is formed into segments of padded material that may deform on impact. The outer shell has an inner surface that allows the outer shell to slide over the surface of a helmet thereby reducing forces applied to a wearer. The helmet cap may be securely attached to helmets without modification of the helmets. The helmet cap may include an adjustable fastener that allows the helmet cap to be securely attached to helmets of varying dimensions.