Segmented Helmet Shell for Ventilation and Impact Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motocross helmets suffer from poor ventilation, leading to discomfort and increased risk of heat exhaustion due to their design, which compromises both energy management and airflow.
Innovation Solution
A helmet with a segmented outer shell and an energy management liner that includes elongated segmented openings for improved airflow, combined with an energy-absorbing material that can deform to manage impact energy effectively, while maintaining structural integrity and passing penetration tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional motocross helmet uses a solid outer shell design, then structural integrity and impact protection are improved, but ventilation and airflow are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other, creating dynamic ventilation channels while maintaining overall structural integrity. The segmented design allows the shell to breathe and adapt to impact forces independently at each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer shell transitions from a static solid structure to a dynamic segmented structure that can move and deform during impact events. This dynamic behavior allows the shell to absorb energy through segment movement while maintaining integrity and providing ventilation during normal use.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the outer shell is made segmented for ventilation, then airflow and cooling are improved, but structural integrity and penetration resistance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is segmented into multiple sections that maintain individual structural integrity while collectively providing penetration resistance. Each segment acts as an independent barrier, and their arrangement creates tortuous paths for potential penetrators.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer shell combines rigid segmented structures with energy management materials to create a composite system that provides both ventilation channels and penetration resistance. The composite design allows different materials to perform their specialized functions.
3Strength
If energy management material is added for impact absorption, then impact energy distribution is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The energy management material is nested within the segmented outer shell structure, with each shell segment containing or surrounding energy management components. This nested arrangement integrates multiple functions into a compact hierarchical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet combines the outer shell structure with energy management materials to create a composite system where each material performs its specialized function. The composite design integrates impact absorption into the existing shell structure.
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 provides enhanced ventilation and energy management, reducing the risk of heat exhaustion and improving comfort by allowing increased airflow while effectively absorbing and distributing impact energy, thus protecting the wearer.
Implementation Method 1
an energy management liner (50) disposed within the outer shell (20)... an energy-absorbing material that can deform to manage impact energy effectively
Implementation Method 2
improved ventilation... allowing increased airflow... enhanced ventilation and energy management
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A helmet can include a helmet body comprising an energy-absorbing layer and an outer shell disposed over the energy-absorbing layer. An electronic device can be integrated with the helmet body. A first electrical contact can be formed at an exterior of the outer shell and adapted to be in electrical communication with the electronic device. A helmet visor can be coupled to the helmet body with at least one visor arm, the helmet visor comprising controls integrated within the visor. A second electrical contact can be formed at an inner surface of the at least one visor arm and adapted to be in electrical communication with the controls integrated within the visor. The second electrical contact can be adapted to mateably couple with the first electrical contact such that the electronic device and the controls are adapted to be in electrical contact.