Segmented Helmet with Slip Layer for Rotational Impact

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional helmets are bulky, uncomfortable, and unattractive, often leading to non-compliance in wearing due to their rigid structure and thick foam layers, which fail to adaptively respond to impact forces effectively, resulting in inefficient impact absorption and increased rotational energy transfer during oblique impacts.

Innovation Solution

A segmented and layered helmet design featuring a honeycomb structure with a hydrophobic coating, adaptable impact attenuation materials, and a system of flexible connectors, allowing for customizable comfort, ventilation, and aesthetic appeal, while incorporating passive or active electronic systems for improved safety and hygiene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a thick foam layer and rigid shell are used in conventional helmets, then impact absorption is improved, but the helmet becomes bulky and uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact absorptionVSAvoidhelmet volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The helmet shell is divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other, allowing the helmet to maintain a compact form while providing impact absorption through segment interaction rather than requiring thick foam layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The helmet utilizes change in structural parameters during impact, where the segmented shell transitions from a rigid configuration to a more compliant state during collision, absorbing impact energy without requiring constant bulk volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a rigid shell structure is used in conventional helmets, then protection is improved, but comfort and aesthetic appeal deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprotectionVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The helmet shell transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where segments can move relative to each other, providing both protection during impact and comfort during normal wear through the ability to adapt to head movements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If conventional helmet designs are used, then impact protection is provided, but rotational energy transfer during oblique impacts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact protectionVSAvoidrotational energy transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented shell structure allows different segments to move independently during oblique impacts, disrupting the transmission path of rotational forces and reducing the overall rotational energy transfer to the wearer's head

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The helmet incorporates composite material structures within the segmented shell that provide both protective strength and controlled compliance, managing rotational forces through material properties while maintaining protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If thick foam layers are used in helmets, then impact absorption is improved, but the helmet becomes unattractive and leads to non-compliance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact absorptionVSAvoidaesthetic appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented design allows the helmet to achieve impact absorption through structural configuration rather than material volume, enabling a sleeker, more aesthetically pleasing shape without sacrificing protective capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 design reduces the rotational energy experienced during impacts, enhances comfort and ventilation, and provides a more appealing aesthetic, encouraging wider adoption of helmets by offering improved protection and customization options.

Implementation Method 1

Honeycomb structures typically consist of an array of cylindrical or hexagonal columns that must begin buckling before absorbing a significant amount of impact energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuckling:

Implementation Method 2

The core purpose of a typical helmet is to protect a portion of the user's head, and many helmets rely upon a rigid shell and bulky foam layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact absorption:

Implementation Method 3

A segmented and layered helmet design featuring a honeycomb structure with a hydrophobic coating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS11523652B2Helmet

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 PARK & DIAMOND INC

AI summary

A helmet of a layered and segmented design including impact attenuation structures may include a series of layers that individually, or in combination, provide the necessary functions of the helmet. The helmet may feature a layer with a low coefficient of friction to act as a slip layer and slide due to rotational force. The present technology includes impact attenuation structures of predetermined geometries, layers, and materials to allow for an appropriate impact response with a certain degree of control over the buckling process and an adaptive impact response. The present technology of impact attenuation structures may be applicable where impact absorption and controlled buckling is desired, such as bike helmets.