Segmented Pressure Attenuating Helmet with Elastomer Splines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmets fail to effectively distribute and absorb repeated impact forces, leading to potential concussions and traumatic brain injuries in contact sports, as they do not adequately dissipate rotational and direct forces, causing internal strain and increased risk of brain damage.
Innovation Solution
A pressure attenuating helmet design featuring multiple layers of foam and a segmented shell with elastomer splines and KEVLAR sutures to absorb and redirect impact forces, combined with customizable cushioning and a faceguard system for enhanced protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single rigid shell is used for helmet protection, then impact resistance is improved, but force distribution and absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet shell is divided into multiple segments connected by flexible joints (splines), allowing the structure to break up impact forces across multiple points rather than concentrating them. The segmented design enables independent movement of shell sections to dissipate rotational and linear forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet combines multiple materials with different properties: a rigid outer shell for impact resistance, foam layers for energy absorption, and flexible elastomer splines for force distribution. This composite structure allows simultaneous achievement of strength and force dissipation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If foam cushioning is added inside the helmet shell, then force absorption is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The foam cushioning is nested inside the rigid shell structure, with the foam layer conforming to the inner surface of the shell. This nested arrangement allows the foam to absorb forces while the outer shell maintains its structural integrity and protective function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a segmented shell with flexible joints is used, then force distribution is improved, but rotational stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible joints between shell segments are designed to allow controlled movement during impact, enabling the structure to adapt dynamically to the direction and magnitude of forces. This dynamic response improves force distribution while maintaining adequate rotational stability through the overall shell geometry.
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 effectively reduces the transfer of forces to the head and neck, minimizing the risk of concussions and traumatic brain injuries by dissipating and redirecting impact forces, providing enhanced protection and comfort through customizable fit and materials.
Implementation Method 1
one or more layers of foam forming a first helmet shell nested inside a rigid outer second helmet shell
Implementation Method 2
A pressure attenuating helmet design featuring multiple layers of foam and a segmented shell with elastomer splines
Implementation Method 3
KEVLAR sutures to absorb and redirect impact forces
Data Source
AI summary
A helmet is provided having one or more layers of foam forming a first helmet shell nested inside a second helmet shell. Left and right circular ear openings are positioned on opposing sides of the first helmet shell and on opposing sides of the second helmet shell. A faceguard is attached to the first and second ear opening at opposing sides of the second helmet shell and a right ear hole anchor and a left ear hole anchor, each have an inside surface and an outside surface. One each of the ear hole anchors attach to the first and second circular ear openings of the second helmet shell at their inside surface and a first end of the faceguard attaches to the outside surface of the right ear hole anchor and a second end of the faceguard attaches to the outside surface of the left ear hole anchor.