Sliding Layer Rugby Headgear Mitigating Rotational Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contact sports headgear is inadequate in protecting against rotational impacts, which can cause injuries such as subdural haematomas and diffuse axonal injuries due to its inability to effectively absorb and redirect tangential forces.
Innovation Solution
The headgear features an inner and outer layer with a padding layer in between, and a sliding interface that allows the layers to move relative to each other upon impact, mitigating rotational forces through energy redirection and low-friction surfaces or intermediate layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional padding is used to absorb impact energy, then axial impact protection is improved, but rotational impact protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear is divided into multiple independent layers (outer layer, intermediate layer, inner layer) that can move relative to each other. Each layer is segmented to allow independent deformation and sliding, enabling the system to handle both axial and rotational impacts through distributed energy absorption rather than relying on a single rigid padding structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear transitions from a static rigid padding structure to a dynamic multi-layer system where layers can slide and deform independently during impact. The interfaces between layers are designed to allow controlled relative motion, enabling the system to adapt its response to different impact types (axial vs. rotational) in real-time.
2Loss of energy
If rigid padding is used to protect against impact, then energy absorption is improved, but rotational force transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate layer is introduced between the outer and inner layers, acting as a mediator that can slide relative to both adjacent layers. This intermediate layer absorbs and redistributes rotational forces through controlled sliding at the interfaces, preventing direct transmission of rotational forces to the inner layer while maintaining energy absorption capabilities.
3Stability of the object's composition
If layers are fixed together to maintain structural integrity, then structural stability is improved, but sliding capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the headgear have different connection characteristics. The interfaces between layers are designed with local sliding capability (low friction, allow relative motion) while other regions maintain stronger connections for structural integrity. This spatial variation in connection quality enables both stability and sliding where needed.
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
This design reduces the transmission of rotational forces to the head, providing enhanced protection against oblique impacts and associated injuries like concussions and subdural haematomas.
Implementation Method 1
a padding layer between the inner and outer layers, configured to absorb and/or redirect energy of an impact between the headgear and an object
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the inner and outer layers is formed from an elastic material configured to stretch elastically in response to an impact between the headgear and an object to allow the inner layer and the outer layer to slide relative to each other
Implementation Method 3
the sliding interface comprises an intermediate layer formed from a material selected such that there is low friction between the intermediate layer and at least one adjacent layer
Data Source
AI summary
Headgear for rugby and/or soccer, comprising: an inner layer (1) configured to accommodate a wearer's head; an outer layer (2) covering at least a part of the inner layer; a padding layer (3) between the inner and outer layers, configured to absorb and/or redirect energy of an impact between the headgear and an object; and a sliding interface (4) between the inner layer and the outer layer at which the inner layer and the outer layer are configured to slide relative to each other in response to an impact between the headgear and an object.