Smart Fabric Headgear Reducing Rotational Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies have not fully eliminated concussions and traumatic brain injuries caused by rapid head movement, despite advancements in helmets and protective gear.
Innovation Solution
A hooded compression garment utilizing advanced smart fabrics impregnated with shear thickening fluid (STF) that responds to mechanical stimuli to reduce linear and rotational accelerations and velocities of the head, thereby mitigating pressure and shear stress on the brain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional helmets and protective gear are used, then head protection is provided, but concussions and traumatic brain injuries caused by rapid head movement are not fully eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the protective material by using shear thickening fluid that transitions from a liquid state to a gel state under high strain rates. This parameter change allows the material to be flexible during normal movement but rigid during impact, effectively addressing the limitation of traditional helmets that cannot adapt their stiffness dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective system dynamically adjusts its mechanical properties based on the applied force. The shear thickening fluid responds to the magnitude and rate of deformation, transitioning from a compliant state during normal activity to a rigid state during impact events. This dynamic response allows the system to provide appropriate protection while maintaining comfort and range of motion.
2Strength
If rigid protective structures are used to prevent head movement, then impact protection is improved, but freedom of movement during normal activity is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The shear thickening fluid changes its viscosity parameter in response to applied stress. During normal activity with low strain rates, the fluid remains in a liquid state allowing full freedom of movement. During impact with high strain rates, the fluid transitions to a gel state providing rigid protection. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic material properties that adapt to the operational conditions. The smart fabric with shear thickening fluid provides a dynamic response that matches the mechanical demands of different activities, being flexible during normal movement and rigid during impact, thus resolving the contradiction between freedom of movement and impact resistance.
3Reliability
If smart fabrics with shear thickening fluid are used, then head movement reduction is achieved during impact, but fabric complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shear thickening fluid provides self-service by automatically transitioning from liquid to gel state in response to applied stress without requiring external control systems, sensors, or power sources. This passive response mechanism reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable head movement control during impact events.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart fabric utilizes parameter changes in the shear thickening fluid's viscosity in response to strain rate. This inherent material property change provides head movement control during impact without requiring complex control systems, electronics, or additional components, thus achieving reliable protection with minimal increase in overall system complexity.
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 garment effectively reduces the incidence of concussions and traumatic brain injuries by limiting and eliminating linear and rotational head movements, ensuring the brain and skull move in concert, thereby minimizing injury.
Implementation Method 1
STFs are non-Newtonian fluids whose viscosity increases when a specific shear stress level is applied to the fluid. Strain rates above a critical level will result in increased viscosity or 'shear thickening' of the non-Newtonian fluid.
Implementation Method 2
The fabric reduces the head movement by either absorbing/dissipating energy within the fabric system and/or transferring energy to another part of the body.
Data Source
AI summary
A compression garment, which may be hooded, that reduces the incidence of concussions and/or traumatic brain injuries for athletes, adventurists (i.e., competitive athletes and recreational athletes), military members, law enforcement officers, and professionals working in dangerous environments is disclosed. The garment mitigates concussions/traumatic brain injuries by reducing both the linear and rotational accelerations and velocities of the head with the rotational acceleration/velocity being most targeted. The garment uses a combination of compression fabric, smart fabrics and shear thickening fluid to achieve this goal. By reducing these accelerations and velocities, the garment is able to lessen the shear stress and pressure on the brain, thereby reducing brain injuries.