Total Contact Helmet Force Distribution Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing helmets do not effectively customize to an individual's head, leading to inadequate distribution of impact force, which can result in increased pressure on the skull and brain during collisions.

Innovation Solution

A total contact helmet design that is customizable to an individual's head, featuring a force distribution mechanism to disperse impact forces over a large surface area, utilizing materials like hard plastic, carbon fiber, or air bladders, and an interlocking circumferential design to maximize surface contact and reduce pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If traditional helmet designs are used, then the helmet structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the impact force is not effectively distributed, resulting in increased pressure on the skull and brain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure on skull and brainVSAvoidhelmet structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The helmet is divided into multiple contact regions with independent force distribution mechanisms. Each region can independently distribute impact forces, allowing the complex function of force distribution to be achieved through modular segments rather than a monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the helmet are designed with locally optimized contact surfaces and force distribution properties. Each contact region has specific geometric features tailored to its location on the head, enabling effective force distribution without requiring the entire helmet structure to be equally complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If a customizable helmet design is implemented, then the surface contact area is increased to distribute impact force, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface contact areaVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The helmet employs universal contact region designs that can be adapted to different head shapes and sizes through standardized adjustment mechanisms. This allows the same basic manufacturing process to produce helmets that can be customized for individual users, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving increased surface contact area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The helmet design allows for parameter adjustments (such as contact surface area, distribution pattern, and regional properties) to be modified after manufacturing. This enables customization for different users without requiring completely different manufacturing processes, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while adapting to individual needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stress or pressure

If force distribution mechanisms are added to distribute impact forces, then the pressure on the skull and brain is reduced, but the helmet design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure distributionVSAvoidforce distribution mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The force distribution mechanisms utilize curved and spherical geometric features that naturally distribute forces across contact regions. These geometric forms achieve pressure distribution through their inherent shape rather than requiring complex mechanical components, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective force distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The helmet introduces intermediary contact regions that act as mediators between the impact source and the skull/brain. These intermediate structures absorb and redistribute forces before they reach the head, achieving pressure reduction without requiring direct complex force distribution mechanisms at the skull interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 significantly reduces the risk of concussions and head injuries by distributing impact forces evenly, decreasing pressure on the skull and brain, and providing enhanced energy absorption without shearing forces, as demonstrated by a 25% reduction in concussion risk compared to standard helmets.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing materials like hard plastic, carbon fiber, or air bladders

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

providing enhanced energy absorption without shearing forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS10426213B2Total contact helmet

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 SCHUTT SPORTS IP LLC

AI summary

A total contact helmet, including a body that is customizable to an individual's head and having force distribution means for distributing the force of an impact to a large surface area of the body. A total contact helmet insert, including a body that is customizable to an individual's head and having force distribution means for distributing the force of an impact to a large surface area of the body, the total contact helmet insert being insertable under an existing helmet or as an inner shell as part of an existing helmet. A method of protecting the head of a user by the user wearing the total contact helmet, and when receiving an outside impacting force to the total contact helmet, distributing the force of impact over the surface area of the total contact helmet.