Technical Field
[0001] Embodiments herein relate to a protective liner, such as for use in helmets and other
articles.
Background
[0002] Contemporary helmets are primarily designed to protect a skull from fracture during
impact. The brain is however most sensitive to rapid head rotation, or rotational
acceleration, which is readily caused by an oblique impact to the head.
[0003] US 2015/047110 discloses a helmet with a shock absorbing liner.
Summary of the Invention
[0004] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a protective helmet,
comprising an anisotropic cellular liner (101) with a compressive stiffness that is
lower in-plane than out-of-plane, an adjacent liner (102) made of rigid foam, wherein
the anisotropic liner (101) is at least partially recessed and confined in the rigid
foam liner (102) to prevent global translation of the anisotropic liner (101) relative
to the rigid foam liner (102); and characterized in that a barrier layer (103) is
provided between said anisotropic liner (101) and adjacent foam liner (102) so that
the anisotropic cellular liner (101) floats relative to the adjacent foam liner (101)
and can translate relative thereto.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0005] Embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. Embodiments are illustrated
by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying
drawings.
Fig. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a liner configuration,
in accordance with various embodiments;
Fig. 1B illustrates the cross-sectional view of Fig. 1A, but during impact with a
spherical object that subjects the cellular liner to in-plane and out-of-plane compression,
in accordance with various embodiments;
Fig. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a helmet, shown in unloaded,
non-deformed configuration, in accordance with various embodiments;
Fig. 2B illustrates the cross-sectional view of Fig. 2A, shown during impact in a
loaded, partially deformed configuration, and depicting relative translation of a
portion of the cellular liner, and depicting in-plane compression of another portion
of the cellular liner, in accordance with various embodiments;
Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative example of a helmet, wherein
the cellular liner comprises two or more cellular liner segments that are recessed
inside the polymer foam liner;
Fig. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a helmet in conjunction with an inner
liner used for comfort and fit to the user's head;
Fig. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative example of a helmet, wherein
the cellular liner is recessed in the outside surface of the polymer foam liner and
covered by an outside shell; and
Fig. 6 depicts helmet impact test results, illustrating the efficacy by which embodiments
herein mitigate rotational head acceleration compared to standard polymer foam helmets,
and compared to helmets that employ alternative strategies for mitigation of rotational
head acceleration.
Detailed Description of Disclosed Embodiments
[0006] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings
which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration embodiments
that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized
and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of
the invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the following detailed description
is not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0007] Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a
manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments; however, the order of description
should not be construed to imply that these operations are order-dependent.
[0008] The description may use perspective-based descriptions such as up/down, back/front,
and top/bottom. Such descriptions are merely used to facilitate the discussion and
are not intended to restrict the application of disclosed embodiments.
[0009] The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It
should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other.
Rather, in particular embodiments, "connected" may be used to indicate that two or
more elements are in direct physical contact with each other. "Coupled" may mean that
two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, "coupled" may also mean
that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still
cooperate or interact with each other.
[0010] For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form "A/B" or in the form "A
and/or B" means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the description, a phrase
in the form "at least one of A, B, and C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C),
(B and C), or (A, B and C). For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form
"(A)B" means (B) or (AB) that is, A is an optional element.
[0011] The description may use the terms "embodiment" or "embodiments," which may each refer
to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "comprising,"
"including," "having," and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous,
and are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted
as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having
at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited
to," etc.).
[0012] With respect to the use of any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having
skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular
to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural
permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[0013] In various embodiments, methods, apparatuses, and systems for mitigation of rotational
acceleration are provided. Embodiments herein employ a novel strategy based on a floating
cellular liner that acts as a torsional suspension system to dampen rotational acceleration,
such as head acceleration in a helmet, in response to an oblique impact. Specifically,
the torsional suspension consists of an anisotropic cellular liner that is at least
partially recessed inside a rigid polymer foam shell, relative to which the cellular
liner can simultaneously undergo translation and in-plane compression.
[0014] Previous attempts have employed other strategies for mitigation of rotational head
acceleration to reduce the risk of brain injury that are considerably less effective.
For example, intermediate layers have been used that are not permitted to slide relative
to adjacent layers. Such solutions rely only on shear deformation within the layer.
Other attempts use a sliding layer disposed between an inner and outer helmet shell
to facilitate displacement of the outer shell relative to the inner shell. However,
the intermediate layer is not capable of absorbing rotational energy by in-plane compression.
[0015] Embodiments herein provide an impact absorption system that acts as a torsional suspension
system for use in protective helmets to shield the head from linear and rotational
accelerations. A brain is particularly vulnerable to rotational head accelerations,
but contemporary helmets lack an effective mechanism to dampen rotational head accelerations
in oblique impacts. In various embodiments, the helmets disclosed herein include a
torsional suspension consisting of an anisotropic cellular liner that is at least
partially recessed in an adjacent shell made of rigid expanded polymer foam. The cellular
liner is separated from the polymer shell by polymer film, or another barrier layer,
to create a floating cellular liner that can translate relative to the adjacent polymer
shell. Thus, an oblique impact to the helmet will cause relative sliding between the
cellular liner and the polymer shell, simultaneously to in-plane compression of the
cellular liner. In combination, this simultaneous in-plane compression and sliding
will absorb torsional energy to reduce rotational head acceleration.
[0016] Embodiments herein provide protective helmets designed to lessen the amount of harmful
acceleration (both straight linear and rotational) that reaches the brain of a wearer
during an impact to the helmet. In various embodiments, the helmets may include the
torsional suspension system for both cushioning and absorbing linear and rotational
energy, thus reducing peak acceleration or deceleration of a wearer's head in an impact.
In various embodiments, this reduction in head acceleration and deceleration may result
in a corresponding reduction in the magnitude of acceleration or deceleration experienced
by the brain, reducing the risk and/or severity of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
[0017] In various embodiments, the helmets disclosed herein may include a torsional suspension
consisting of an anisotropic cellular liner that is at least partially recessed in
an adjacent shell made of expanded polymer foam. In embodiments, the cellular liner
is separated from the polymer shell, such as by a polymer film, to facilitate relative
sliding. Thus, an oblique impact to the helmet will cause relative sliding between
the cellular liner and the polymer shell, simultaneously to in-plane compression of
a portion of the cellular liner. In combination, this simultaneous in-plane compression
and sliding will absorb torsional energy to reduce rotational head acceleration. The
cellular liner is retained within the recess of the polymer shell without the necessity
of using additional fasteners, adhesive etc. Rather, the cellular liner is sized to
fit snug within the recess and to be retained within the recess as a friction fit
with the shell or foam. In embodiments, only a minor amount of pressure is used to
reduce the size of the cellular liner, temporarily, to place it within the recess.
Once the pressure is released, the cellular liner presses against the side walls of
the recess and remains in place. By eliminating additional fasteners, adhesive, etc.,
translation of the cellular liner within the recess is not encumbered.
[0018] In various embodiments, in addition to providing a torsional suspension system, the
cellular liner may also compress in a direction normal to its surface to deplete impact
energy directed normal to the helmet surface.
[0019] In various embodiments, the cellular liner may also shear in part by folding or sideways
collapse of its cellular structure to further mitigate torsional and normal impact
loads.
[0020] In various embodiments, the cellular liner may be comprised of a lightweight aluminum
structure. One of skill in the art will appreciate that other lightweight, compressible
materials may be employed, such as cardboard or paper pulp, various synthetic or natural
foams, plastic, polymers, and the like.
[0021] In various embodiments, the cellular liner may be comprised of a cell geometry with
auxetic properties to allow for spherical deformation of the cellular liner without
distorting the regular cell geometry. By using a cellular liner with auxetic properties,
the cellular liner may be shaped to fit into curved recesses, as would be typical
of many helmets and other articles.
[0022] In various embodiments, the torsional suspension system of the helmets disclosed
herein may be used to construct any type of protective headgear, such as safety helmets,
motorcycle helmets, bicycle helmets, ski helmets, lacrosse helmets, hockey helmets,
football helmets, batting helmets for baseball and softball, headgear for rock and
mountain climbers, headgear for boxers, construction helmets, helmets for defense
and military applications, and headgear for underground activities. While helmets
are described with respect to particular embodiments herein, various features herein
are applicable to other articles, such as other types of protective gear, such as
face masks, elbow pads, knee pads, shoulder pads, shin guards, and the like, potential
impact surfaces such as various surfaces (internal or external) of a vehicle, including
a dashboard and crushable surfaces on automotive brake pedals. Alternatively, embodiments
described herein may also be used in association with soles of safety shoes that would
dampen the impact in case of a fall from height.
[0023] FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of the impact damping system shown
in a simplified manner (flat) without the spherical curvature of helmets or shapes
of other articles to illustrate certain basic concepts.
[0024] The impact damping system
100 is comprised of an anisotropic cellular liner
101 that is partially recessed inside an adjacent liner
102 made of rigid polymer foam. A barrier layer
103 is located at the interface between cellular liner
101 and rigid foam liner
102 to facilitate gliding of the cellular liner
101 parallel to rigid foam liner
102. This layer
103 also prevents cells
104 of cellular liner
101 from penetrating into the surface of foam liner
102, which would restrict relative sliding between cellular liner
101 and the foam liner
102. Recess
105 provides a geometric constraint of at least a part of the periphery of the cellular
liner, with recess
105 having both a base surface and side walls defining the recess or pocket in which
the cellular liner fits and is constrained.
[0025] In embodiments, layer
103 may be constrained within the pocket by interaction with recess
105 or by affixation, such as adhesive, or it may be a coating, or, in other embodiments,
layer
103 may essentially be free to move, but be constrained within recess
105 by the presence of cellular liner
101 in recess
105.
[0026] FIG. 1B illustrates the same cross-sectional view of
Fig. 1A, but during impact with a spherical object
106 in an oblique direction
108 that subjects the cellular liner
101 to in-plane compression, out-of-plane compression, and shear. In-plane compression
of cellular liner
101 is evident by cell densification in section
109 between the impact location and the geometric constraint
110. This densification is caused by the recess in the rigid foam liner
102, which prevents translation of the boundary of cellular liner
101. In contrast, section
111 of cellular liner
101 does not exhibit in-plane compression, since it translates relative to the rigid
foam liner
102, in a direction away from geometric constraint
105. Therefore, the gliding interface provided by layer
103, in combination with the geometric constraints
105 and
110 of the recessed cellular liner enables partial in-plane compression of only a section
109 of the cellular liner
101 in response to an oblique impact
108.
[0027] Out-of-plane compression and shear deformation of cellular liner
101 primarily occurs at the impact site between sections
109 and
111, and contributes to impact energy dissipation by crumpling and shear folding of cells
107 similar to a traditional crumple zone. In summary, this impact damping system delivers
a unique combination of impact damping strategies to absorb normal and tangential
impact forces during an oblique impact. It dampens the impact load component that
acts parallel to cellular liner
101 by in-plane compression of a section
109 of cellular liner
101. It dampens the impact load component that acts perpendicular to cellular liner
101 by out-of-plane compression of cellular liner
101 at the vicinity of the impact location
107. It furthermore supports shear deformation of cellular liner
101 in the vicinity of impact location
107.
[0028] Cellular liner
101 has anisotropic properties with a compressive stiffness that is lower in-plane than
out-of-plane. Consequently, the in-plane compression caused by considerable gliding
and densification of cellular liner
101 is considerably greater than the out-of-plane compression of cellular liner
101 at impact location
107.
[0029] In embodiments, a barrier layer may be a film, sheet, or coating, such as polymer
film.
[0030] FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a helmet with an example of the impact damping
system. In the illustrated embodiment, the impact damping system
200 is comprised of an anisotropic cellular liner
201 that is partially recessed inside an adjacent liner
202 made of rigid polymer foam. A barrier layer
203 is located at the interface between cellular liner
201 and rigid foam liner
202 to facilitate gliding of the cellular liner
201 parallel to rigid foam liner
202. Recess
204 provides a geometric constraint along at least a part of the periphery of cellular
liner
201. In various embodiments, cellular liner
201 may have a hexagonal cell geometry, or an auxetic cell geometry which allows for
spherical deformation of the cellular liner while retaining a regular cell geometry.
[0031] In various embodiments, outer helmet layer
106 may be sufficiently stable, rigid, and/or non-compressible to distribute impact forces
over an extended area. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the shapes depicted
in the figures are merely exemplary, and that the helmet shape can vary depending
on the particular sporting event or activity for which the helmet is designed. Furthermore,
helmets in accordance with the present disclosure may include additional features,
such as a cage for a hockey helmet, a face mask for a football helmet, a visor for
a motorcycle helmet, and/or retention straps, chin straps, and the like. Although
not shown in the illustrated embodiment, cellular liner
201, foam liner
202, and plastic film may include one or more ventilation openings to permit air flow
for cooling the wearer's head. Although not shown in the illustrated embodiment, the
cell walls of cellular liner
201 may have geometric perturbations that facilitate shear deformation and in-plane compression
of cellular liner
201.
[0032] FIG. 2B illustrates the same cross-sectional view of
Fig. 2A, but during an external oblique impact
209. This impact compresses the helmet onto the wearer's head
205 and subjects the cellular liner
201 to oblique loading
207 that is absorbed by in-plane compression, out-of-plane compression, and localized
shear of cellular liner
201. In-plane compression of cellular liner
201 occurs to the left side of the impact location, as depicted by cell densification
of cellular liner
201 that is pushed against geometric constraint
204. The opposite side of cellular liner
201 translates relative to the rigid polymer foam liner
202, creating an area
208 in the recessed foam liner
202 that is void of the cellular liner
201. In summary, the tangential component of impact
209 is absorbed by in-plane compression of cellular liner
202, whereby in-plane compression is distributed over a large area of cellular liner
202, extending considerably beyond the zone of impact. In contrast, the radial component
of the impact
209 is absorbed by out-of-plane compression and shear in the vicinity of the impact location,
albeit the resulting deformation of the cellular liner is not shown in the illustrated
embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment, whereby two or more cellular liners
301 are placed in corresponding recess areas in the rigid polymer foam liner
302. Each individual cellular liner
301 is separated from foam liner
302 by a barrier layer
303 located at the interface between cellular liners
301 and rigid foam liner
302 to facilitate gliding of the cellular liners
301 relative to rigid foam liner
302.
[0034] While
FIG. 3 illustrates multiple, separate cellular liners placed into separate recesses,
FIGS. 2A and
2B, for example, illustrate a single/unitary cellular liner. As shown in
FIGS. 2A and
2B, the unitary cellular liner extends across a substantial portion of the underlying
surface area, such as at least 50%, at least 60%, or at least 70% of the surface.
The underlying surface area can be defined as the inward facing surface of the foam
liner, wherein the foam liner has an inward facing surface (facing toward the wearer)
and an outward facing surface (facing away from the wearer). Alternatively, the underlying
surface area can be defined as the outward facing surface of the foam liner. In such
an embodiment, the cellular liner may be present between the foam liner and an outer
hard shell.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates the same cross-sectional view of
Fig. 2A, but with the addition of a inner liner
405 made of a softer foam or textile material to provide improved fit and comfort for
the helmet wearer. Inner liner
505 may also serve to prevent skin abrasion that otherwise could be caused during impact
by direct compression of cellular liner
401 onto the wearer's head.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment, whereby cellular liner
501 is recessed in the outside of rigid polymer foam liner
502. A barrier layer
503 is located at the interface between cellular liner
501 and rigid foam liner
502 to facilitate gliding of the cellular liner
501 parallel to rigid foam liner
502. Recess
504 provides a geometric constraint along at least a part of the periphery of the cellular
liner
501. An out shell
505 may be used to cover cellular liner
501 for added impact protection or for aesthetic reasons.
[0037] FIG. 6 depicts helmet impact test results, illustrating the efficacy by which various embodiments
herein mitigate rotational head acceleration compared to standard polymer foam helmets,
and compared to helmets that employ alternative strategies for mitigation of rotational
head acceleration. Adding a slip liner, commercialized under the trademark "MIPS",
and disclosed by
US patent 6,758,671, reduces rotational head acceleration in response to an oblique impact by 27% compared
to a standard bicycle helmet consisting of expanded polymer foam (EPS). Adding a honeycomb
liner, commercialized under the trademark "Koroyd", into air vents of an EPS helmet
shell will increase the rotational head acceleration in response to an oblique impact
by 3% compared to a standard bicycle helmet consisting of expanded polymer foam (EPS).
Combining both the "MIPS" slip liner and the "Koroyd" honeycomb-filled air vents will
decrease the rotational head acceleration in response to an oblique impact by 19%
compared to a standard bicycle helmet consisting of expanded polymer foam (EPS). In
contrast, recessing the floating cellular liner as described herein in an EPS shell
will decrease the rotational head acceleration in response to an oblique impact by
71% compared to a standard bicycle helmet consisting of expanded polymer foam (EPS).
This direct comparison of technologies demonstrates that embodiments herein achieve
an unprecedented level of impact absorption that cannot be achieved or replicated
by merely combining existing technologies of slip layers and cellular liners.
[0038] Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will
be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate
and/or equivalent embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes
may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described without departing from
the scope. Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that embodiments may
be implemented in a very wide variety of ways. This application is intended to cover
any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is
manifestly intended that embodiments be limited only by the claims.
1. Ein Schutzhelm, bestehend aus:
einer anisotropen zellularen Auskleidung (101) mit einer Drucksteifigkeit, die in
Richtung einer Ebene niedriger ist als in einer außerhalb der Ebene liegenden Richtung;
einer angrenzenden Auskleidung (102) aus Hartschaum;
wobei die anisotrope Auskleidung (101) zumindest teilweise in der Hartschaumauskleidung
(102) eingelassen und eingeschlossen ist, um eine allgemeine Verlagerung der anisotropen
Auskleidung (101) relativ zu der Hartschaumauskleidung (102) zu verhindern; und
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Sperrschicht (103) zwischen der anisotropen Auskleidung (101) und der angrenzenden
Schaumauskleidung (102) vorgesehen ist, so dass die anisotrope zellulare Auskleidung
(101) relativ zu der benachbarten Schaumauskleidung (101) gleitet und sich relativ
zu dieser verlagern kann.
2. Schutzhelm nach Anspruch 1, wobei die anisotrope zellulare Auskleidung (101) aus einer
offenen Zellstruktur mit auxetischen Eigenschaften besteht, um eine sphärische Verformung
der Auskleidung (101) ohne eine unregelmäßige Verformung der Zellgeometrie zu ermöglichen.
3. Schutzhelm nach Anspruch 1, wobei die anisotrope zellulare Auskleidung (101) eine
Drucksteifigkeit in Richtung der Ebene aufweist, die mindestens 50% niedriger ist
als ihre Drucksteifigkeit in der außerhalb der Ebene liegenden Richtung, wenn sie
in einer Richtung senkrecht zur Oberfläche der Auskleidung zusammengedrückt wird.
4. Schutzhelm nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Sperrschicht (103) eine Beschichtung oder ein
separates Folienelement aufweist, das das Eindringen der anisotropen zellularen Auskleidung
(101) in die Oberfläche der Hartschaumauskleidung (102) verhindert.
5. Schutzhelm nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Sperrschicht (103) einen Polymerfilm umfasst.
6. Schutzhelm nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Hartschaumauskleidung (102) aus expandiertem
Schaum hergestellt ist.
7. Schutzhelm nach Anspruch 1, bei dem die anisotrope zellulare Auskleidung (101) in
die Innen- oder Außenseite der Hartschaumauskleidung (102) eingelassen ist.
8. Schutzhelm nach Anspruch 1, bei dem Scherkräfte als Reaktion auf einen schrägen Aufprall
auf die Helmoberfläche zumindest teilweise durch Kompression eines Teils der anisotropen
Auskleidung (101) in Richtung der Ebene absorbiert werden, die durch tangentiale Verlagerung
eines Teils der anisotropen Auskleidung (101) innerhalb der Grenzen des eingelassenen
Bereichs der Hartschaumauskleidung (102) verursacht wird.
9. Schutzhelm nach Anspruch 1, wobei die angrenzende Auskleidung (102) aus Hartschaum
eine nach innen gerichtete Oberfläche und eine nach außen gerichtete Oberfläche aufweist
und die anisotrope zellulare Auskleidung (101) eine einheitliche Struktur ist, die
mindestens 50% der nach innen gerichteten Oberfläche oder der nach außen gerichteten
Oberfläche der angrenzenden Auskleidung (102) aus Hartschaum bedeckt.