Energy dissipation system for a helmet

摘要

A helmet includes an inner and outer shell that are connected posterior of the head via a two degree freedom of movement rotating hinge. The connector allows for angular rotation about the inferior/superior and left/right axes. One potential mechanism for the connector is four springs, located left, right, inferior and superior of the connector, connected to both the inner and outer layers. The goal of the springs is two-fold to provide resistance in the event that the outer layer rotates with respect to the inner layer about either axis in response to an impact or applied force, and to rapidly return the outer layer to its equilibrium position post-impact or after the removal of the applied force.

主权项

1. A helmet comprising:
an inner shell for containing the head of a wearer, an outer shell, said outer shell being pivotally and rotatably mounted on said inner shell, wherein a shape of said outer shell includes a larger radius of curvature on a posterior end compared to a smaller radius of curvature on an anterior end, a gap located between said inner shell and said outer shell, and a pivotal connector located in said gap, said pivotal connector being secured to said inner shell and to said outer shell, said pivotal connector including two connector pieces, one of said two pieces extending from one of said inner shell and said outer shell and the other of said two pieces extending from the other of said inner shell and said outer shell, the other piece being a spherical ball joint, the one piece capturing the other piece as a two degree of freedom of movement rotating hinge, the rotating hinge allowing a limited degree of shifting of said outer shell with respect to said inner shell when a force is applied to said outer shell.