Protective helmet having a microprocessor controlled response to impact
First Claim
1. A method for reducing concussive effects to the brain of a helmet user produced by impact on a protective helmet comprising:
- sensing the magnitude and location of the impact;
transmitting a first signal to the location of the impact;
in response to the first signal, adjusting fluid pressure in at least one cell disposed between the helmet and the head of a user;
transmitting a second signal to a location on the helmet distant to the location of the impact; and
in response to the second signal, adjusting fluid pressure in at least one cell disposed between the protective helmet and the head of the helmet wearer at the location distant to the impact.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system for reducing the concussive effects of impact. The system includes a helmet for protecting the head of a user. The helmet has a surface, an array of strain gauges attached on the surface for detecting an impact, an array of cells attached within the helmet and a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the cells. Each cell is selectively inflatable to redirect impact forces to the shell of the helmet, and selectively deflatable to cushion a users head during impact. The process of inflation and deflation is enabled and optimized through the use of a microprocessor connected in operative communication with the array of strain gauges and with the valves. Accordingly, when the system detects impact, the microprocessor selectively signals at least some of the valves to rapidly change pressure in the cells near the impact.
64 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for reducing concussive effects to the brain of a helmet user produced by impact on a protective helmet comprising:
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sensing the magnitude and location of the impact; transmitting a first signal to the location of the impact; in response to the first signal, adjusting fluid pressure in at least one cell disposed between the helmet and the head of a user; transmitting a second signal to a location on the helmet distant to the location of the impact; and in response to the second signal, adjusting fluid pressure in at least one cell disposed between the protective helmet and the head of the helmet wearer at the location distant to the impact. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for reducing the concussive effects of impact, comprising:
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a helmet for protecting the head of a user, the helmet having a plurality of vents to permit air flow and to dampen impact forces; an array of strain gauges attached within the helmet for detecting a strain profile resulting from impact; an array of inflatable cells attached within the helmet, the cells being selectively inflatable for re-directing impact forces, each cell has a fluid conduit and a valve for inflating and deflating each cell; and a microprocessor connected in operative communication with the array of strain gauges and with the valves; whereby when impact is detected by the strain gauges and communicated to the microprocessor, the microprocessor selectively signals at least some of the valves to adjust pressure in the cells. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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13. A helmet for reducing the concussive effects of an impact, comprising:
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a protective shell having an inner surface; an array of strain gauges attached to the shell for detecting an impact; an array of cells attached within the helmet, each cell being selectively inflatable for generating responsive forces to counter the impact; a fluid reservoir attached to the helmet; a fluid conduit including a valve, the fluid conduit being attached in fluid communication between the fluid reservoir and cells for inflating and deflating each cell with fluid; and a microprocessor connected in operative communication with the array of strain gauges and with the valves; whereby, when the system detects impact the microprocessor sequentially signals at least some of the valves to adjust pressure in the cells. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification