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WO-2026093855-A1 - PASSIVE DEFLECTION-SENSITIVE MECHANISM FOR HELMETS

WO2026093855A1WO 2026093855 A1WO2026093855 A1WO 2026093855A1WO-2026093855-A1

Abstract

The present invention discloses a novel, passive deflection-sensitive mechanism designed for applications such as helmets. This mechanism enhances safety by allowing the movement and decoupling of specific helmet parts when applied forces exceed a predetermined threshold. The mechanism comprises an anchor socket and a deflect pin, whose extended shaft facilitates deflection and decoupling of the connected parts of a helmet under lateral forces. This decoupling reduces rotational and linear forces on the brain during impact, thereby decreasing the risk of head injury and concussion. Prototype testing with this mechanism demonstrated a significant reduction in force applied to the brain, making it a promising solution for head protection equipment. While the mechanism is frangible and absorbs only a negligible amount of energy, it contributes to force reduction by enabling part decoupling upon impact. Additionally, the mechanism is adaptable for various applications requiring movement and detachment of parts under specific conditions.

Inventors

  • ABRAM, DANIEL EAMON

Dates

Publication Date
20260507
Application Date
20251021
Priority Date
20241101

Claims (15)

  1. [Claim 1] A passive deflection-sensitive mechanism for attaching specific parts of a helmet, comprising a deflect pin and an anchor socket; wherein the deflect pin includes a head, shaft, and base; wherein the anchor socket includes a receptacle with lips and a cavity; wherein the head of the deflect pin is configured to lock into the receptacle of the anchor socket; wherein the length of the deflect pin’s shaft is at least three times the minimum diameter or equivalent diameter of the shaft; wherein the mechanism is frangible and absorbs only a negligible amount of impact energy due to deflection and detachment of the deflect pin from the anchor socket during impact to the helmet, failing solely by detachment, the detachment occurring under lateral forces typically encountered by a helmet during impact; wherein the shaft deflects when the lateral component of an applied force to the mechanism exceeds a first threshold, allowing limited relative translational and rotational movement between the parts connected by the mechanism; wherein the shaft further deflects, and the deflect pin detaches from the anchor socket when the lateral component of the applied force exceeds a higher second threshold, causing the attached parts to detach and move relative to each other and reduce rotational and linear forces applied to the head.
  2. [Claim 2] The passive deflection- sensitive mechanism of Claim 1, wherein the mechanism is configured in the parts it is attaching such that the distance of the base of the deflect pin from the receptacle of the anchor socket is at least twice the minimum diameter of the shaft of the deflect pin.
  3. [Claim 3] The passive deflection- sensitive mechanism of Claim 1, wherein one or more said mechanisms hold the connected parts securely in place during normal use in the absence of impact forces.
  4. [Claim 4] The passive deflection- sensitive mechanism of Claim 1, wherein the deflection of the deflect pin represents controlled bending that allows limited translational and rotational displacement of the connected parts relative to each other before detachment.
  5. [Claim 5] The passive deflection- sensitive mechanism of Claim 1, wherein the shaft of the deflect pin comprises one or more protrusions beneath its head to create multiple engagement points for the deflect pin when attaching to the anchor socket.
  6. [Claim 6] The passive deflection- sensitive mechanism of Claim 1, wherein the shaft of the deflect pin comprises one or more protrusions beneath its head to securely hold the deflect pin in place during the manufacturing of the part in which the deflect pin is partially embedded.
  7. [Claim 7] The passive deflection- sensitive mechanism of Claim 1, wherein the base of the deflect pin comprises holes or openings to improve the deflection and durability of the deflect pin when a force with a lateral component is applied to the mechanism.
  8. [Claim 8] The passive deflection- sensitive mechanism of Claim 1, wherein the base of the deflect pin comprises anchoring arms configured to enhance retention when the base is embedded in foam or other helmet materials.
  9. [Claim 9] The passive deflection- sensitive mechanism of Claim 1, wherein the amount of force required for detachment of the deflect pin from the anchor socket can be fine-tuned by varying the thickness of the receptacle and lips of the anchor socket and by adjusting the geometry and size of the head and shaft of the deflect pin.
  10. [Claim 10] The passive deflection- sensitive mechanism of Claim 1, wherein the helmet parts attached by the mechanism undergo finite movement in translational and rotational directions relative to each other when the lateral component of the applied force to the mechanism of the helmet exceeds a first threshold.
  11. [Claim 11] The passive deflection- sensitive mechanism of Claim 1, wherein the helmet parts attached by the mechanism decouple and move in translational and rotational directions relative to each other as whole bodies when the lateral component of the force applied to the mechanism exceeds a second, higher threshold.
  12. [Claim 12] The passive deflection- sensitive mechanism of Claim 1, wherein the mechanism is frangible and absorbs only a negligible amount of impact energy due to deflection, deformation, and detachment of the deflect pin from the anchor socket during impact to the helmet.
  13. [Claim 13] The passive deflection- sensitive mechanism of Claim 1, wherein the mechanism attaches one or more modular shock-absorbing liners positioned adjacent the head to a base shock-absorbing liner that is located farther from the head and secured to an outer shell and, when a lateral component of an applied impact force exceeds a first threshold, enables finite translational and rotational movement of the modular shock-absorbing liner(s) relative to the base shock-absorbing liner, and, when the lateral component exceeds a second, higher threshold, causes detachment of the modular liner or liners from the base shock- absorbing liner.
  14. [Claim 14] The passive deflection- sensitive mechanism of Claim 1, wherein the mechanism attaches one or more outer-shell pieces of a helmet to a shock- absorbing liner and, when subjected to lateral forces, enables finite translational and rotational movement of the outer-shell piece(s) relative to the liner at a first threshold and detachment at a higher, second threshold.
  15. [Claim 15] The passive deflection- sensitive mechanism of Claim 1, wherein the deflect pin bends elastically or plastically under the lateral component of the impact force while any shearing motion between the connected parts caused by the lateral force is negligible.

Description

Description Title of Invention: A Novel Passive Deflection-Sensitive Mechanism Background Art [0001] Passive mechanical mechanisms have a rich history in engineering, dating back to ancient civilizations. These mechanisms operate without the need for continuous energy or power input, relying on fundamental principles of mechanics and materials science. They encompass a wide range of devices, from simple gears and levers to complex systems like clockworks and mechanical linkages. [0002] Over the centuries, innovations in passive mechanical mechanisms have paved the way for advancements in fields such as automation, robotics, safety and aerospace engineering. These mechanisms are valued for their reliability, efficiency, and minimal maintenance requirements. [0003] In modem applications, passive mechanical mechanisms are integral to technologies like shock absorbers, seatbelts, fire distinguishers, thermostats, and mechanical governors. Their design often involves precise calculations to ensure optimal performance under various conditions. By leveraging the principles of inertia, geometry, gravity, elasticity, friction, and magnetism, these mechanisms contribute to the development of sustainable and energy-efficient solutions across industries. [0004] Passive mechanisms are all about intelligent design and harnessing natural forces. They are everywhere; constantly working behind the scenes to make life smoother, safer, and more efficient. When designing a passive mechanism, it is crucial to create the simplest mechanism that effectively performs the required function. In other words, a simpler mechanism often indicates a more intelligent design. Summary of Invention [0005] In the disclosed invention, a novel passive deflection-sensitive mechanism is introduced. The mechanism allows attached parts to be decoupled when the force exceeds a certain threshold through the deflection of the shaft and the deformation of other parts. [0006] One general aspect provides a passive deflection-sensitive mechanism for attaching certain parts of a helmet, consisting of a deflect pin and an anchor socket. The deflect pin comprises a long shaft and a base that allows the deflect pin to deflect when the lateral component of the force applied to the mechanism exceeds a certain threshold. The deflection of the deflect pin in the first phase allows the base of the pin to move relative to the anchor socket. In the second phase, when the force increases beyond a certain threshold, the deflect pin detaches from the anchor socket, resulting in the failure of the attachment provided by the mechanism. This detachment enables certain parts of the helmet to move relative to each other, which helps significantly reduce the rotational and linear forces applied to the head during an impact. [0007] The invention provides a cost-effective solution that is lightweight and easy to install, suitable for use in helmets or other applications where attachment failure under a certain amount of force can be beneficial. One general aspect provides a passive deflection-sensitive mechanism that is frangible and absorb only a negligible amount of force or impact energy by its deflection, deformation, or detachment. The main goal of the invention is to allow parts attached by the mechanism to move or detach when the force applied to the disclosed mechanism exceeds certain thresholds, and in the absence of such forces, keep the parts attached. [0008] One general aspect provides a passive deflection-sensitive mechanism where the length of the shaft is at least three times the diameter of the shaft. This aspect allows the shaft to deflect when the lateral component of an applied force exceeds a certain threshold. Depending on the material(s) used for making the mechanism, its configuration, and the application, the shaft length can be determined. For instance, according to our prototyping and impact testing for bicycle helmets using an advanced test rig with a humanoid headform, when thermoplastic nylon is used, the length of the shaft should be approximately four times the diameter of the shaft to hold the parts in place when the helmet is worn, and allow the attached parts by the disclosed mechanism to move or decouple when the force exceeds certain thresholds during impact. [0009] Using the invented mechanism in bicycle helmets along with the advanced design of the helmet used in our testing, the rotational and linear forces applied to the head were reduced by over 50% compared to conventional helmets. Such a reduction can significantly mitigate the risk of head injury and concussion. The disclosed mechanism is frangible and absorbs only a negligible amount of impact energy; however, by allowing the parts to decouple during impact, it assists other parts in reducing forces applied to the head during impact. The passive deflection-sensitive mechanism can be designed for various applications to allow parts movement and detachments where they are desired.