Apparatus Utilizing Smart Fabrics for Providing Protection of the Head and Brain from Injury in Six Degrees of Freedom

Smart overview of the Invention

The patent application describes a specialized compression garment designed to protect the head and brain from injuries. It is particularly aimed at individuals in high-risk activities such as athletes, military personnel, law enforcement officers, and professionals in hazardous environments. The garment is hooded and focuses on minimizing the risk of concussions and traumatic brain injuries by addressing both linear and rotational forces exerted on the head.

Key Features

The garment utilizes a combination of advanced materials to achieve its protective function. These include:

• Compression Fabric: Provides a snug fit that helps in stabilizing the head.
• Smart Fabrics: Incorporates technology that can respond to external stimuli to enhance protection.
• Shear Thickening Fluid: A material that becomes more viscous under stress, offering additional resistance to sudden impacts.

Mechanism of Action

By integrating these materials, the garment effectively reduces both linear and rotational accelerations and velocities experienced by the head during impacts. The primary focus is on mitigating rotational movements, which are often more damaging in causing brain injuries. The reduction in these forces subsequently decreases the shear stress and pressure on the brain.

Benefits

The innovative design aims to significantly lower the incidence of brain injuries in various high-risk scenarios. By focusing on both types of acceleration, the garment provides comprehensive protection, potentially reducing the severity of injuries sustained during impacts. This enhancement in safety could be particularly beneficial for individuals regularly exposed to high-velocity or high-impact situations.

Applications

This protective garment has broad applications across multiple fields where head injuries are a concern. It is suitable for competitive and recreational athletes, military members, law enforcement officers, and other professionals working in dangerous environments. By offering enhanced protection, it could become an essential part of safety gear for these individuals.