U.S. patent application number 15/669687 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-16 for helmet airbag system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Elwha LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Elwha LLC. Invention is credited to Paul G. Allen, Philip V. Bayly, David L. Brody, Jesse R. Cheatham, III, Richard G. Ellenbogen, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Tony S. Pan, Robert C. Petroski, Raul Radovitzky, Anthony V. Smith, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Clarence T. Tegreene, Nicholas W. Touran, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood.
Application Number | 20170325533 15/669687 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56924140 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170325533 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Allen; Paul G. ; et
al. |
November 16, 2017 |
HELMET AIRBAG SYSTEM
Abstract
An airbag inflation system includes a processing circuit
configured to receive object data including positional data
regarding an object and at least one of a relative velocity and a
relative acceleration of the object relative to a first helmet and
control operation of an inflation device to inflate an airbag based
on the object data.
Inventors: |
Allen; Paul G.; (Mercer
Island, WA) ; Bayly; Philip V.; (St. Louis, MO)
; Brody; David L.; (St. Louis, MO) ; Cheatham,
III; Jesse R.; (Seattle, WA) ; Ellenbogen; Richard
G.; (Seattle, WA) ; Hyde; Roderick A.;
(Redmond, WA) ; Ishikawa; Muriel Y.; (Livermore,
CA) ; Kare; Jordin T.; (San Jose, CA) ;
Leuthardt; Eric C.; (St. Louis, MO) ; Myhrvold;
Nathan P.; (Medina, WA) ; Pan; Tony S.;
(Bellevue, WA) ; Petroski; Robert C.; (Seattle,
WA) ; Radovitzky; Raul; (Bedford, MA) ; Smith;
Anthony V.; (Seattle, WA) ; Sweeney; Elizabeth
A.; (Seattle, WA) ; Tegreene; Clarence T.;
(Mercer Island, WA) ; Touran; Nicholas W.;
(Seattle, WA) ; Wood, JR.; Lowell L.; (Bellevue,
WA) ; Wood; Victoria Y.H.; (Livermore, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Elwha LLC |
Bellevue |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Elwha LLC
Bellevue
WA
|
Family ID: |
56924140 |
Appl. No.: |
15/669687 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14663315 |
Mar 19, 2015 |
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15669687 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/0486 20130101;
A41D 13/0512 20130101; A42B 3/00 20130101; A41D 13/018 20130101;
A42B 3/12 20130101; A41D 13/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/04 20060101
A42B003/04; A41D 13/018 20060101 A41D013/018; A42B 3/12 20060101
A42B003/12; A41D 13/05 20060101 A41D013/05 |
Claims
1. A helmet airbag system, comprising: an inflation device
configured to at least partially inflate an airbag coupled to a
helmet; a ventilation device configured to deflate the airbag; and
a retraction device configured to retract the airbag.
2. The helmet airbag system of claim 1, further comprising a
processing circuit configured to control operation of at least one
of the inflation device, the ventilation device, and the retraction
device.
3. The helmet airbag system of claim 2, wherein the processing
circuit is configured to receive object data regarding at least one
of an actual impact and a predicted impact between the helmet and
an object.
4. The helmet airbag system of claim 2, the processing circuit is
configured to control operation of at least one of the ventilation
device and the inflation device to control at least one of a
deflation rate and an inflation rate of the airbag.
5. The helmet airbag system of claim 2, wherein the processing
circuit is configured to control operation of at least one of
inflation device and the ventilation device to selectively and
actively inflate or deflate the airbag during a respective impact
between the helmet and an object external to the helmet.
6. The helmet airbag system of claim 1, further comprising the
airbag.
7. The helmet airbag system of claim 6, wherein the airbag includes
a plurality of compartments, wherein each of the plurality of
compartments is individually selectively inflatable.
8. The helmet airbag system of claim 6, wherein the airbag includes
a plurality of separate airbags, wherein each of the plurality of
separate airbags is individually selectively inflatable.
9. The helmet airbag system of claim 6, wherein the inflation
device is configured to at least partially inflate the airbag such
that the airbag deploys in a direction away from an interior of the
helmet upon inflation.
10. The helmet airbag system of claim 6, wherein the retraction
device includes: at least one of (i) a plurality of fibers coupled
to the airbag and (ii) a net disposed around the airbag; and a
spring mechanism configured to retract the at least one of the
plurality of fibers and the net.
11. A helmet, comprising: a shell defining an interior of the
helmet; an airbag at least partially disposed within the shell; and
an inflation device coupled to the airbag and configured to at
least partially inflate the airbag such that that the airbag
deploys in a direction away from the interior of the helmet upon
inflation.
12. The helmet of claim 11, further comprising a ventilation device
coupled to the airbag and configured to deflate the airbag.
13. The helmet of claim 11, further comprising a retraction device
coupled to the airbag and configured to retract the airbag.
14. The helmet of claim 11, further comprising a processing circuit
configured to control operation of the inflation device to
selectively and actively inflate the airbag during a respective
impact between the shell and an object external to the shell.
15. The helmet of claim 11, wherein the airbag includes a plurality
of airbags, at least one of the plurality of airbags including a
plurality of sub-compartments coupled to the inflation device, and
wherein the inflation device is configured to facilitate
selectively inflating each of the plurality of sub-compartments
individually to control a shape of the at least one of the
plurality of airbags upon inflation.
16. The helmet of claim 11, further comprising a shape control
mechanism configured to facilitate controlling a shape of the
airbag upon inflation.
17. A helmet airbag system, comprising: an airbag configured to
couple to a helmet; an inflation device configured to at least
partially inflate the airbag; and a processing circuit configured
to: receive object data regarding an object; and control operation
of the inflation device to selectively inflate the airbag to
laterally deflect the object.
18. The helmet airbag system of claim 17, wherein the airbag has at
least one of sloped sides, a conical shape, and a wedge shape.
19. The helmet airbag system of claim 17, wherein the processing
circuit is configured to control the inflation device to inflate
the airbag such that the airbag is offset relative to a predicted
location of a potential impact.
20. The helmet airbag system of claim 17, wherein the airbag
includes a plurality of airbags.
21. The helmet airbag system of claim 20, wherein the processing
circuit is configured to differentially inflate the plurality of
airbags to laterally deflect the object.
22. The helmet airbag system of claim 20, wherein the processing
circuit is configured to inflate two or more of the plurality of
airbags at different times to laterally deflect the object.
23. The helmet airbag system of claim 17, further comprising a
shape control mechanism configured to facilitate controlling a
shape of the airbag upon inflation.
24. The helmet airbag system of claim 23, wherein the shape control
mechanism includes at least one of (i) a net surrounding at least a
portion of the airbag and (ii) a plurality of fibers coupled to the
airbag.
25. The helmet airbag system of claim 23, wherein the processing
circuit is configured to selectively control the shape control
mechanism to control the shape of the airbag to laterally deflect
the object.
26. The helmet airbag system of claim 17, further comprising a
retraction device configured to return the airbag to a stored
position, the retraction device including at least one of (i) a
pump configured to selectively apply a vacuum to the airbag to
retract the airbag, (ii) a plurality of fibers coupled to the
airbag and configured to be selectively pulled to retract the
airbag, (iii) a net surrounding the airbag and configured to be
selectively pulled to retract the airbag, and (iv) a spring
mechanism configured to provide a biasing force to retract the
airbag.
27. A helmet airbag system for a helmet, comprising: an airbag; an
inflation device configured to at least partially inflate the
airbag; and a processor configured to: predict an impact between
the airbag and an object based on controlling the inflation device
to inflate the airbag according to a first mode; and control
operation of the inflation device to inflate the airbag according
to a second mode different from the first mode based on predicting
the impact.
28. The helmet airbag system of claim 27, wherein controlling
operation of the inflation device according to the second mode
includes at least one of adjusting an inflation timing relative to
the first mode, adjusting an inflation pressure relative to the
first mode, adjusting an inflation rate relative to the first mode,
inflating the airbag to avoid the impact between the airbag and the
object, and inflating the airbag to laterally deflect the
object.
29. The helmet airbag system of claim 27, wherein the second mode
includes not inflating the airbag.
30. The helmet airbag system of claim 27, wherein the processor is
configured to (i) implement the first mode in response to
predicting the helmet and the object are going to impact each other
and (ii) implement the second mode in response to predicting the
helmet and the object are not going to impact each other, but the
airbag and the object are going to impact each other if the airbag
is inflated according to the first mode.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/663,315, filed on Mar. 19, 2015, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Various systems are used in activities such as sports, motor
vehicle operation, and the like, to help reduce injuries. For
example, football players typically wear a football helmet and
shoulder pads to minimize the risk of injury (e.g., due to
collisions with other players, the ground, etc.). Similarly, motor
vehicle operators such as motorcyclists often wear helmets to
minimize the risk of injury (e.g., due to collisions with other
motor vehicles, etc.).
SUMMARY
[0003] One embodiment relates to a helmet airbag system, including
an inflation device configured to inflate an airbag coupled to a
helmet; a processing circuit configured to receive object data
regarding an object and control operation of the inflation device
based on the object data; and a retraction device configured to
retract the airbag.
[0004] Another embodiment relates to a helmet, including an airbag;
an inflation device configured to at least partially inflate the
airbag; and a processor configured to predict an impact between the
airbag and an object based on controlling the inflation device to
inflate the airbag according to a first mode; and control operation
of the inflation device to inflate the airbag according to a second
mode different from the first mode based on predicting the
impact.
[0005] Another embodiment relates to a helmet airbag system,
including an airbag coupled to a helmet; an inflation device
coupled to the helmet and configured to at least partially inflate
the airbag; and a processor configured to receive object data
regarding an object; predict a potential impact between the helmet
and the object; and control operation of the inflation device to
inflate the airbag to laterally deflect the object.
[0006] Another embodiment relates to a helmet airbag system,
including an airbag coupled to a helmet; an inflation device
coupled to the helmet and configured to at least partially inflate
the airbag; a ventilation device coupled to the airbag and
configured to deflate the airbag; and a processor configured to
control operation of the inflation device and the ventilation
device to selectively inflate and deflate the airbag during contact
between the airbag and an object.
[0007] Another embodiment relates to a method of inflating an
airbag, including receiving object data regarding an object;
controlling, by a processing circuit, operation of an inflation
device to inflate an airbag coupled to a helmet based on the object
data; operating a retraction device to retract the airbag.
[0008] Another embodiment relates to a method of using a helmet,
including predicting, by a processor, an impact between an airbag
coupled to a helmet and an object based on controlling an inflation
device to inflate the airbag according to a first mode; and
controlling operation of the inflation device to inflate the airbag
according to a second mode different from the first mode based on
predicting the impact.
[0009] Another embodiment relates to a method of using a helmet,
including inflating an airbag of a first helmet; and retracting the
airbag with a retraction device, wherein the retraction device is
configured to return the airbag to a stored position such that the
airbag is usable for subsequent inflation while the first helmet is
worn by a user.
[0010] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not
intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative
aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by
reference to the drawings and the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of a helmet and torso protection
assembly worn by a user, according to one embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a helmet configuration for the
helmet of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a control system for the helmet of FIG. 2,
according to one embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 4A is an illustration of an airbag retraction device,
according to one embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 4B is an illustration of an airbag retraction device,
according to another embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of communication between a
remoter server and a first and a second helmet, according to one
embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a method of inflating an
airbag, according to one embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a method of inflating and
retracting an airbag, according to one embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a method of controlling one or
more airbags according to various modes according to one
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a method of controlling an
airbag according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments
described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not
meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other
changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of
the subject matter presented here.
[0022] Referring to the figures generally, various embodiments
disclosed herein relate to airbag inflation systems for users such
as athletes, motor vehicle operators, and the like. The airbag
inflation system generally includes a helmet (e.g., a "smart"
helmet, a head protection assembly such as a football helmet,
hockey helmet, motorcycle helmet, motocross helmet, etc.). Upon
detection of an impending impact, the helmet may inflate
intelligently to minimize forces and torques on its wearer. In some
embodiments, the helmet may actively inflate or deflate one or more
airbags to, among other things, minimize accelerations experienced
by the head and neck portions of the user and reduce the risk of
the user experiencing a concussion or other undesirable
injuries.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1, airbag system 10 is shown according
to one embodiment. System 10 is usable to reduce the risk of injury
to users while performing various activities, including playing
sports (e.g., football, hockey, baseball, etc.) and operating
vehicles (e.g., bicycles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, etc.). As
shown in FIG. 1, system 10 includes helmet 12 (e.g., a head
protection device or member, a first or upper protection device or
member, etc.) and torso protection assembly 14 (e.g., a shoulder
pad assembly, a second or lower protection device or assembly,
etc.). In other embodiments, the torso protection assembly 14 may
not be included. As discussed in greater detail herein, system 10
is configured to reduce impact forces to a user of helmet 12 in
cases of impacts or collisions involving the user (e.g., such as
collisions between players during a sporting activity, collisions
between a motor vehicle operator and other motor vehicles or
operators, a beanball in baseball, etc.).
[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, an exploded view of helmet 12 is shown
according to one embodiment. In the example embodiment, helmet 12
is a football helmet. In other embodiments, helmet 12 may be any
helmet used to protect a user from impacts to the head (e.g.,
during activities such as motocross, snowboarding, hockey,
lacrosse, snowmobiling, etc.). In one embodiment, helmet 12
includes outer shell layer 21, processing circuit layer 31, and
padding layer 41. Outer shell layer 21 includes helmet shell 13,
helmet airbag array 16, sensor array 18, facemask 20, facemask
airbag 22, chinstrap 24, chinstrap airbag 26, neck airbag 28, and
inflation device cartridge 30. Helmet shell 13 may be structured as
any type of helmet shell (e.g., football, baseball, hockey,
motocross, etc.) used to protect a user's head. Helmet airbag array
16, facemask airbag 22, chinstrap airbag 26, and neck airbag 28
collectively form an airbag assembly for helmet 12. Airbags 16, 22,
26, and 28 may be disposed on the surface of helmet shell 13,
internal to helmet shell 13, and/or located at any other location
on or within helmet 12 to reduce an impact to a user's head, face,
chin, or neck.
[0025] Sensor array 18 may be or include one or more devices (e.g.,
sensors, etc.) configured to measure at least one of object data of
an object (or a plurality of objects) and impact data between the
first helmet (e.g., helmet 12, etc.) and the object (or the
plurality of objects). The object may be a second helmet, a user of
a second helmet, a person or animal, or an inanimate object which
is either stationary (e.g., a wall, the ground, or the like) or
mobile (e.g., a vehicle, a baseball or hockey puck, or the like).
Object data includes an indication of at least one of user data for
a user of a second helmet, a location of the object, a direction of
travel of the object, a velocity of the object, an orientation of
the object, a size of the object, a shape of the object, and an
acceleration of the object. The user data includes at least one of
a user height, a user weight, and a user identification (e.g., same
team, opposing team, etc.). The measurements of location, velocity,
orientation, and acceleration of the object may be relative to
helmet 12. For example, the location of the object may be a
relative location, the velocity of the object may be a relative
velocity, the orientation of the object may be a relative
orientation, and the acceleration of the object may be a relative
acceleration. Also, the location of the object may include
two-dimensional location data or three-dimensional location data.
Impact data may include at least one of a pressure, a force, an
acceleration, and a torque applied to helmet 12 and the user of
helmet 12 by an object, a second helmet, a second person, a ground
surface (e.g., floor, field, road, etc.), or any other object that
may cause harm to the user during a collision. In one embodiment,
sensor array 18 includes one or more sensors 19 distributed about a
portion of helmet shell 13, facemask 20, and/or chinstrap 24. In
one embodiment, sensor array 18 may be implemented as a micropower
impulse radar (MIR), a lidar, a Doppler ultrasound, or any other
sensor(s) capable of determining the above mentioned
characteristics (i.e., to determine object data relative to the
first helmet, etc.). In one embodiment, sensor array 18 may combine
sensor data regarding the first helmet (e.g., location, velocity,
or acceleration determined by accelerometers, orientation
determined by gyroscopes, inclinometers, or accelerometers) with
externally determined data regarding the object (e.g., via one or
more remote sensors) to determine object data relative to the first
helmet. In one embodiment, sensory array 18 includes a temperature
sensor configured to measure the temperature of air in an ambient
environment (e.g., outside air, air being pumped into the airbags,
air being released from the airbags, etc.). In another embodiment,
sensory array 18 includes a humidity sensor configured to measure
the moisture content (i.e., humidity, etc.) of the air in the
ambient environment.
[0026] Still referring to FIG. 2, facemask 20 may be any type of
helmet facemask configured to protect the user's face. In some
embodiments, facemask 20 includes one or more crossbars, a
transparent shield, or other protection devices. In yet further
embodiments, facemask 20 is rigidly attached to helmet shell 13,
forming a single continuous unitary outer shell (e.g., a motocross
helmet, etc.), or removably attached (i.e., detachable) to helmet
shell 13 (e.g., a hockey helmet, a football helmet, etc.). In yet
further embodiments, facemask 20 is omitted (e.g., a baseball
helmet, etc.). Facemask airbag 22 is structured to protect the
users face and reduce the impact force to facemask 20 during a
collision or impact. Chinstrap 24 may be any type of helmet
chinstrap configured to secure helmet 12 to the user's head (e.g.,
by extending under or near the chin, on a portion of the neck,
etc.), including a football helmet chinstrap and the like.
Chinstrap airbag 26 is structured to protect the chin and front
part of the neck (e.g., throat) of a user during an impact.
Chinstrap airbag 26 may be disposed on the outer surface of
chinstrap 24 or internal to chinstrap 24 (e.g., projecting from
chinstrap 24 like that of an automobile steering wheel airbag
during a collision, etc.).
[0027] Neck airbag 28 is structured to inflate along the posterior
and side portions of the user's neck from the underside of helmet
12. In some embodiments, neck airbag 28 may couple to torso
protection assembly 14 via a coupling mechanism to resist relative
movement between helmet 12 and torso protection assembly 14 in
order to further reduce risk of injury to the user of system 10. In
other embodiments, the inflated neck airbag 28 may rest on the
collarbone or shoulders of the user. In further embodiments, neck
airbag 28 may inflate to take the shape of a neck brace (e.g., neck
collar, neck pillow, etc.). In alternate embodiments, any one of
helmet airbag array 16, facemask airbag 22, chinstrap airbag 26,
and neck airbag 28 may or may not be included with helmet 12.
[0028] Inflation device cartridge 30 is structured to store
chemicals which when released chemically react to produce gas,
and/or compressed gas to be used to inflate one or more airbags of
airbag assembly 60 (see FIG. 3). Cartridge 30 may be provided at
any suitable location on or within helmet 12 (e.g., within or
outside shell layer 21, etc.).
[0029] Processing circuit layer 31 is shown to include inflation
device 34, ventilation device 35, processor 36, retraction device
37, and memory 38. In the example embodiment, processing circuit
layer 31 is shown as its own layer within helmet 12 between outer
shell layer 21 and padding layer 41. In other embodiments,
processing circuit layer 31 and its respective components may be
included in outer shell layer 21, padding layer 41, or another
location of helmet 12. Processing circuit layer 31 is shown as its
own layer for clarity and for illustrative purposes only. Inflation
device 34 is configured to at least partially inflate one or more
of the airbags (e.g., helmet airbag array 16, facemask airbag 22,
chinstrap airbag 26, neck airbag 28, etc.) of helmet 12. Inflation
device 34 may inflate the one or more airbags through a chemical
reaction to produce gas, or alternatively, may release compressed
gas from inflation device cartridge 30. In some embodiments,
inflation device 34 is or includes a pump device configured to pump
ambient air from an external environment (e.g., outside of the
airbags, etc.) to inflate the one or more airbags. Inflation device
cartridge 30 may be structured as an interchangeable cartridge
which may be replaced when fully depleted. In one embodiment,
cartridge 30 carries five gas generators (e.g., chemical reactants,
compressed gas containers, etc.). When all five gas generators have
been used for airbag inflations, cartridge 30 may be removed and a
new cartridge 30 may be inserted into helmet 12. In other
embodiments, the number of gas generators may be less than or
greater than five. In further embodiments, cartridge 30 is not
removable from helmet 12, and serves as a fixed reservoir within
helmet 12 that is refillable with compressed gas or other materials
(e.g., chemical reactants, etc.) via a nozzle mechanism attached to
helmet 12.
[0030] Ventilation device 35 is configured to at least partially
deflate one or more of the airbags (e.g., helmet airbag array 16,
facemask airbag 22, chinstrap airbag 26, neck airbag 28, etc.) of
helmet 12. Ventilation device 35 may deflate the one or more
airbags through releasing (e.g., venting, expelling, etc.) a
portion of the gas within the one or more airbags. Retraction
device 37 is configured to retract one or more inflated airbags of
helmet 12 to a stored position (e.g., a previous position before
inflation, etc.) when the impact is completed or there is no
relatively immediate potential for other impacts. Retraction device
37 may retract one or more airbags by at least one of pulling
internal/external fibers attached to the airbag(s), pulling a net
around the airbag(s), applying a vacuum to the airbag(s), reacting
with magnets on the airbag, and any other method of retracting an
airbag.
[0031] Processor 36 may be implemented as a general-purpose
processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one
or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a
digital-signal-processor (DSP), a group of processing components,
or other suitable electronic processing components. Memory 38 is
one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash Memory, hard disk
storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for
facilitating the various processes described herein. Memory 38 may
be or include non-transient volatile memory or non-volatile memory.
Memory 38 may include database components, object code components,
script components, or any other type of information structure for
supporting the various activities and information structures
described herein. Memory 38 may be communicably connected to
processor 36 and provide computer code or instructions to processor
36 for executing the processes described herein.
[0032] Padding layer 41 includes helmet padding 40 which may be any
type of helmet padding for added head protection to the user (e.g.,
foam padding, inflatable pads, etc.). In other embodiments, padding
layer 41 may also serve the purpose of housing at least one of the
components shown in processing circuit layer 31. Padding layer 41
may include multiple individual cushioning elements according to
some embodiments.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 3, control system 70 for controlling
operation of helmet 12 is shown according to one embodiment.
Control system 70 includes sensor array 18, processing circuit 50,
and airbag assembly 60. Sensor array 18 may be one or more devices
(e.g., sensors, micropower impulse radar, lidar, cameras, etc.)
that acquire at least one of object data and impact data that may
then be relayed and received by processing circuit 50. In some
embodiments, control system 70 includes remote sensor system 72 to
acquire data. In some embodiments, control system 70 includes a
wireless receiver to acquire data from a remote device (e.g.,
remote sensor system 72, a database, etc.).
[0034] Processing circuit 50 includes processor 36 and memory 38.
Processing circuit 50 is configured to control operation of airbag
assembly 60. Airbag assembly 60 includes airbags 16, 22, 26, and
28, inflation device 34, ventilation device 35, and retraction
device 37. In one embodiment, processing circuit 50 controls
operation of airbag assembly 60 based on sensor data from sensor
array 18 and/or other inputs and data. For example, in some
embodiments, stored data in memory 38 and object data measured by
sensor array 18 may be compared to determine if a threshold (e.g.,
a user defined impact parameter, etc.) has been reached. If so,
processor 36 controls the inflation of airbag assembly 60 via
inflation device 34. The threshold may be used to predict the
imminence of a potential impact, by including an expected time
until an impact, a speed of an impacting body, the size of an
impacting body, a distance between impacting bodies or other
characteristics defined by the object data. In other embodiments,
sensor array 18 is configured to measure at least one of a force, a
torque, a pressure, and an acceleration (e.g., on the helmet, of an
impacting object or person, relative acceleration(s), etc.) to
define impact data of an actual impact between helmet 12 and
another object (e.g., the ground, a second helmet, etc.); inflation
of the airbag may be controlled by comparing such impact data to
corresponding threshold values.
[0035] In some embodiments, processing circuit 50 is configured to
receive remote sensor data from remote sensor system 72. Remote
sensor system 72 includes one or more remote sensors 74 (e.g.,
still or video cameras, radar devices, GPS, etc.) configured to
acquire data (e.g., position, velocity, acceleration, orientation,
etc.) regarding one or more user, objects, etc. The remote sensor
data may include object data for one or more helmets or other
objects, user data for one or more users, etc. As such, processing
circuit 50 may, in some embodiments, be configured to predict one
or more potential impacts based on the remote sensor data received
from remote sensor system 72. Remote sensors 74 may be arranged in
a user area, such as a football field, street area, and the
like.
[0036] The force and/or torque applied to the user by an impacting
object may cause pressure change in an airbag and substantial
accelerations on the user (e.g., the user's head inside of the
helmet, etc.). In some embodiments, the pressure is increased in
the airbags of airbag assembly 60 during an impact by an impacting
object by reducing the volume of an airbag while the amount of gas
in the airbag remains substantially constant. The increase in
pressure may be useful in determining the magnitude of the impact.
The accelerations are produced by an impacting object causing
helmet 12 (e.g., the user, etc.) to slow down, speed up, change
direction, and the like. Data regarding the acceleration is useful
in determining the magnitude of the impact in order to reduce
further accelerations of the user's head throughout the collision.
Adapting to the impact data to reduce the force, torque, pressure,
and/or acceleration is described more fully herein.
[0037] Based on the object data received by processor 36 from
sensor array 18 and/or remote sensor system 72, processor 36
controls operation of inflation device 34 to selectively inflate
one or more airbags of airbag assembly 60. For example, processor
36 may control an inflation rate, a timing of inflation, and an
inflation pressure of the airbag(s) of the airbag assembly 60 via
inflation device 34. Processor 36 is configured to control
operation of at least one of inflation device 34 and ventilation
device 35 to selectively inflate or deflate each of the plurality
of airbags of airbag assembly 60 to reduce forces and torques
applied to the user of helmet 12 based on the impact data. For
example, processor 36 may actively control at least one of a
deflation rate, an inflation rate, a deflation pressure, and an
inflation pressure of the airbag(s) of airbag assembly 60 during an
impact based on the impact data. The active control may be achieved
by at least one of venting gas from the airbag (e.g., via
ventilation device 35, etc.), supplying gas (e.g., from a chemical
reaction, from a compressed gas container, from an ambient
environment, etc.) to the airbag (e.g., via inflation device 34,
etc.), and controlling a shape of the airbag (e.g., by at least one
of inflation device 34, ventilation device 35, retraction device
37, etc.). Venting gas from the airbag or supplying gas to the
airbag may be performed to maintain a desired pressure or force on
helmet 12 or on another object involved in the impact (e.g., other
helmet, person, etc.). The desired pressure or force may be a
constant, or may be some other desired time profile.
[0038] Controlling the shape of the airbag may be performed to
control the direction of applied force and/or to limit the torque
applied to helmet 12 or another object. The shape may be controlled
by pulling on internal/external fibers of the airbag, inflating the
airbag within a properly shaped net, controlling the pressure in
sub-compartments of the airbag, or other airbag shape control
methods. In one embodiment, airbag assembly 60 may include
pre-shaped airbags configured to be selectively inflated to
laterally deflect incident objects (e.g., an impacting helmet,
etc.) from helmet 12. For example, one or more airbags may have a
shape with sloped sides (e.g., conical shaped, wedge shaped, etc.).
In another example, multiple small airbags or multiple compartments
of an airbag may be differentially inflated (e.g., to different
sizes and pressures to create a specific shape, etc.) to laterally
deflect a potentially impacting object. The inflation timing of
multiple small airbags may be tailored so that the impacting object
laterally bounces from one airbag to another. In yet another
example, the airbag may be inflated off-center (e.g., to one side,
opposite to that of the desired deflection, etc.) of a projected
impact site (e.g., location on helmet 12, etc.). By inflating the
airbag off-center, in some cases, additional rotation of the head
and neck of the user of helmet 12 may be substantially
minimized.
[0039] In one embodiment, processor 36 may be configured to control
operation of retraction device 37. For example, after an impact,
processor 36 may control retraction device 37 to retract one or
more airbags of airbag assembly 60 with actively controlled pulling
of fibers pre-attached to the airbag, actively controlled pulling
of nets around the airbag, and/or applying negative pressure (e.g.,
a vacuum, etc.) inside the airbag. In other embodiments, the
retraction of one or more airbags of airbag assembly may be
independent of processor 36. The retraction of the airbags of
airbag assembly 60 may be a mechanical retraction (e.g., spring
action, etc.). For example, airbag assembly 60 may always have a
tension force applied to each airbag (e.g., the airbag fibers, a
net surrounding the airbag, etc.) with a spring 39. When inflation
device 34 inflates one of the airbags (e.g., helmet airbag array
16, facemask airbag 22, chinstrap airbag 26, neck airbag 28, etc.),
the tension force of spring 39 is overcome by the pressure of the
gas inflating the airbag, deploying the airbag from helmet 12. Once
the airbag is ready for retraction, ventilation device 35 vents
(e.g., releases, etc.) the gas within the airbag. The tension force
applied by spring 39 retracts the airbag to its original location
to await a subsequent inflation. In some embodiments, when
retraction device 37 retracts the airbag(s), the gas within the
airbag(s), which would otherwise be expelled into the surrounding
environment, may be accumulated by an accumulation device to be
reused in future airbag inflations.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 4A, in one embodiment, retraction
device 37 includes a net, shown as airbag retraction net 37a. As
shown in FIG. 4A, airbag retraction net 37a surrounds an individual
airbag of helmet airbag array 16. A plurality of airbag retraction
nets 37a may be included to surround each of the airbags of helmet
airbag array 16. In other embodiments, airbag retraction net 37a
may surround any of the airbags of airbag assembly 60 (e.g., helmet
airbag array 16, facemask airbag 22, chinstrap airbag 26, neck
airbag 28, etc.). In some embodiments, airbag retraction net 37a
may be used to affect a specific shape (e.g., conical shaped, wedge
shaped, etc.) to an inflated airbag. By way of example, retraction
device 37 may be retractably controlled by processor 36 to retract
airbag retraction net 37a. For example, following an impact,
processor 36 commands retraction device 37 to pull on the ends of
airbag retraction net 37a to return an airbag to a stored position
(e.g., the position prior to inflation, etc.). In another
embodiment, retraction device 37 may be a mechanical device (e.g.,
spring, etc.) that applies tension to the ends of airbag retraction
net 37a to return an airbag to a stored position, as described
above.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 4B, in another embodiment, an airbag
of helmet airbag array 16 includes fibers, shown as airbag fibers
37b. The airbag fibers 37b are disposed within the structure of the
airbag. In other embodiments, the structure of each of the airbags
of airbag assembly 60 (e.g., helmet airbag array 16, facemask
airbag 22, chinstrap airbag 26, neck airbag 28, etc.) may include
airbag fibers 37b. In one embodiment, airbag fibers 37b are
elastic, which allows them to expand and retract without hindering
the expansion of the airbag. In other embodiments, airbag fibers
37b define an inflated shape (e.g., conical shaped, wedge shaped,
etc.) of an inflated airbag. By way of example, retraction device
37 may be retractably controlled by processor 36 to retract any of
the airbags of airbag assembly 60 by pulling on the ends of airbag
fibers 37b to return an airbag to a stored position (e.g., the
position prior to inflation, etc.). In another embodiment,
retraction device 37 may be a mechanical device (e.g., a spring,
independent of processor 36, etc.) that applies tension to the ends
of airbag fibers 37a to return an airbag to a stored position, as
described above.
[0042] In a further embodiment, retraction device 37 may be or
include a pump. The pump may be configured to apply negative
pressure (e.g., a vacuum, etc.) to remove gas from within an
inflated airbag. For example, following an impact, processor 36
activates the pump of retraction device 37 to remove the gas from
one or more airbags to return the airbag(s) to a stored (e.g.,
uninflated, etc.) position.
[0043] In an embodiment where airbag system 10 inflates the one or
more airbags with ambient air, processor 36 may be configured to
control inflation device 34, ventilation device 35, and/or
retraction device 37 responsive to the temperature and/or moisture
content of the ambient air. As described above, sensor array 18 may
include a temperature sensor and/or a humidity sensor. Therefore,
processor 36 may control the inflation and/or deflation of the
airbags at least partially responsive to temperature and humidity
measurements acquired by the temperature and humidity sensors.
Temperature of air may affect the pressure and volume of an airbag
as the airbag is inflated. For example, warmer air may require a
lesser quantity (e.g., of mass, of moles, etc.) of air to inflate
an airbag to a desired pressure and/or volume relative to cooler
air. By monitoring temperature, processor 36 may be able to
substantially prevent over or under inflation of an airbag of
airbag system 10. Moisture of air may cause moisture pockets to
form within an airbag. The moisture pockets may affect deployment
of the airbags. For example, moisture may lead to degradation
and/or inefficient deployment.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 5, a first helmet, shown as helmet
12a, and a second helmet, shown as helmet 12b, are shown to be in
communication with an external server, shown as remote server 80.
In some embodiments, remote server 80 may include a device such as
a global camera or sensor system, shown as remote sensor system 72,
that monitors one or more helmets within the system, shown as
helmet monitoring system 90, using remote sensors 74. Helmet
monitoring system 90 makes coordinated decisions, via a processor
and memory (e.g., like processor 36 and memory 38, etc.), as to
which airbag assemblies of at least one of the first helmet and the
second helmet to inflate. As shown in FIG. 5, helmet monitoring
system 90 includes two helmets. In other embodiments, helmet
monitoring system 90 may include any plurality of helmets (e.g.,
one, three, eleven, twenty-two, etc.).
[0045] In one embodiment, helmet 12a and helmet 12b may use their
respective sensor arrays (e.g., like that of sensor array 18, etc.)
to acquire and relay information (e.g., impact data, helmet data,
object data, etc.) to remote server 80. Using the relayed
information, remote server 80 may communicate inflation
instructions (i.e., predictive inflation, etc.) and/or impact
instructions (e.g., inflate airbag, deflate airbag, control shape
of airbag, etc.) to a least one of helmet 12a and helmet 12b. For
example, remote server 80 may command helmet 12a to inflate certain
airbags. As a result, impact forces and/or accelerations
experienced by the head and neck portions of the user may be
minimized and the risk of the user experiencing a concussion or
other undesirable injuries may be reduced. In another embodiment,
remote server 80 acquires data (e.g., object data, etc.) via the
remote sensor system 72. The data allows remote server 80 to
determine the relative position, relative velocity, and/or relative
acceleration of the second helmet relative to the first helmet to
predict at least one of a time-to-impact, if the second helmet may
reach a designated keep-out-envelope around the first helmet, and
the strength of the potential impact between the first helmet and
the second helmet. Thereby, the processor (e.g., like processor 36,
etc.) of remote server 80 determines whether to instruct at least
one of helmet 12a and helmet 12b to inflate one or more airbags
before a potential impact based on the object data (i.e.,
predictive inflation, etc.).
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 6, method 100 of inflating an airbag
is shown according to an example embodiment. In one example
embodiment, method 100 may be implemented with helmet 12 and
control system 70 of FIGS. 2-3. Accordingly, method 100 may be
described in regard to FIGS. 2-3. In another example embodiment,
method 100 may be implemented with helmet monitoring system 90 of
FIG. 5. Accordingly, method 100 may also be described in regard to
FIG. 5.
[0047] At 102, a potential impact is detected and predicted. In one
embodiment, a remote server (e.g., remote sensor system 72, remote
server 80, etc.) or a first helmet (e.g., helmet 12, etc.) detects
the potential impact. For example, when an athlete in football is
running with the ball, the athlete's helmet may continually scan
the field for potential impacts from other players, the ground, and
other possible sources of impacts via sensor array 18. At 104,
object data regarding an object, such as a second helmet, is
received (e.g., by the remote server, the first helmet, etc.). As
mentioned above, the object data may include at least one of an
indication of at least one of user data for a user of the second
helmet, a location (e.g., relative location, etc.) of the second
helmet, a direction of travel of the second helmet, a velocity
(e.g., relative velocity, etc.) of the second helmet, an
orientation of the second helmet, and an acceleration (e.g.,
relative acceleration, etc.) of the second helmet. Each helmet may
include a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag embedded
therein to identify the user (e.g., to supply the first helmet with
user data, etc.). In some embodiments, other equipment (e.g., torso
protection assembly 14, knee pads, shoes, etc.) may include
additional RFID tags. The identification may allow a server or the
first helmet to obtain information such as the second user's
height, weight, team, or any other pertinent characteristics.
[0048] At 106, one or more airbags are inflated based on the object
data. In one embodiment, processor 36 of the first helmet
determines whether to inflate one or more airbags before a
potential impact based on the object data or what may be referred
to as predictive inflation. Processor 36 of the first helmet may
use the knowledge of relative position, relative velocity, and/or
relative acceleration of the second helmet (or other object)
relative to the first helmet to predict a time-to-impact. Thereby,
the first helmet may predict a finite time-to-impact (e.g., when a
collision will occur, etc.) or an infinite time-to-impact (e.g.,
when a collision will not occur, etc.). Processor 36 of the first
helmet may inflate one or more airbags of airbag assembly 60 via
inflation device 34 if the time-to-impact is within a defined range
of times (e.g., short enough to be inevitable, longer than airbag
inflation time, etc.).
[0049] Processor 36 may also use the known position, velocity,
and/or acceleration of the second helmet relative to the first
helmet to predict if the second helmet will reach a designated
keep-out-envelope around the first helmet (e.g., within 5 cm, 10
cm, 20 cm, etc.). If the keep-out-envelope is predicted to be
penetrated, processor 36 may inflate one or more airbags of airbag
assembly 60 via inflation device 34 prior to the second helmet
impacting the first helmet. If the second helmet is predicted to
not enter the keep-out-envelope around the first helmet, but
instead pass nearby (e.g., not impact the first helmet, etc.),
processor 36 of the first helmet prevents inflation of airbag
assembly 60.
[0050] Similarly, processor 36 may further use the known relative
position, relative velocity, and/or relative acceleration of the
second helmet relative to the first helmet to predict the strength
or magnitude of the potential impact. If the strength is too small
(e.g., presents no risk of causing injury to the user of the first
helmet or second helmet, etc.), processor 36 does not inflate
airbag assembly 60. If the strength is relatively large (e.g.,
presents a risk of causing injury, etc.), processor 36 may inflate
one or more airbags of airbag assembly 60 via inflation device 34
and control the amount of inflation based on the predicted impact
strength. For example, processor 36 may control which airbags to
inflate and to what pressure, size, and shape to limit the amount
of force and/or torque applied to or by the second helmet. Airbag
inflation may also be spatially dependent. For example, processor
36 may only inflate airbag assembly 60 in a pre-designated region
and the impact occurs in the pre-designated region (e.g., while on
the field, court, ice rink, etc.). It should be noted that in some
embodiments, processor 36 is located remotely from the first and
second helmets (e.g., as part of remote server 80, helmet
monitoring system 90, etc.).
[0051] At 108, impact data is received (e.g., by the first helmet,
the remote server, etc.) regarding an impact between the first and
second helmets. As mentioned above, the impact data may include at
least one of a pressure, a force, an acceleration, and a torque
applied to the first helmet by the second helmet (or a second
person, the ground, or any other object that may be involved in a
collision). At 110, processor 36 of the first helmet (or of the
remoter server) actively controls one or more airbags of airbag
assembly 60 via at least one of inflation device 34 and ventilation
device 35 based on the impact data. As mentioned above, processor
36 is configured to selectively inflate or deflate each of the
plurality of airbags of airbag assembly 60 (e.g., actively control
at least one of a deflation rate, an inflation rate, a deflation
pressure, an inflation pressure, etc. of the airbag(s) of airbag
assembly 60 during an impact) to reduce forces and torques applied
to the user of the first helmet and/or second helmet. The active
control may be achieved by at least one of venting gas from the
airbag, supplying gas to the airbag, and controlling a shape of the
airbag (e.g., inflating subparts of an airbag, deflating subparts
of an airbag, etc.).
[0052] Method 100 is shown to encompass two helmets. In other
embodiments, method 100 may involve a plurality of helmets where
coordinated decisions with regards to airbag inflation (e.g., when
three or more users of helmets, like helmet 12, impact each other
concurrently, etc.) may need to be made. In further embodiments,
method 100 may only involve a single helmet and potential/actual
impacts with the ground or other objects (e.g., walls, posts,
trees, vehicles, etc.). Also, method 100 is shown from the
perspective of the first helmet. In other embodiments, method 100
may be implemented by the second helmet or jointly implemented by
the first and second helmet. As noted above, in some embodiments,
airbag inflation, deflation, and retraction instructions may be
provided from a remote source (e.g., remote server 80, etc.).
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 7, method 200 of inflating and
retracting an airbag is shown according to an example embodiment.
In one example embodiment, method 200 may be implemented with
helmet 12 and control system 70 of FIGS. 2-3. Accordingly, method
200 may be described in regard to FIGS. 2-3. In another example
embodiment, method 200 may be implemented with helmet monitoring
system 90 of FIG. 5. Accordingly, method 200 may also be described
in regard to FIG. 5.
[0054] At 202, a potential impact is detected and/or predicted. In
one embodiment, a remote server (e.g., remote sensor system 72,
remote server 80, etc.) or a first helmet (e.g., helmet 12, etc.)
detects a potential impact. For example, when an athlete in
football is running with the ball, the athlete's helmet may
continually scan the field for potential impacts from other
players, the ground, and other possible sources of impacts via
sensor array 18. At 204, object data (e.g., user data, relative
location, relative velocity, relative acceleration, etc.) regarding
a second helmet is received (e.g., by the remote server, the first
helmet, etc.). Each helmet may include a RFID tag embedded therein
to identify the user (e.g., to supply the first helmet with user
data such as the second user's height, weight, team, etc.).
[0055] At 206, one or more airbags is inflated based on the object
data. In one embodiment, processor 36 of the first helmet
determines whether to inflate one or more airbags before a
potential impact based on the object data (i.e., predictive
inflation, etc.). Processor 36 of the first helmet may use the
known relative position, relative velocity, and/or relative
acceleration of the second helmet (or other object) relative to the
first helmet to predict at least one of a time-to-impact, if the
second helmet may reach a designated keep-out-envelope around the
first helmet, and the strength of the potential impact. Processor
36 of the first helmet may inflate one or more airbags of airbag
assembly 60 via inflation device 34 based on the predicted
time-to-impact being within a defined range of times (e.g., short
enough to be inevitable, longer than airbag inflation time, etc.),
the keep-out-envelope is predicted to be penetrated, and/or the
predicted strength of the impact being substantial enough to
potentially cause injury. Airbag inflation may also be spatially
dependent. For example, processor 36 may only inflate airbag
assembly 60 in a pre-designated region and the impact occurs in the
pre-designated region. It should be noted that in some embodiments,
processor 36 is located remotely from the first and second helmets
(e.g., as part of remote server 80, helmet monitoring system 90,
etc.).
[0056] At 208, impact data is received (e.g., by the first helmet,
the remote server, etc.) regarding an impact between the first and
second helmets. As mentioned above, the impact data may include at
least one of a pressure, a force, an acceleration, and a torque
applied to the first helmet by the second helmet (or a second
person, the ground, or any other object that may be involved in a
collision). At 210, processor 36 of the first helmet (or the remote
server) actively controls one or more airbags of airbag assembly 60
via at least one of inflation device 34 and ventilation device 35
based on the impact data. As mentioned above, processor 36 is
configured to selectively inflate or deflate each of the plurality
of airbags of airbag assembly 60 (e.g., actively control at least
one of a deflation rate, an inflation rate, a deflation pressure,
an inflation pressure, etc. of the airbag(s) of airbag assembly 60
during an impact) to reduce forces and torques applied to the user
of the first helmet and/or second helmet. The active control may be
achieved by at least one of venting gas from the airbag, supplying
gas to the airbag, and controlling a shape of the airbag (e.g.,
inflating subparts of an airbag, deflating subparts of an airbag,
etc.).
[0057] At 212, the inflated airbag(s) of airbag assembly 60 are
retracted into a stored position via retraction device 37. As
mentioned above, retraction device 37 may retract one or more
airbags by at least one of pulling internal/external fibers
attached to the airbag(s), pulling a net around the airbag(s),
and/or applying a vacuum to the airbag(s). In one embodiment,
processor 36 (e.g., of the first helmet, the remote server, etc.)
may command retraction device 37 to retract one or more airbags of
airbag assembly 60. In other embodiments, the retraction of the
airbags of airbag assembly 60 may be a mechanical retraction with a
preload tension (e.g., spring action, etc.). In either case, once
the impact has gone to completion (e.g., no potential impacts
imminent, etc.), the retraction device 37 retracts any of the
airbags inflated from the first helmet into an original
pre-inflation location (e.g., within the helmet, etc.). At this
point, the first helmet may detect a second potential impact via
sensor array 18, and the process of 202-212 (e.g., method 200,
etc.) may be repeated, inflating one or more airbags if another
helmet, object, ground, post, vehicle, etc. is predicted to collide
(e.g., cause a substantial impact, enter the keep-out-envelop,
etc.) with the first helmet.
[0058] Method 200 is shown to encompass two helmets. In other
embodiments, method 200 may involve a plurality of helmets where
coordinated decisions with regards to airbag inflation (e.g., when
three or more users of helmets, like helmet 12, impact each other
concurrently, etc.) may need to be made. In further embodiments,
method 200 may only involve a single helmet and potential/actual
impacts with the ground or other objects (e.g., walls, posts,
trees, vehicles, etc.). Also, method 200 is shown from the
perspective of the first helmet. In other embodiments, method 200
may be of implemented by the second helmet or jointly implemented
by the first and second helmet. As noted above, in some
embodiments, airbag inflation, deflation, and retraction
instructions may be provided from a remote source (e.g., remote
server 80, etc.).
[0059] In some embodiments, processing circuit 50 is configured to
modify an inflation mode or protocol based on a potential impact.
For example, processing circuit 50 may predict an impact based on
inflating one or more airbags according to a first mode. The first
mode may define various inflation or deployment parameters for an
airbag, including, but not limited to, threshold parameters (e.g.,
for force, torque, velocity, acceleration, etc.) that trigger
inflation of the airbag, an inflation timing, rate, or pressure, a
selection of which airbags to inflate, etc. Processing circuit 50
may be further configured to determine a second mode for inflating
one or more airbags based on the predicted impact (e.g., impact
data such as that disclosed herein). The predicted impact data may
include a time of the impact, a collision location on the helmet,
an impulse applied to the helmet, a force applied to the helmet, a
torque applied to the helmet, a post-impact motion of the helmet, a
force applied to a user of the helmet, a torque applied to a user
of the helmet, a post-impact motion of a user of the helmet, an
impulse applied to the object, a force applied to the object, a
torque applied to the object, a post-impact motion of the object,
damage to the helmet, damage to a user of the helmet, damage to the
object, or the like. Aspects of this predicted impact data may be
sufficiently undesirable, so that the processing circuit decides to
forego inflation via the first mode, and instead implements a
second mode of airbag inflation. The second mode may be different
from the first mode and alter one or more of the inflation or
deployment parameters for one or more airbags. The second mode may
be determined based on avoiding an impact altogether, laterally
deflecting an object, or reducing various impact forces, torques,
etc. In one embodiment, controlling an airbag according to a second
mode includes not inflating one or more airbags; for example in
situations where an object would (in the absence of inflation) miss
the helmet, but inflation via the first mode would lead to an
impact.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 8, method 300 of controlling one or more
airbags according to various modes is shown according to one
embodiment. In one example embodiment, method 300 may be
implemented with helmet 12 and control system 70 of FIGS. 2-3.
Accordingly, method 300 may be described in regard to FIGS. 2-3. In
another example embodiment, method 300 may be implemented with
helmet monitoring system 90 of FIG. 5. Accordingly, method 300 may
also be described in regard to FIG. 5.
[0061] At 302, a potential impact is detected or predicted. In one
embodiment, a processing circuit such as processing circuit 50
detects a potential impact between a helmet and an object (e.g.,
another user or an inanimate object, etc.) based on various data
(e.g., object data, user data, etc.). At 304, an impact is
predicted between an airbag and the object. In one embodiment,
processing circuit predicts an impact between one or more airbags
and an object based on inflating the airbags according to a first
mode. The first mode may define any of the parameters discussed
herein. At 306, a second mode is determined. The second mode is
different from the first mode in that one more of the inflation
parameters differs between the two modes. The second mode is
determined based on avoiding, or reducing the magnitude of, an
impact. At 308, the airbag controlled according to the second mode.
Controlling the airbag according to the second mode may include not
inflating the airbag, inflating one or more airbags to laterally
deflect an object, inflating an airbag to minimize potential
injuries, and the like.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 400, in some embodiments, one or more
airbags may be controlled/inflated so as to laterally deflect an
object (e.g., to reduce forces and/or accelerations experienced by
one or more users, etc.). Airbag control may include any or all of
controlling whether to inflate one or more airbags of a plurality
of airbags, controlling an inflation timing, pressure, rate, etc.,
controlling an airbag shape, and the like. In some embodiments, one
or more airbags may include sloped sides and/or be conical, wedge,
or otherwise shaped. Multiple airbags may be differentially
inflated (e.g., in terms of pressure, size, timing, etc.) to
laterally deflect an object (e.g., such that an object laterally
bounces from one airbag to the next, etc.). As noted above, the
shape of one or more airbags may be controlled by way of a net,
fibers, etc.
[0063] In one example embodiment, method 400 may be implemented
with helmet 12 and control system 70 of FIGS. 2-3. Accordingly,
method 400 may be described in regard to FIGS. 2-3. In another
example embodiment, method 400 may be implemented with helmet
monitoring system 90 of FIG. 5. Accordingly, method 400 may also be
described in regard to FIG. 5. At 402, object data is received. The
object data may be received by a processing circuit or sever and
include any of the types of object or user data disclosed herein.
At 404, an impact is predicted between a user and the object. In
one embodiment, an impact is predicted based on the user data
and/or data regarding a helmet worn by a user (e.g., helmet data,
etc.). At 406, one or more airbags is controlled to laterally
deflect the object. As noted above, a processing circuit or remote
server may control various inflation parameters in order to provide
lateral deflection of an object.
[0064] The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems, and
program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing
various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may
be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special
purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated
for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments
within the scope of the present disclosure include program products
comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having
machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.
Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be
accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other
machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable
media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical
disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage
devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store
desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions
or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose
or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When
information is transferred or provided over a network or another
communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a
combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine
properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus,
any such connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium.
Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of
machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include,
for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose
computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing
machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.
[0065] Although the figures may show a specific order of method
steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted.
Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with
partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and
hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations
are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software
implementations could be accomplished with standard programming
techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the
various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and
decision steps.
[0066] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed
herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed
herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be
limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the
following claims.
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