A HELMET

Abstract

A helmet includes a dome portion configured to fit on a human head, the dome portion having a visor and an opening provided subjacent to the visor; a cooling unit fitted into the opening of the dome portion, the cooling unit configured to pull ambient air and provide cool air within an inner space of the dome portion; and an electronic module in communication with the cooling unit, the electronic module configured to operate the cooling unit for attaining a desired temperature and airflow within the dome portion.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a helmet, and more particularly relates to cooling of a human head wearing the helmet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Head injuries are a leading cause of death and severe injury among users of motor vehicles. Accordingly, helmets are generally used to reduce the risk of serious head and brain injuries by reducing the impact of force or collision to the head. Among various types of helmets, such as full-face helmets, open-face helmets, half-head helmets, etc., full-face helmets provide facial protection in addition to impact protection. While such helmets provide adequate protection, due to improper air circulation and ventilation, temperature inside the helmet tends to rise. Due to increase in temperature and lack of air flow, users generally feel uncomfortable and sometimes may also experience dizziness, breathlessness, and fatigue.

Conventionally, some helmet designs feature a fan assembly to improve air circulation and reduce temperature within the confines of the helmet, however, such fan assemblies are added as accessories to existing helmets. Moreover, eccentric mass of such fan assembly creates an overhang in the vicinity of chin of the user which leads to the head of the user feeling heavy.

In other conventional designs, the fan assembly is powered by means of a wired connection wherein the power source is disposed in the vehicle body. Such arrangement can cause discomfort and be cumbersome to the user. Furthermore, removing and changing an air filter in such helmets is quite difficult as one requires to remove a plurality of fasteners to do so.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a helmet which can address at least the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a helmet that includes a dome portion, a cooling unit and an electronic module. The dome portion is configured to fit on a human head. The dome portion has a visor and an opening provided subjacent to the visor. The cooling unit is fitted into the opening of the dome portion. The cooling unit is configured to pull ambient air and provide cool air within an inner space of the dome portion. The electronic module is in communication with the cooling unit. The electronic module is configured to operate the cooling unit for attaining a desired temperature and airflow within the dome portion.

In an embodiment, the electronic module includes a cell holder, a charging unit and a controller. The cell holder is configured to receive one or more battery cells. The one or more battery cells supply power to the cooling unit. The charging unit is configured to charge the one or more battery cells in the cell holder. The controller is configured to control operation of the cooling unit thereby attaining a desired temperature and airflow within the dome portion of the helmet.

In an embodiment, the electronic module is disposed at a rear portion, substantially opposite to the opening of the dome portion.

In an embodiment, the electronic module is disposed subjacent to the visor and disposed at least one of a right side and a left side of the cooling unit.

In an embodiment, the cooling unit includes a housing. The housing has a front wall, a top member, a bottom member, a pair of side walls extending between the top member and the bottom member and an outlet member extending between the pair of side walls. A vent is defined in the front wall and a cut-out portion is defined in the bottom member.

In an embodiment, the cooling unit includes a holder having a recessed portion. The holder is configured to receive the bottom member of the housing wherein in an assembled state, the recessed portion coincides with the cut-out portion of the bottom member of the housing.

In an embodiment, the cooling unit includes a fan disposed in the vent defined in the front wall. The fan is configured to pull ambient air from atmosphere.

In an embodiment, the cooling unit includes a filter disposed adjacent to the fan and an inlet cap configured to secure the filter. The filter is configured to filter ambient air pulled from atmosphere prior to the fan.

In an embodiment, the cooling unit includes a thermoelectric module disposed in the cut-out portion of the bottom member of the housing, the thermoelectric module configured to be connected to the one or more battery cells of the electronic module and thereby, upon supply of power, generate a cool surface and a hot surface.

In an embodiment, the cooling unit comprises a heatsink disposed on top of the cool surface of the thermoelectric module. The heatsink is configured to cool ambient air pulled in by the fan.

In an embodiment, the cooling unit includes a phase changing material storage unit disposed subjacent to the hot surface of the thermoelectric module. The phase changing material storage unit is configured to dissipate heat from the thermoelectric module.

In an embodiment, the inner space of the dome portion includes a polystyrene foam member configured to provide protection to the human head on impact.

In an embodiment, the outlet member includes at least one or more orifices configured to allow passage of cooled air within the inner space of the dome portion.

In an embodiment, an angle formed between the heatsink and the fan is 70°.

In an embodiment, an angle formed between the heatsink and the outlet member ranges from 42° to 52°.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of assembling a helmet. The helmet includes a dome portion having a visor and an opening formed subjacent to the visor; a cooling unit being fitted into the opening, the cooling unit having a housing, a holder, a fan, an inlet cap, an outlet member, a filter, a heatsink, a thermoelectric module and a phase changing material storage unit; and an electronic module being in communication with the cooling unit, the electronic module having a cell holder, a charging unit and a controller. The method includes the steps of assembling the cooling unit on the dome portion of the helmet wherein the cooling unit is configured to pull ambient air and cool a human head; assembling the electronic module on the dome portion of the helmet, the electronic module being configured to operate the cooling unit for attaining a desired temperature and airflow within an inner space of the dome portion; and connecting one or more wires from one or more cells disposed in the electronic module to the fan and the thermoelectric module disposed in the cooling unit.

In an embodiment, the step of assembling the electronic module on the dome portion of the helmet includes the steps of welding the battery cells with interconnect; assembling one or more terminals in the cell holder; assembling the controller and the charging unit; connecting one or more wires between the controller and the one or more terminals in the cell holder; and closing the cover 240 on the cell holder 210.

In an embodiment, the step of assembling the cooling unit on the dome portion of the helmet comprises the steps of: assembling the thermoelectric module in a cut-out portion defined in a bottom member of the housing; assembling the heatsink on top of a cool surface of the thermoelectric module; assembling the fan in a vent 310f defined in the front wall of the housing; filling the phase changing material module with phase changing material; assembling the phase changing material module subjacent to the hot surface of the thermoelectric module; placing the filter in front of the fan; assembling the inlet cap and assembling a plurality of sensors in the housing.

In an embodiment, the step of connecting one or more wires from one or more battery cells disposed in the electronic module to the fan and the thermoelectric module disposed in the cooling unit includes the steps of: assembling a polystyrene foam member underneath the dome portion of the helmet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a helmet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded perspective view of the helmet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the helmet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded perspective view of the helmet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate side perspective views of the helmet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an electronic module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the cooling unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 6A illustrates a front perspective view of a cooling unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B illustrates a side perspective view of the cooling unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A illustrates a side view of the cooling unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the cooling unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of assembling a helmet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B illustrate a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of a helmet 100 respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The helmet 100 includes a dome portion 110 that is configured to fit on a human head (not shown). The dome portion 110 has a visor 120 and an opening 140 that is provided subjacent to the visor 120. The helmet 100 further includes a cooling unit 300 that is fitted into the opening 140 of the dome portion 110. The cooling unit 300 is configured to pull ambient air and provide cool air within an inner space of the dome portion 110. The helmet 100 further includes an electronic module 200 which is in communication with the cooling unit 300. The electronic module 200 is configured to operate the cooling unit 300 for attaining a desired temperature and airflow within the dome portion 110. In an embodiment, the electronic module 200 is disposed at a rear portion (as shown in FIG. 3A) and substantially opposite to the opening 140 of the dome portion 110. In another embodiment, the electronic module 200 is disposed subjacent to the visor 120 (as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B) and disposed at least one of a right side and a left side of the cooling unit 300. The dome portion 110 further includes a polystyrene foam member 130 (as shown in FIG. 3B) that is configured to provide protection to the human head on impact. Wires (not shown) for connecting the cooling unit 300 to the electronic module 200 is routed underneath the polystyrene foam 130 to prevent any sort of discomfort to the user.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the electronic module 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic module 200 includes a cell holder 210 that is configured to receive battery cells (not shown). The battery cells supply power to the cooling unit 300. The cell holder 210 is covered by cover 240 through a plurality of fasteners 260. Further, the electronic module 200 includes a charging unit 230 that is configured to charge battery cells in the cell holder 210. The electronic module 200 also includes a controller 220 that is configured to control operation of the cooling unit 300 thereby attaining a desired temperature and airflow within the dome portion 110. The controller 220 receives a plurality of parameters from a plurality of sensors (not shown) including a humidity measuring probe (not shown) provided in the cooling unit 300, based on which the controller 220 controls operation of the cooling unit 300.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 in conjunction with FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the cooling unit 300 includes a housing 310. The housing 310 has a front wall 310a, a top member 310c, a bottom member 310b, a pair of side walls 310d that extends between the top member 310c and the bottom member 310b and an outlet member 390 (as shown in FIG. 6B) extending between the pair of side walls 310d. Further, a vent 310f is defined in the front wall 310a and a cut-out portion 310e is defined in the bottom member 310b of the housing 310. The cooling unit 300 further includes a holder 320 that has a recessed portion 320a. The holder 320 is configured to receive the bottom member 310b of the housing 310. In an assembled state, the recessed portion 320a coincides with the cut-out portion 310e of the bottom member 310b of the housing 310. The outlet member 390 includes at least orifices that are configured to allow passage of cooled air within the inner space of the dome portion 110.

The cooling unit 300 further includes a fan 350 that is disposed in the vent 310f defined in the front wall 310a. The fan 350 is configured to pull ambient air from atmosphere into the helmet 100. Further, a filter 340 is disposed adjacent to the fan 350. The filter 340 is configured to filter ambient air pulled from atmosphere prior to the fan 350 and an inlet cap 330 is configured to secure disposition of the filter 340. The cooling unit 300 further includes a thermoelectric module 370 disposed in the cut-out portion 310e of the bottom member 310b of the housing 310. The thermoelectric module 370 is configured to be connected to the battery cells of the electronic module 200 and thereby, upon supply of power, generate a cool surface and a hot surface. The cool surface and the hot surface on the thermoelectric module 370 are created on supply of power from the electronic module 200, due to Peltier effect. The cooling unit 300 further comprises a heatsink 360 that is disposed on top of the cool surface of the thermoelectric module 370. The heatsink 360 is configured to cool ambient air that is pulled in by the fan 350. The cooling unit 300 further includes a phase changing material storage unit 380 disposed subjacent to the hot surface of the thermoelectric module 370. The phase changing material storage unit 380 configured to dissipate heat from the thermoelectric module 370.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, when seen from a side view, the side walls 310d are triangular in shape. The whole of the cooling unit 300 is prismatic in shape with the outlet member 390 and the inlet cap 330 to conform with contour of a chin of the user.

In operation, the cooling unit 300 of the helmet 100 is supplied power by the electronic module 200. The controller 220 controls the supplied power to the fan 350 and the thermoelectric module 370 in the cooling module 300 based on the parameters obtained from the plurality of sensors disposed within the helmet 100. Upon supply of power, the fan 350 disposed in the cooling unit 300 begins to rotate about its axis thereby, drawing ambient air. The ambient air first passes through the inlet cap 330 and then passes through the filter 340 before reaching the fan 350. The filter 340 filters dirt, germs, and other unwanted particles in the ambient air. The fan 350 pushes the filtered air further into the cooling unit 300 and consequently, within the helmet 100. The filtered air now traverses through the fins (not shown) of the heatsink 360 and is further cooled down. Since the heatsink 360 sits atop the cool surface of the thermoelectric module 370, the fins of the heatsink 360 are cooled which can then cool the filtered air. The cooled air passes out from the outlet member 390 and towards the face of the user. Meanwhile, the hot side of the thermoelectric module 370 is cooled by the phase changing material stored in the phase changing material storage unit 380.

In an embodiment, an angle formed between the heatsink 360 and the fan 350 is 70°. In another embodiment, an angle formed between the heatsink 360 and the outlet member 390 ranges from 42° to 52°.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method 400 of assembling a helmet 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The helmet 100 includes a dome portion 110 having a visor 120 and an opening 140 formed subjacent to the visor 120; a cooling unit 300 fitted into the opening 140, the cooling unit 300 having a housing 310, a holder 320, a fan 350, an inlet cap 330, an outlet member 390, a filter 340, a heatsink 360, a thermoelectric module 370 and a phase changing material storage unit 380; and an electronic module 200 in communication with the cooling unit 300, the electronic module 200 having a cell holder 210, a charging unit 230 and a controller 220. The method 400, at step 8A, involves assembling the cooling unit 300 on the dome portion 110 of the helmet 100. The cooling unit 300 is configured to pull ambient air and cool a human head. At step 8B, the method 400 involves assembling the electronic module 200 on the dome portion 110 of the helmet 100. The electronic module 200 is configured to operate the cooling unit 300 for attaining a desired temperature and airflow within an inner space of the dome portion 110. The method 400, at step 8C, involves connecting 8C wires from battery cells disposed in the electronic module 200 to the fan 350 and the thermoelectric module 370 disposed in the cooling unit 300.

In an embodiment, the method 400 at step 8A, further involves the steps of: assembling the thermoelectric module 370 in a cut-out region 310e defined in a bottom member 310b of the housing 310; assembling the heatsink 360 on top of a cool surface of the thermoelectric module 370; assembling the fan 350 in a vent 310f defined in the front wall 310a; filling the phase changing material module 380 with phase changing material; assembling the phase changing material module 380 subjacent to the hot surface of the thermoelectric module 370; placing the filter 340 in front of the fan 350; assembling the inlet cap 330 and assembling a plurality of sensors in the housing 310. The heatsink 360 is assembled with a double sided tacky thermal pad (not shown) on the cool surface of the thermoelectric module 370.

In an embodiment, the method 400 at step 8B, further involves the steps of: welding the battery cells with interconnect (not shown); assembling terminals (not shown) in the cell holder 210; assembling the controller 220 and the charging unit 230; connecting wires between the controller 220 and the terminals in the cell holder 210; and closing the cover 240 on the cell holder 210.

In an embodiment, the method 400 at step 8C, further involves the steps of: assembling a polystyrene foam member 130 underneath the dome portion 110 of the helmet 100.

The claimed invention as discussed above is not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the invention enable the following solution to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the present invention provides a helmet having an opening provided subjacent to a visor on a dome portion, a cooling unit fitted into the dome portion and an electronic module in communication with the cooling unit configured to operate the cooling unit for attaining a desired temperature and airflow within the dome portion. The cooling unit provides proper ventilation and improves air circulation through cool air. Therefore, a rider would not experience dizziness, breathlessness or fatigue. Furthermore, the electronic module is integrated into the helmet thereby, eliminating any discomfort to the rider. Further, the cooling unit is disposed in the opening thereby, eliminating issues pertaining to overhang in the vicinity of the chin of the rider. Furthermore, a filter can be easily changed as no fasteners are involved in securing the disposition of the air filter. Also, the positioning of the electronic module and the cooling unit ensures weight distribution around both front and rear of the helmet, preventing overhang in the helmet. The wiring is well routed between layers of the helmet that does not cause any interference with rider. In the stated design, the cold air directly blows to the face.

This design concept can be used to any type of helmets used for riding an automobile.

This concept can be used to any other wearable personal kit. The cooling unit can be used in any wearable, not only helmet.

While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1.-19. (canceled)

20. A helmet, comprising: a dome portion configured to fit on a human head, wherein the dome portion has a visor and an opening provided subjacent to the visor;a cooling unit fitted into the opening of the dome portion, wherein the cooling unit is configured to pull ambient air and provide cool air within an inner space of the dome portion; andan electronic module in communication with the cooling unit, wherein the electronic module is configured to operate the cooling unit for attaining a desired temperature and airflow within the dome portion.

21. The helmet as claimed in claim 20, wherein the electronic module comprises: a cell holder configured to receive one or more battery cells, wherein the one or more battery cells supply power to the cooling unit;a charging unit configured to charge the one or more battery cells in the cell holder; anda controller configured to control operation of the cooling unit thereby attaining a desired temperature and airflow within the dome portion of the helmet.

22. The helmet as claimed in claim 20, wherein the electronic module is disposed at a rear portion, substantially opposite to the opening of the dome portion.

23. The helmet as claimed in claim 20, wherein the electronic module is disposed subjacent to the visor and disposed at least one of a right side and a left side of the cooling unit.

24. The helmet as claimed in claim 21, wherein the cooling unit comprises: a housing having a front wall;a vent defined in the front wall;a top member;a bottom member;a cut-out portion defined in the bottom member;a pair of side walls extending between the top member and the bottom member; andan outlet member extending between the pair of side walls.

25. The helmet as claimed in claim 24, wherein the cooling unit comprises a holder having a recessed portion,the holder is configured to receive the bottom member of the housing, andin an assembled state, the recessed portion coincides with the cut-out portion of the bottom member of the housing.

26. The helmet as claimed in claim 24, wherein the cooling unit comprises a fan disposed in the vent defined in the front wall, andthe fan is configured to pull ambient air from atmosphere.

27. The helmet as claimed in claim 26, wherein the cooling unit comprises: a filter disposed adjacent to the fan, wherein the filter is configured to filter ambient air pulled from atmosphere prior to the fan; andan inlet cap configured to secure the filter.

28. The helmet as claimed in claim 26, wherein the cooling unit comprises a thermoelectric module disposed in the cut-out portion of the bottom member of the housing, andthe thermoelectric module is configured to be connected to the one or more battery cells of the electronic module and thereby, upon supply of power, generate a cool surface and a hot surface.f

29. The helmet as claimed in claim 28, wherein the cooling unit comprises a heatsink disposed on top of the cool surface of the thermoelectric module, andthe heatsink is configured to cool ambient air pulled in by the fan.

30. The helmet as claimed in claim 28, wherein the cooling unit comprises a phase changing material storage unit disposed subjacent to the hot surface of the thermoelectric module, andthe phase changing material storage unit is configured to dissipate heat from the thermoelectric module.

31. The helmet as claimed in claim 20, wherein the inner space of the dome portion comprises a polystyrene foam member configured to provide protection to the human head on impact.

32. The helmet as claimed in claim 26, wherein the outlet member comprises at least one or more orifices configured to allow passage of cooled air within the inner space of the dome portion.

33. The helmet as claimed in claim 29, wherein an angle formed between the heatsink and the fan is 70°.

34. The helmet as claimed in claim 29, wherein an angle formed between the heatsink and the outlet member ranges from 42° to 52°.

35. A method of assembling a helmet including: a dome portion having a visor and an opening formed subjacent to the visor; a cooling unit fitted into the opening, the cooling unit having a housing, a holder, a fan, an inlet cap, an outlet member, a filter, a heatsink, a thermoelectric module and a phase changing material storage unit; and an electronic module in communication with the cooling unit, the electronic module having a cell holder, a charging unit and a controller, the method comprising: assembling the cooling unit on the dome portion of the helmet, wherein the cooling unit is configured to pull ambient air and cool a human head;assembling the electronic module on the dome portion of the helmet, wherein the electronic module is configured to operate the cooling unit for attaining a desired temperature and airflow within an inner space of the dome portion; andconnecting one or more wires from one or more cells disposed in the electronic module to the fan and the thermoelectric module disposed in the cooling unit.

36. The method as claimed in claim 35, wherein assembling the electronic module on the dome portion of the helmet comprises: welding one or more battery cells with interconnect;assembling one or more terminals in the cell holder;assembling the controller and the charging unit;connecting one or more wires between the controller and the one or more terminals in the cell holder; andclosing a cover on the cell holder.

37. The method as claimed in claim 35, wherein assembling the cooling unit on the dome portion of the helmet comprises: assembling the thermoelectric module in a cut-out portion defined in a bottom member of the housing;assembling the heatsink on top of a cool surface of the thermoelectric module;assembling the fan in a vent defined in a front wall of the housing;filling the phase changing material module with phase changing material;assembling the phase changing material module subjacent to a hot surface of the thermoelectric module;placing the filter in front of the fan;assembling the inlet cap; andassembling a plurality of sensors in the housing.

38. The method as claimed in claim 35, wherein connecting one or more wires from one or more battery cells disposed in the electronic module to the fan and the thermoelectric module disposed in the cooling unit comprises assembling a polystyrene foam member underneath the dome portion of the helmet.