Adjustable Facial Protector Gap Mechanism for Vision Safety Trade-off
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective headgear, such as hockey helmets, often fail to provide adequate facial protection due to static gap sizes in facial protectors, which impair vision and do not accommodate individual user needs, leading to reduced performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A headgear assembly with a facial protector featuring adjustable gap sizes, achieved through pivot mechanisms and adjusting devices, allowing the gap size to be dynamically altered to enhance user vision and performance without compromising safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full cage-type shield is used to provide adequate facial protection and ventilation, then safety is improved, but vision is impaired due to the rigid grid structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cage structure adjustable rather than fixed. The horizontal and vertical bars can be independently positioned along adjustment mechanisms (such as slots and tabs or threaded rods) to change the gap sizes dynamically. This allows the protector to adapt between providing maximum protection and maximum vision clarity based on user needs, resolving the contradiction between fixed protection and fixed vision impairment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing modification of the gap dimensions between cage bars. Users can adjust the spacing between horizontal and vertical bars to change the overall gap size and shape. This parameter adjustment enables the same protective structure to serve different functions - from tightly spaced bars for maximum protection to widely spaced bars for superior vision, thereby resolving the vision-protection contradiction.
2Ease of manufacture
If a static gap size is used in the facial protector, then manufacturing is simplified, but user performance is reduced due to impaired vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static to a dynamic gap structure by incorporating adjustment mechanisms. The cage bars are mounted on slots, tabs, or threaded rods that allow users to modify the gap dimensions. This dynamic capability enables the same device to optimize for different user needs and activities, thereby improving user performance without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the adjustment mechanism into discrete components - separate horizontal and vertical adjustment systems, individual bar segments that can be positioned independently, and modular connection points. This segmented approach allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while providing fine-grained control over gap dimensions, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and performance optimization.
3Ease of operation
If the gap size is made adjustable to enhance vision, then user performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces complexity by segmenting the adjustment mechanism into simple, independent horizontal and vertical adjustment systems. Each direction can be adjusted separately through basic mechanisms like slots with tabs or threaded rods, avoiding the need for complex multi-axis adjustment devices. This segmented simplicity allows for easy implementation while providing effective gap control for vision enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by designing adjustment mechanisms that users can operate independently without requiring tools or specialized skills. The mechanisms are intended to be manually adjustable by the wearer themselves, allowing quick modification of gap sizes to suit different activities or vision needs. This self-adjusting capability improves vision without adding operational complexity or requiring professional service.
Data Source
AI summary
A head gear assembly that includes a shell; a facial protector connectively attached to the shell that further includes a first element; a second element positioned approximately parallel to the first element; a third and fourth element positioned approximately perpendicular to one or both of the first element and the second element; a gap further comprising a gap size defined by the position of a combination of at least two of the first element, the second element, the third element, and the fourth element, wherein the gap size is adjustable between a plurality of gap sizes, wherein the first element is movingly engaged with the second element, and wherein the first element moves freely from the second element as the gap size is adjusted.