Adjustable Headband Torsion Spring Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional headsets with torsion springs often provide a fixed compression force that may not be comfortable for all users, and the force decreases over time due to wear, making it difficult to ensure a proper fit for various users, especially in occupational settings where headsets are worn for extended periods.

Innovation Solution

The headset features an adjustable torsion spring mechanism using an adjuster bolt or worm gear arrangement that allows users to adjust the torsion force in discrete or continuous steps, ensuring a customizable fit for different users and accommodating changes in spring force over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed torsion spring is used in the headband, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the compression force cannot be adjusted for different users and decreases over time due to wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of compression forceVSAvoidcomplexity of headband mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static fixed-torsion spring system into a dynamic adjustable system by introducing a mechanism that allows the torsion spring's compression force to be modified. The adjustability feature enables the headband to adapt to different users and compensates for wear over time, directly resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the torsion spring by introducing an adjustment mechanism that modifies the spring's compression force. This allows the same spring to operate at different force levels, enabling customization for different head sizes and compensating for degradation over time without requiring multiple springs or complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the torsion spring is loaded to a fixed level, then manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but the fit quality deteriorates for users with different head sizes and preferences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of fitting for different usersVSAvoidprecision of spring loading
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to self-adjust the headband to their personal preferences and head sizes. The adjustment mechanism allows each user to customize the compression force independently, eliminating the need for precise factory calibration for every possible user scenario while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The static fixed-loading system is transformed into a dynamic adjustable system where users can modify the compression force according to their needs. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the same manufactured spring to serve multiple user requirements through adjustment rather than requiring multiple precision-manufactured springs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a standard torsion spring is used without adjustment capability, then the device is more reliable, but the comfort and fit quality deteriorate over time as spring force diminishes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of headband structureVSAvoidduration of comfortable fit
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism provides a feedback loop where users can monitor the headband's performance over time and re-adjust the compression force as needed. This allows the system to compensate for spring degradation, maintaining comfortable fit quality throughout the product's lifespan while preserving the reliability of the basic headband structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates an adjustment mechanism that allows users to proactively compensate for spring wear before the fit becomes uncomfortable. Users can periodically adjust the torsion spring to maintain optimal compression force, extending the duration of comfortable use without compromising the structural reliability of the headband.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution provides a comfortable and secure fit for a wide range of users by allowing adjustable torque, maintaining wearability and comfort even as the spring force diminishes with age and use, and facilitating easy adjustments for different users.

Implementation Method 1

The torsion spring provides a compression force biasing the two arms of the headband into a particular initial position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an adjustment member having one end that engages one of the headband sections and another end that is coupled with the torsion spring, the adjustment member operable for rotating and adjusting the torsion force of the torsion spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP2433433B1Headset with adjustable headband
Publication Date: 2017.06.14 VOCOLLECT INC
  • EP2433433B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2433433B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2433433B1 patent drawingFigure 1B

AI summary

A headset includes an element to be held to the head of a wearer and a headband 10 coupled to the element and configured for engaging a head of a wearer to hold the element thereon. The headband 10 includes a plurality of headband arms 12, 14 coupled to pivot with respect to each other. A torsion spring 30 is positioned between the arms and portions of the torsion spring 30 are coupled to the arms 12, 14 for acting on the arms 12, 14 with a torsion force. An adjustment member is coupled between the torsion spring 30 and a headband arm 12, 14 and is operable for adjusting the torsion force of the torsion spring 30 to adjust the torsion force on the arms 12, 14.